Part 2/8:
Starting with Porter Hodge, the Cubs’ unofficial closer from 2024, he made a remarkable transition from a starting pitcher in the minors to a reliable reliever. Hodge debuted in the majors on May 22, earning his first save by late June. With an impressive 1.88 ERA over 39 games, he combines a mid to high-90s fastball with one of the best sweepers in the league. His primary concern is his walk rate, clocking in at four walks per nine innings, but his ability to strike out nearly 11 batters per nine makes him a valuable asset moving forward.