Cubs Pitching Roster: Reliving The 2014 Season

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey Cubs fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Chicago Cubs pitchers from the 2014 season. It was a year of rebuilding, growth, and seeing glimpses of the future stars who would eventually bring a World Series title to the North Side. While 2014 might not be remembered for its overall success, it was a crucial chapter in the Cubs' journey. Let's dive into the pitching staff that toed the rubber for the Cubbies that year. We'll explore some familiar faces, a few forgotten names, and analyze their contributions to the team. This will be a fun and nostalgic look back at a team that was on the cusp of something special.

The 2014 Chicago Cubs pitching staff was a mix of veterans trying to hold on, young players trying to establish themselves, and journeymen looking for an opportunity. It was a season marked by inconsistency, but also flashes of potential. Guys were getting their chances, and the team was evaluating talent for the future. The starting rotation saw a number of different arms, as the team searched for stability and consistency. The bullpen was also a revolving door, with players coming and going as the season progressed. Despite the challenges, there were some bright spots and memorable performances. The team's pitching was a work in progress, but it laid the foundation for the success that would follow in subsequent years. For many fans, this period was one of anticipation, as they waited for the young core to fully develop and lead the team to contention. The pitching staff was a key piece of that puzzle, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development. By the end of the season, the Cubs had a better understanding of who could be a part of their future plans, and who would need to be replaced. This knowledge was crucial in building the team that would eventually win the World Series. So, let's get into the specifics and take a closer look at the pitchers who took the mound for the Cubs in 2014. We'll break down their stats, analyze their performances, and remember some of the key moments from that season.

Starting Rotation

The starting rotation in 2014 saw its share of changes throughout the season. Jeff Samardzija was arguably the ace of the staff before being traded mid-season. He brought a veteran presence and consistently gave the Cubs quality starts. His departure was a significant loss, but it also signaled the team's commitment to building for the future by acquiring prospects in return. Travis Wood was another mainstay in the rotation, known for his sinker and his ability to induce ground balls. While his numbers weren't always spectacular, he was a reliable presence on the mound. Edwin Jackson was also a regular starter, but his performance was inconsistent, and he struggled to live up to his contract. Jake Arrieta, acquired the previous year, began to show flashes of the brilliance that would make him a Cy Young winner in 2015. His development was a key storyline of the season, as he refined his mechanics and gained confidence on the mound. Tsuyoshi Wada, a veteran left-hander, also made several starts, providing a valuable presence. His experience and guile helped to stabilize the rotation. Beyond these names, several other pitchers made spot starts throughout the year, as the Cubs searched for the right combination.

Looking deeper, Samardzija's performance before the trade was a testament to his talent, even if the team around him wasn't yet ready to contend. Wood's consistency, despite not being a top-of-the-rotation ace, provided stability and innings. Jackson's struggles were a point of frustration, highlighting the challenges of building a team through free agency. Arrieta's emergence, however, was a beacon of hope, signaling the potential of the Cubs' young talent. Wada's contributions were a testament to the value of veteran leadership and experience. The constant shuffling of the rotation provided opportunities for young players to gain experience and for the team to evaluate their potential. It was a season of experimentation and evaluation, as the Cubs looked to build a foundation for future success. The team's focus was on developing talent and identifying players who could be a part of their long-term plans. While the results on the field weren't always positive, the 2014 season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey toward becoming a championship contender. The lessons learned and the evaluations made during that season helped to shape the team that would eventually win the World Series. The starting rotation was a key area of focus, and the development of players like Arrieta was a major turning point for the franchise. This period was one of anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the team's top prospects and the emergence of their young stars. The pitching staff was a crucial piece of that puzzle, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development.

Bullpen Breakdown

The bullpen in 2014 was a mix of veterans and young arms, all vying for roles. Hector Rondon emerged as the closer, showcasing a power arm and a fearless attitude. His performance was a bright spot, and he provided stability at the back end of the bullpen. Pedro Strop was another key contributor, known for his funky delivery and his ability to get strikeouts. His presence added depth and versatility to the bullpen. James Russell, a left-handed specialist, was a reliable option against tough left-handed hitters. Justin Grimm also pitched important innings, providing a valuable presence. Beyond these core members, several other relievers contributed throughout the season, as the Cubs looked for the right mix.

Rondon's emergence as the closer was a key development, providing the Cubs with a reliable option in late-game situations. Strop's ability to get strikeouts made him a valuable weapon out of the bullpen. Russell's effectiveness against left-handed hitters added a valuable dimension to the team's pitching strategy. Grimm's contributions provided depth and flexibility. The bullpen was a work in progress, with players coming and going as the season progressed. The team was constantly evaluating talent and looking for ways to improve their relief corps. The 2014 season was a crucial period for the development of the Cubs' bullpen, as they identified key contributors and began to build a unit that would be a strength of the team in subsequent years. The bullpen's performance was a key factor in the Cubs' overall success, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development. The team's focus was on finding the right combination of talent and experience to create a reliable and effective relief corps. While the results on the field weren't always positive, the 2014 season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey toward becoming a championship contender. The lessons learned and the evaluations made during that season helped to shape the team that would eventually win the World Series. The bullpen was a key area of focus, and the emergence of players like Rondon was a major turning point for the franchise. This period was one of anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the team's top prospects and the emergence of their young stars. The pitching staff was a crucial piece of that puzzle, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development. The constant evaluation and experimentation with different pitchers helped the Cubs to identify the players who could be a part of their long-term plans. This knowledge was crucial in building the team that would eventually win the World Series.

Key Pitching Stats from 2014

To give you a clearer picture, let's highlight some key pitching stats from the 2014 season:

Earned Run Average (ERA): The team ERA was around 4.00, showing room for improvement.
Strikeouts: The Cubs pitching staff recorded a decent number of strikeouts, indicating potential.
Walks: Walks were an issue, contributing to higher ERAs and WHIP.
WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): The team WHIP was also higher than desired, showing inconsistency.

These stats highlight the areas where the Cubs needed to improve. While there were individual bright spots, the overall performance of the pitching staff needed to be more consistent. The Cubs' focus was on developing their young talent and improving their overall pitching depth. The 2014 season was a learning experience for many of the pitchers on the staff, and it helped them to identify areas where they needed to improve. The team's coaching staff worked diligently to help the pitchers refine their mechanics and improve their overall performance. The Cubs' focus was on building a pitching staff that could compete with the best teams in the league. While the results on the field weren't always positive, the 2014 season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey toward becoming a championship contender. The lessons learned and the evaluations made during that season helped to shape the team that would eventually win the World Series. The pitching stats from 2014 provided valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses, and they helped the Cubs to make informed decisions about their future. The team's focus was on building a pitching staff that could consistently deliver quality starts and shut down opposing offenses. This period was one of anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the team's top prospects and the emergence of their young stars. The pitching staff was a crucial piece of that puzzle, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development.

Notable Performances and Moments

Despite the team's overall struggles, there were some notable performances and moments from the Cubs pitchers in 2014. Jake Arrieta's transformation into a dominant pitcher was a major storyline. His starts became must-watch events, as he showcased his incredible stuff. Jeff Samardzija had several strong outings before being traded, solidifying his value as a top-tier pitcher. Hector Rondon's emergence as the closer provided a sense of stability at the back end of the bullpen. These moments offered glimpses of hope and excitement for the future.

Arrieta's transformation was a testament to his hard work and dedication, as well as the Cubs' ability to develop young talent. Samardzija's strong performances before the trade showcased his value and helped the Cubs to acquire valuable prospects in return. Rondon's emergence as the closer provided a sense of stability and confidence in late-game situations. These moments provided a sense of optimism for the future, as the Cubs continued to build their team. The 2014 season was a year of transition, but it also provided some memorable moments for Cubs fans. The team's focus was on developing their young talent and building a foundation for future success. The pitching staff played a key role in this process, and the notable performances and moments from that season helped to shape the team that would eventually win the World Series. The Cubs' ability to identify and develop talent was a key factor in their success, and the 2014 season was an important step in that process. This period was one of anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the team's top prospects and the emergence of their young stars. The pitching staff was a crucial piece of that puzzle, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development. The team's coaching staff worked diligently to help the pitchers refine their mechanics and improve their overall performance. The Cubs' focus was on building a pitching staff that could compete with the best teams in the league. While the results on the field weren't always positive, the 2014 season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey toward becoming a championship contender.

Where Are They Now?

It's always interesting to see where these pitchers are now. Some have continued their careers in MLB, while others have moved on to different ventures. Jake Arrieta, of course, went on to win a Cy Young Award and helped lead the Cubs to a World Series title. Hector Rondon remained a reliable closer for several years. Others have found success in different leagues or have transitioned into coaching or other roles within baseball. Tracking their careers provides a sense of closure and appreciation for their contributions to the Cubs organization.

Arrieta's success after the 2014 season is a testament to his talent and the Cubs' ability to develop young players. Rondon's continued success as a closer highlights the importance of finding reliable arms in the bullpen. The careers of these pitchers provide a sense of perspective on the Cubs' journey and the importance of player development. The 2014 season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey toward becoming a championship contender, and the contributions of these pitchers should not be forgotten. The Cubs' ability to identify and develop talent was a key factor in their success, and the 2014 season was an important step in that process. This period was one of anticipation, as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the team's top prospects and the emergence of their young stars. The pitching staff was a crucial piece of that puzzle, and the 2014 season was an important step in their development. The team's coaching staff worked diligently to help the pitchers refine their mechanics and improve their overall performance. The Cubs' focus was on building a pitching staff that could compete with the best teams in the league. While the results on the field weren't always positive, the 2014 season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey toward becoming a championship contender.

Final Thoughts

The 2014 Chicago Cubs pitching staff may not have been the most dominant in franchise history, but it played a vital role in the team's rebuilding process. It was a year of growth, evaluation, and the emergence of future stars. Looking back, it's clear that this season was a crucial step in the Cubs' journey to becoming a World Series champion. So, here's to those pitchers who toed the rubber in 2014 – thanks for being a part of the Cubs' story! Remember these guys, because they helped pave the way for the incredible success that followed. Who knows, maybe we'll see some of these names resurface in coaching roles someday, continuing to contribute to the game we all love!