Unlike the other two pitchers on our list, Mark Leiter Jr. does not currently own the closer role in Chicago. However, the 33-year-old has been the only sure thing in the Cubs bullpen all season. Albert Alzolay had the role but has lost it after leading the league in blown saves. Hector Neris has taken the role over since then, but he has been far from impressive.
We don’t see Neris holding on to the closing role in Chicago for very long. Since taking the role over on April 20, he has allowed a run in two of his six saves. He’s lucky to have the run total so low considering his brutal 1.80 ERA. His last outing was a prime example, clinching the save despite allowing two hits and one walk.
We like Leiter to take the role from Neris as soon as this week. While the veteran has had a mediocre career, he currently owns a 0.53 ERA across 17 appearances this season. The righty has allowed just one run all year and is allowing far fewer baserunners than Neris and Alzolay.
The back of the bullpen is preventing the Cubs from overtaking the Brewers in the NL Central, and it will lead to a change in closer very soon.