Cubs Land Bullpen Savior: Chicago Strikes Gold by Snatching Angels Star Tyler Anderson in Power Move to Fix Late-Inning Woes
In a bold and unexpected move, the Chicago Cubs have made headlines by acquiring veteran left-hander Tyler Anderson from the Los Angeles Angels. With the trade, the Cubs aim to patch up one of their most glaring weaknesses in the 2025 season — their faltering bullpen.
Long criticized for blowing leads late in games, the Cubs’ bullpen woes have been a persistent thorn in the side of an otherwise promising roster. Manager Craig Counsell has shuffled relievers frequently, searching for stability in the later innings. This acquisition signals a decisive shift in strategy: fortify the bullpen not with unproven arms or fringe relievers, but with a battle-tested veteran.
Tyler Anderson, known more for his role as a starting pitcher, brings a level of experience and poise the Cubs desperately need. While his recent numbers with the Angels may not jump off the page — a 4.62 ERA in 2024 — his command, durability, and ability to navigate high-leverage situations offer far more value than surface stats might suggest. In fact, one of Anderson’s best outings last year came against the Cubs, when he dominated with eight shutout innings and ten strikeouts at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, has clearly taken note. In a statement released shortly after the trade was finalized, Hoyer said, “Tyler brings veteran presence, playoff experience, and the kind of mentality we need to lock down close games. We’re thrilled to add him to our pitching staff.”
What makes this move particularly interesting is the role Anderson is expected to play in Chicago. While he’s spent most of his career in the rotation, early indications suggest the Cubs plan to use him in a hybrid role — a bulk reliever or high-leverage multi-inning reliever, akin to what Andrew Miller once did for Cleveland. With bullpens evolving and specialized roles becoming more common, Anderson’s versatility could be a game-changer.
For the Angels, the deal signals a willingness to pivot and perhaps retool for the future. While the return package has not been officially announced, sources indicate the trade involved a mix of prospects and international signing pool money — a clear sign that L.A. is building toward long-term flexibility.
As for the Cubs, the move couldn’t come at a better time. Sitting just a few games out of first place in a competitive NL Central, Chicago is in position to make a serious postseason push. With Anderson now in the fold, fans can breathe a bit easier when games enter the seventh inning or later.
If Anderson lives up to expectations, this could be remembered as one of the key midseason moves that turned the Cubs from contenders into legitimate threats. One thing is clear: Chicago just sent a loud message to the rest of the league — they’re all in.
