Cubs’ Bullpen Strategy Highlights the Importance of ‘Designated Losers’

CHICAGO, IL — As the Chicago Cubs approach the end of the 2025 season, one moment stands out: their Wild Card Round victory over the San Diego Padres. With memories of stellar defense, impactful home runs, and controversial calls, fans cherish those highlights. Yet, one significant aspect of their success might go unnoticed—the role of the ‘designated loser’ in the bullpen.

During Game 2 against the Padres, the Cubs found themselves down 3-0 in the fifth inning. The situation called for strategy, as they faced a tough opponent that had exhausted many of their top pitchers the day prior. Understanding their circumstances, the Cubs aimed to keep the score close, preserving their own bullpen for the following game.

Baseball Savant’s win probability gave the Padres an 83% chance to win, but the Cubs chose to focus on minimizing their deficit. The job of the ‘designated loser’ fell to Colin Rea, who entered the game with the primary goal of keeping the score manageable.

Rea replaced one of the team’s most trusted pitchers and faced a series of challenges. He first dealt with Fernando Tatis Jr., who, despite struggling that series, remains a formidable hitter. Rea’s two-pitch strikeout against Tatis set a positive tone. Then, he continued to handle Manny Machado and other hitters effectively, maintaining the deficit without giving up additional runs.

The Cubs’ bullpen strategy, highlighted by Rea and later by Taylor Rogers, aimed to force the Padres into overusing their best relief pitchers. By keeping the score within three runs, the Cubs increased their chances of success in the subsequent game.

In contrast to the Cubs’ pitchers, the Padres brought in their top reliever, Mason Miller, who struck out the Cubs in a dominant show of pitching. Despite the struggles, the Cubs’ bullpen secured a critical role in the team’s playoff strategy, allowing the offense to focus on reclaiming the game.

Once again, Rea demonstrated his effectiveness in the eighth inning. After maintaining the score at 3-0, the Cubs entered Game 3 with the knowledge that their bullpen had held firm under pressure. Ultimately, the Cubs won Game 3, partially due to the foundation laid by their bullpen’s effort in Game 2.

As discussions swirl around the Cubs’ strategy, it’s essential to recognize the contributions of the ‘designated losers.’ They may not receive the accolades for wins, but their role in maintaining game balance can lead to favorable outcomes in the long run.

Whether fans acknowledge it or not, the impact of the bullpen work is often felt in forthcoming games. With the playoff road ahead, the Cubs are reminded of how crucial these unsung heroes can be in their pursuit of a championship.