As the Cubs embark on a new campaign with a new manager (Craig Counsell) at the helm, we answer 24 of the most pressing questions for the 2024 season.

At this time last year, the Cubs were a couple weeks away from starting the 2023 MLB season without a set closer.

That’s not uncommon in today’s age of bullpen construction — teams often have multiple options for the 9th inning.

The Cubs began last year with veteran Michael Fulmer in the role but he experienced some struggles early on and it morphed into a committee approach. That is, until Adbert Alzolay stepped in and took a stranglehold on the 9th inning job.

Alzolay led the Cubs with 22 saves in 25 opportunities last season in his first year as a full-time reliever. He also tallied 7 holds and finished 38 games overall (including non-save situations).

He also sported a sparkling 2.67 ERA and 1.02 WHIP to go along with 67 strikeouts in 64 innings.

In the process, Alzolay electrified Cubs fans with his intense celebrations:

Good vibes for The People’s Fist's birthday 👊 pic.twitter.com/TLTLuNGcnk

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 1, 2024

So Alzolay will be the closer again this season, right?

That certainly could be how it plays out, but new manager Craig Counsell doesn’t always look at relievers in specific roles. He simply looks at every member of his bullpen as “out-getters.”

The Cubs didn’t add much to their bullpen this winter but the main acquisition was free agent veteran Héctor Neris, who has plenty of experience as a closer.

The 34-year-old Neris has 89 career saves, including 28 with the Phillies in 2019. He has spent the last 2 years with the Astros, where he has worked more in a setup role (56 holds) but did notch 5 saves in occasional 9th-inning duty.

During his time in Milwaukee, Counsell often had a bonafide lockdown closer in his bullpen (Josh Hader, Devin Williams) but he wasn’t afraid to use a committee at times.

That may be the way Counsell leans in his first season with the Cubs — a committee that features mostly Alzolay and Neris but could also factor in Mark Leiter Jr. and Julian Merryweather.

Or maybe history repeats itself and Alzolay once again snags the closer’s role for his own and Counsell and the Cubs work backwards from there.

24 for ’24 series

What are the Cubs expecting from Kyle Hendricks in 2024 and beyond?
What role will Drew Smyly fill on the 2024 Cubs?
How will Jameson Taillon fare in Year 2 with Cubs?
How will Shota Imanaga handle the adjustment to MLB?
Who will DH for the Cubs?
Who is the Cubs’ fifth starter?
Will defense once again be the Cubs’ strength?
Can Seiya Suzuki pick up where he left off? 
What are the Cubs’ long-term plans at first base?
Have the Cubs done enough to address their left-handed hitting?
Will Justin Steele replicate his stellar 2023 season?
When will Pete Crow-Armstrong be up with the Cubs in Chicago?
Will Adbert Alzolay be Cubs’ closer again?
Who will hit leadoff?