Leiter (2-3) tossed a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout to earn the win Saturday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter pitched a clean top of the eighth inning in a 5-5 tie, then moved into position for the win when the Cubs scored twice in the bottom half of the frame. The righty surpassed last season's win total in the process, and he's been about equally effective in the ERA department, as he's sitting with a 3.52 mark so far this year compared to 3.50 in 2023. Leiter is missing more bats, however, as his K/9 is up to 12.1 from 10.8 last season. His FIP is also down to 2.05 from 3.76 last season, suggesting his current ERA may trend downward.

Leiter (1-1) retired the only two batters he faced out of the bullpen to earn the win in Monday's 3-1 victory over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Jameson Taillon was excellent over 7.1 innings, but the Cubs turned to Leiter to get the last two outs of the eighth. The veteran righty delivered, then scooped up his first win of the year when Christopher Morel hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth. Leiter has been excellent all year, posting a 0.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts across 13 innings. He should continue to work in a setup role ahead of new closer Hector Neris, though he could be next up for saves if Neris falters.

Leiter should be one of the Cubs' top options for saves after manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Adbert Alzolay isn't currently considered the club's closer, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alzolay blew his fourth save of the season in Saturday's doubleheader against Miami, and Counsell has apparently seen enough. Leiter has collected a hold in four straight appearances and has given up just two unearned runs across 10.2 innings this season. Hector Neris earned the save in Game 2 on Saturday and is likely the top candidate for saves, but Counsell hasn't officially named a new closer.

Leiter tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to record a hold in Saturday's 4-1 win against Seattle. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter came on in relief of starter Shota Imanaga in the sixth inning, then helped take the team into the seventh. The righty has been excellent so far with a 0.00 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 10 strikeouts across eight innings. Leiter was a trusted member of the bullpen a season ago with 28 holds, four saves and a 3.50 ERA across 69 appearances, and it looks like he'll have a similar role in 2024.

Leiter tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief in Thursday's 4-3, 10-inning loss to the Rangers. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

With Justin Steele (hamstring) getting pulled after only 4.2 innings, the Cubs needed some length from their bullpen, and Leiter stepped up. The righty was solid in 2023, and while he should help the team this year, he has limited fantasy upside working in front of Hector Neris and closer Adbert Alzolay.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell doesn't plan to enter the season with defined bullpen roles for Leiter or any other reliever, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter has notched seven saves over the last two seasons with the Cubs, collecting a 3.75 ERA and 150:49 K:BB over 132 innings along the way. The reverse-splits reliever could potentially work his way into the saves mix again in 2024, although he's probably at least behind Adbert Alzolay and Hector Neris and possibly also Julian Merryweather in the pecking order.

The Cubs and Leiter avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million contract Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was his first year of arbitration eligibility. Leiter has turned himself into a valuable reliever for the Cubs, having held a 3.50 ERA and 77:24 K:BB over 64.1 innings last season. He should see action in high-leverage spots again this year.

Leiter allowed a run on two hits while retiring only one batter to record a blown save in Wednesday's extra-inning loss to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter got a crack at the ninth inning with the Cubs up 4-3, but he allowed a Marcell Ozuna home run to record his fourth blown save of the season. With regular closer Adbert Alzolay (forearm) on the injured list, Leiter has failed to step up, as he now has an ugly 9.45 ERA this month. The Cubs will likely need to turn to Julian Merryweather in save opportunities for the time being considering the magnitude of their next four games.

Leiter pitched a scoreless inning of relief in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Brewers. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Leiter worked the seventh following six scoreless innings from starter Justin Steele, and the righty needed just 10 pitches to set Milwaukee down in order. Adbert Alzolay has emerged as Chicago's closer with 22 saves in 23 chances this season, but Leiter has been an effective setup man, as he now has a team-high 25 holds to go along with a strong 2.70 ERA. If the Cubs want to catch the Brewers in the NL Central, they'll need big contributions from both relievers down the stretch.

Leiter allowed a run on two hits but managed to secure the save in Monday's 7-6 win over the Tigers. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Regular closer Adbert Alzolay pitched each of the last two days, so the Cubs bypassed him for the save opportunity and turned to Leiter. It was the latter's fourth save of the season, though it was his first since June 2, as Alzolay has established himself in the role. Leiter should still serve as a reliable setup option moving forward.