Luke Little

Little showed some promise for the Cubs in 2024 before getting shut down in July with a left lat strain. Before that point, the lefty compiled a 3.46 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 26 innings. He mostly worked in relief, though he started a single game as an opener. Being a southpaw benefits Little in Chicago, as the Cubs don't have a ton of proven bullpen depth from the left side. The 6-foot-8 youngster can dial it up, as his fastball averaged 95.9 mph last season, so he doesn't fit the stereotype of the crafty lefty without dominant stuff. Little's ability to overpower hitters was evident last year, as he held both lefties and righties to a sub-.200 batting average. As a result, the 24-year-old looks like more than just a situational reliever moving forward, and he could potentially emerge as a key setup man or even the closer down the road. For now, Porter Hodge is the favorite for saves in Chicago, with Little likely working as a bridge option. Read Past Outlooks