3 Cubs on Thin Ice At Quarter Mark of 2024 Season

The Chicago Cubs are currently in second place in the NL Central, but their 23-17 record doesn't reflect just how bad some players have looked this season. Here are three players on thin ice right now.

Apr 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) throws the ball / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

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2. Adbert Alzolay, RP/CP

Entering this season, the Cubs bullpen was the weakest part of their roster, so it isn't surprising that they have struggled to begin the season. What is surprising, though, is that reliever/closer Adbert Alzolay has been bad compared to last season.

In 2023, Alzolay had a 2.87 ERA, 67 strikeouts, and 13 walks. He also recorded 22 saves (three blown saves) in 64 innings pitched. Although Alzolay had a good season as a closer in 2023, the Cubs still went out and signed Hector Neris as the closer in 2024.

That seems to have been the correct move because Alzolay has not begun the year great. He currently possesses a 4.41 ERA, 13 strikeouts, five walks, and three saves (five blown saves) in 16.1 innings pitched.

Alzolay's play this season has left Cubs fans uneasy whenever he enters the game. It feels like no matter how big a lead Chicago has when Alzolay enters, the Cubs are doomed.

If Alzolay isn't able to tap back into the success he had last season, then he could lose his closing opportunities altogether.

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