The 50+ Best Chicago Cubs Pitchers Ever, Ranked By Baseball Fans

If you’ve ever sat in the Wrigley Field bleachers and argued about whether Fergie Jenkins or Greg Maddux was the better
Chicago Cubs ace, congratulations: you’re exactly the kind of fan who built this list. The Cubs have been around since
the 19th century, which means they’ve featured deadball workhorses, crafty modern aces, flame-throwing relievers, and
a whole lot of pitchers who gave North Siders both joy and heartburn in equal measure.

This fan-driven ranking of the best Chicago Cubs pitchers ever blends the wisdom of the crowd with modern stats.
We’re talking about Hall of Famers, World Series heroes, and cult favorites whose names still get a cheer on
Clark and Addison. From “Three-Finger” Brown to Jake Arrieta, from ancient box scores to Statcast-era dominance,
these are the 50+ best Cubs pitchers of all time, ranked by baseball fans who live and breathe Cubbie blue.

How This Fan Ranking Came Together

The backbone of this list comes from fan voting on a large online ranking of Cubs pitchers, where thousands of
votes sorted more than 50 arms into a crowd-sourced order. That fan perspective is layered with traditional stats
like wins, ERA, strikeouts, and saves, as well as advanced metrics such as WAR and ERA+, plus big-picture context:
era of play, ballpark environment, and postseason impact.

In other words, this isn’t just a list of guys with pretty ERAs. It’s a blend of:

• Fan memory: who felt dominant when they took the mound.
• Longevity: how long they wore a Cubs uniform and produced.
• Peak value: historic seasons, Cy Young awards, and playoff heroics.
• Storyline factor: iconic games, famous moments, and emotional weight.

With that in mind, here’s how fans and numbers come together to rank the greatest pitchers ever to throw for the
Chicago Cubs.

The 50+ Best Chicago Cubs Pitchers Ever

The ordering below follows the overall fan consensus while highlighting why each pitcher still matters in Cubs lore.

1. 1. Ferguson Jenkins, RHP (1966–1973, 1982–1983)

   The ace of aces. Fergie Jenkins is the perfect blend of durability and dominance: multiple 20-win seasons,
   a workhorse who regularly pushed 260+ innings, and a Cy Young winner who piled up strikeouts without walking
   the ballpark. He anchored competitive Cubs teams of the late 1960s, and his smooth delivery and control-first
   approach still define what fans think of as a “true number one starter” on the North Side.

2. 2. Greg Maddux, RHP (1986–1992, 2004–2006)

   Maddux’s Hall of Fame legend is often associated with Atlanta, but Cubs fans remember the kid who grew into
   a Cy Young winner at Wrigley. His 1992 season, when his command blossomed and he posted a sub-3.00 ERA,
   hinted at the professor-level mastery to come. Even in his brief second stint, every pinpoint two-seamer
   felt like a nostalgic reminder of what might have been if he’d stayed in Chicago his whole career.

3. 3. Mordecai “Three-Finger” Brown, RHP (1904–1912, 1916)

   Brown’s mangled hand gave his pitches wicked movement, and deadball hitters basically had no chance.
   He spearheaded the powerhouse Cubs clubs that dominated the early 1900s, racking up microscopic ERAs
   and World Series glory. When fans talk about “old-time Cubs greatness,” Brown is usually the first pitcher
   that comes to mind.

4. 4. Kerry Wood, RHP (1998, 2000–2008, 2011–2012)

   Wood’s career is the ultimate “what if?” story, but his highs were so ridiculous that fans still rewatch the
   highlights. His 20-strikeout game in 1998 might be the single most dominant start in Cubs history, and his move
   to the bullpen later in his career gave the team a fiery, emotional closer who fed off the Wrigley crowd.

5. 5. Lee Smith, RHP (1980–1987)

   Before the modern closer era fully took shape, Lee Smith was already shutting doors. One of the most intimidating
   relievers in baseball, he combined size, velocity, and an attitude that made hitters look uncomfortable just
   walking to the plate. His save totals and leverage appearances cement him as the bullpen godfather for many
   Cubs fans.

6. 6. Rick Sutcliffe, RHP (1984–1991)

   Acquire a guy midseason, watch him go on an absurd run, and ride him straight into Octoberthat’s the Sutcliffe
   story in 1984. His Cy Young season, when he went 16–1 after coming to Chicago, still feels like a fever dream.
   He may not have had the longest Cubs tenure, but his peak impact is impossible to ignore.

7. 7. Bruce Sutter, RHP (1976–1980)

   The split-finger fastball changed baseball, and Bruce Sutter brought that revolution to Wrigley. He baffled
   hitters in the late ’70s, stacking strikeouts and saves at a time when bullpen roles were still evolving.
   Even with a relatively short stretch, his dominance left a deep imprint on the franchise’s pitching legacy.

8. 8. Jake Arrieta, RHP (2013–2017)

   Arrieta’s peak was brief but volcanic. From 2014 to 2016, he was one of the best pitchers on the planet,
   highlighted by his 2015 Cy Young season with a 1.77 ERA and a no-hitter for good measure. His work in the
   2016 postseason, including gutsy playoff starts, made him a core hero of the curse-breaking World Series run.

9. 9. Rick Reuschel, RHP (1972–1981, 1983–1984)

   Understated but quietly elite, Reuschel carried a heavy innings load while maintaining strong run prevention.
   His WAR totals put him right alongside the franchise’s biggest names, and his sinker-heavy approach produced
   grounders and durability that managers loveeven if casual fans sometimes overlook him.

10. 10. Jon Lester, LHP (2015–2020)

    Lester didn’t just sign a free agent contract; he helped change the entire culture of the Cubs. A proven
    big-game performer, he brought championship expectations and then backed them up with clutch postseason outings
    in 2016. His intensity, leadership, and October heroics ensure he’ll always be a legend on the North Side.

11. 11. Grover Cleveland Alexander, RHP (1918–1926)

    Already a star before he joined Chicago, Alexander added to his Hall of Fame résumé as a Cub, logging heavy
    workloads and keeping ERAs in check in a hitter-friendly era. His combination of volume and effectiveness
    keeps him high on both statistical leaderboards and fan lists.

12. 12. Kyle Hendricks, RHP (2014–present)

    In an age of 100 mph heat, Hendricks built a career on changing speeds, command, and guile. His 2016 season,
    when he led the league in ERA, proved that command artists can still dominate. Calm, composed, and surgical,
    he’s been a steady presence in multiple Cubs rotations.

13. 13. Carlos Zambrano, RHP (2001–2011)

    Big Z brought big stuff and big emotions. At his best, he was a frontline horse with 200+ innings, strikeouts,
    and a nasty sinker. He also added surprising offense, hitting homers and pumping up the crowd. The volatility
    was real, but so was the talentand fans still debate just how high his ceiling really was.

14. 14. Mark Prior, RHP (2002–2006)

    Prior’s 2003 season remains one of the most electric pitching displays Cubs fans have ever seen. With pristine
    mechanics and devastating stuff, he looked like a future Hall of Famer before injuries intervened. His peak was
    short, but it was unforgettable, which is why fans still rank him so highly.

15. 15. Ken Holtzman, LHP (1965–1971, 1978–1979)

    A steady lefty with multiple strong seasons in Chicago, Holtzman combined good strikeout ability with durability.
    He later became a postseason star elsewhere, but his Cubs years laid the foundation for a quietly excellent career.

16. 16. Hippo Vaughn, LHP (1913–1921)

    Vaughn’s low ERAs and lengthy innings totals during the 1910s make him one of the franchise’s great early
    workhorses. He’s also part of one of the strangest games in historya double no-hitter that the Cubs wound up
    losingcementing his place in baseball lore.

17. 17. Milt Pappas, RHP (1970–1973)

    Pappas gave the Cubs quality starts, efficient outings, and one near-perfect game. Known for his competitiveness
    on the mound, he helped stabilize the rotation during the early ’70s and left with an ERA and win total that
    stand up well to historical scrutiny.

18. 18. Ryan Dempster, RHP (2004–2012)

    Few pitchers reinvented themselves as effectively as Dempster. He moved from the rotation to closer and back,
    racked up saves and quality starts, and became a fan favorite thanks to his personality and consistency.
    His versatility and longevity with the Cubs make him an easy inclusion in the top 20.

19. 19. Charlie Root, RHP (1926–1941)

    Root shows up at the top of many Cubs all-time lists for games pitched and innings logged. He was the kind of
    pitcher managers leaned on constantly, and although he’s often remembered for a certain called shot,
    his overall contributions were far bigger than a single famous homer.

20. 20. Ed Reulbach, RHP (1905–1913)

    A key arm on the dominant early-1900s Cubs, Reulbach posted impressive win totals and stingy ERAs. His ability
    to control games and keep the ball in the park helped build one of the best pitching staffs of baseball’s
    formative years.

21. 21. John Clarkson, RHP (1884–1887)

    Pitching in the 1880s meant unbelievable workloads, and Clarkson answered the bell. He piled up wins and innings
    in the pre-modern era, and advanced metrics still view his production as elite for his time in Chicago.

22. 22. Claude Passeau, RHP (1939–1947)

    Passeau’s strong ERA and postseason performance for the 1945 pennant winners make him a standout mid-century Cub.
    His ability to pitch deep into games in high-pressure situations secure his place on fan lists.

23. 23. Scott Sanderson, RHP (1984–1989)

    A reliable rotation arm in the ’80s, Sanderson gave the Cubs quality innings and anchored staffs that helped
    bring playoff baseball back to Wrigley. Not flashy, but very effective.

24. 24. Bob Rush, RHP (1948–1957)

    Rush’s combination of strikeouts, innings, and strong run prevention make him one of the better postwar
    pitchers in team history. He’s a classic “better than you remember” guy when you dive into the numbers.

25. 25. Dick Ellsworth, LHP (1958–1966)

    Ellsworth’s 1963 season, when he nearly reached 20 wins with a sub-3.00 ERA, stands out as one of the best
    individual years by a Cubs lefty. Fans who saw him at his peak still talk about that slider.

26. 26. Orval Overall, RHP (1906–1910, 1913)

    A big-game pitcher for powerhouse Cubs teams, Overall delivered strong ERA numbers and clutch World Series work.
    His postseason performances keep him firmly entrenched in franchise history.

27. 27. Bill Bonham, RHP (1971–1977)

    Bonham combined strikeout stuff with mid-rotation stability in the 1970s. While he rarely grabbed headlines,
    his underlying numbers and workload earn respect from stat-minded fans.

28. 28. Bill Hands, RHP (1966–1972)

    Hands posted multiple seasons of 200+ innings with solid ERAs, shining in 1969 when the Cubs contended deep
    into the season. He’s a quintessential dependable arm from a memorable era.

29. 29. Clark Griffith, RHP (1893–1900)

    Griffith pulled double duty as a pitcher and, eventually, a manager and owner in his broader career. With
    Chicago, he was a highly effective starter whose WAR totals reflect how central he was to the team’s
    late-19th-century success.

30. 30. Bill Lee, RHP (1934–1943, 1947)

    Not to be confused with later personalities of the same name, this Bill Lee was a durable, high-quality arm.
    He logged years of reliable starting pitching and helped push the Cubs into contention multiple times.

31. 31. Larry Corcoran, RHP (1880–1885)

    Corcoran pitched in the wild early days of professional baseball, throwing more innings in a season than
    modern pitchers see in three years. For his era, his run prevention and workload were top-tier.

32. 32. Aroldis Chapman, LHP (2016)

    Chapman’s Cubs stay was short, but the impact was enormous. His triple-digit fastball and high-leverage
    outings in 2016, including a marathon Game 7 appearance, helped secure the franchise’s first World Series
    title in over a century. That alone earns him a spot on fan lists.

33. 33. Lon Warneke, RHP (1930–1936, 1942–1943, 1945)

    Warneke’s strong ERA and consistent production made him one of the best pitchers of the 1930s Cubs.
    He posted several standout seasons that look even better when adjusted for era.

34. 34. Jon Lieber, RHP (1999–2002, 2008)

    Lieber was the definition of a workhorse at the turn of the millennium, including a 20-win season that
    still stands out in modern Cubs history. His efficiency and strike-throwing kept games moving and
    bullpens rested.

35. 35. Ted Lilly, LHP (2007–2010)

    The quietly intense lefty helped stabilize the rotation during back-to-back playoff seasons in 2007 and 2008.
    With a looping curve and fearless approach, Lilly became a reliable fan favorite.

36. 36. Larry Jackson, RHP (1963–1966)

    Jackson’s best Cubs season, when he led the league in wins, shows just how effective he could be.
    Even in some rough team years, he gave Chicago legitimate frontline production.

37. 37. Sheriff Blake, LHP (1924–1931)

    With a nickname like “Sheriff,” you’d better be able to lay down the law on the moundand Blake did.
    He offered solid innings and ERA marks through the late 1920s, quietly supporting stronger clubs.

38. 38. Pat Malone, RHP (1928–1934)

    Malone was a strikeout leader for Chicago during his prime, overpowering hitters in an offensive era.
    His combination of punchouts and big-game appearances earns him enduring fan respect.

39. 39. Johnny Schmitz, LHP (1941–1942, 1946–1951)

    A solid lefty across multiple seasons, Schmitz brought good run prevention and reliability in the immediate
    postwar years. He’s the kind of pitcher you appreciate more the deeper you dig into the numbers.

40. 40. Jack Pfiester, LHP (1906–1911)

    Pfiester was another key cog in the early-century Cubs rotation, delivering stingy ERAs during one of
    the most successful stretches in franchise history. He often gets overshadowed by Brown and Reulbach,
    but belongs in the conversation.

41. 41. Hank Wyse, RHP (1942–1947)

    Wyse posted several solid seasons in the ’40s, including a strong role on the 1945 pennant winner.
    His steady work helped carry the club in years where offensive support wasn’t always guaranteed.

42. 42. Guy Bush, RHP (1923–1934)

    Bush mixed innings, wins, and a competitive edge, giving the Cubs a dependable rotation arm through
    much of the 1920s and early ’30s. He’s a classic example of a long-term contributor whose value adds up.

43. 43. Jake Weimer, LHP (1903–1905)

    In a short but impressive Cubs stint, Weimer produced excellent ERAs and win totals. He’s one of those
    early-era pitchers whose peak was brief but bright.

44. 44. Bill Hutchinson, RHP (1889–1895)

    Hutchinson threw more innings in a season than modern managers would ever allow, and he still managed to
    keep his club competitive. His durability and volume are legendary in Cubs history.

45. 45. Carl Lundgren, RHP (1902–1909)

    Lundgren’s run prevention numbers stack up nicely with his more famous teammates. While control sometimes
    wavered, his ability to limit hits and runs makes him a popular choice among historians.

46. 46. Larry French, LHP (1935–1941)

    French was a quietly strong southpaw, logging steady innings and keeping ERA figures respectable in the
    pre-war era. His overall WAR total for Chicago reflects consistent, above-average performance.

47. 47. Paul Minner, LHP (1950–1956)

    Minner gave the Cubs mid-rotation stability in the 1950s, eating innings and keeping his club in games.
    On a lot of franchises, he’d be remembered as a classic “solid, not spectacular” armwhich fans still value.

48. 48. Warren Hacker, RHP (1948–1956)

    Hacker’s strikeout totals and workload in the early-’50s stand out when you scroll back through Cubs
    stat pages. He’s far from a household name today, but his contributions helped bridge eras.

49. 49. Fred Goldsmith, RHP (1880–1884)

    One of the early pioneers of overhand pitching, Goldsmith contributed in the 1880s when both the rules
    and the style of play were still evolving. His place on fan lists acknowledges just how long Cubs history
    stretches back.

50. 50. Jack Taylor, RHP (1898–1903, 1906–1907)

    Famous for his streak of complete games, Taylor brought unfathomable durability by modern standards.
    His ability to finish what he started makes him a symbol of old-school toughness.

51. 51. Nixey Callahan, RHP (1897–1900)

    Callahan split time between pitching and the field, reflecting the more flexible roles of his era.
    As a hurler, he delivered enough quality innings and value to sneak onto this fan-generated top-50-plus
    list and remind us of the game’s wild early days.

What This List Reveals About Cubs Pitching History

Looking at this fan ranking as a whole, a few patterns jump out. First, Cubs pitching greatness is spread across
every era, from the deadball dominance of Brown and Reulbach to modern aces like Arrieta and Hendricks. Second,
longevity mattersa lot. Workhorses such as Root, Reuschel, and Jenkins show up high not just because of peak
seasons, but because they took the ball year after year.

Third, fans clearly reward big moments. Chapman’s short stint gets him on the list purely because of how central
he was to the 2016 title, and names like Lester, Wood, and Prior rank highly thanks to signature games and
unforgettable Octobers. When you root for a club with as much emotional history as the Cubs, the story
often weighs as heavily as the stat line.

Fan Experiences: What It’s Like to Argue About Cubs Pitchers

Rankings like this don’t live in a vacuumthey live in the bleachers, in neighborhood bars, and in endless
text threads among Cubs-obsessed friends. If you’ve ever tried to talk about the best Chicago Cubs pitchers
with a group of fans, you know the conversation never really ends. It just pauses until the next great start
or the next heart-stopping blown save.

Imagine a summer afternoon at Wrigley. You’re sitting along the third-base line, the ivy is as bright as a
desktop wallpaper, and someone brings up the eternal question: “Is Arrieta’s 2015 better than anything Jenkins
ever did?” One friend starts waving their phone, scrolling through WAR and ERA+ numbers. Another goes old school,
talking about Jenkins finishing games in an era when “quality start” wasn’t a thing because you were expected
to go nine innings.

A few rows behind you, an older fan leans in and mentions Mordecai Brown and Hippo Vaughn like they were here
yesterday. They describe how pitchers back then tossed 300 innings a year on beat-up mounds with gloves that
looked like gardening tools. A younger fan, wearing a Hendricks jersey, counters that modern hitters are bigger,
stronger, and more selectiveand that dealing with today’s lineups is a different kind of impossible.

Then there are the emotional arguments. Kerry Wood supporters will never stop talking about the 20-strikeout
game. Prior fans replay 2003 in their heads and wonder how far he could have gone in a different universe.
Chapman defenders point to that exhausting Game 7 outing, while skeptics note every heart-pounding ninth inning
that season. And when someone brings up Carlos Zambrano, you’re guaranteed at least three stories that start
with, “Remember that game where he…”

Online, the debates get even wilder. On fan forums and social media, people quote advanced stats, dissect
pitch types, and compare video clips from grainy black-and-white footage to ultra-HD broadcasts. One person
will insist that Rick Reuschel is criminally underrated; another will argue that Jon Lester’s impact on the
clubhouse and the 2016 run should automatically place him in the inner circle of Cubs legends.

What’s great about this particular topic is that there’s no single “correct” answer. The “best” pitcher depends
on when you grew up, which seasons you lived and died with, and what you value mostdurability, peak dominance,
postseason performance, or sheer entertainment. For some fans, the best Cubs pitcher ever is the guy whose
jersey they wore to their first game. For others, it’s whoever was on the mound the night they watched the
Cubs clinch a playoff series.

In that sense, this fan ranking is less like a final verdict and more like a snapshot of Cubs Nation’s collective
memory at this moment in time. As new pitchers come along, put up big seasons, or help win the next championship,
this list will change. Someone will get bumped down, a new favorite will rise, and the debates will start all
over again. And honestly, that’s half the fun of being a baseball fanespecially a Cubs fan. The conversation
never ends. It just waits for the next first pitch.

Final Thoughts

Whether you swear by Fergie, Maddux, Brown, or Arrieta, one thing is clear: the Chicago Cubs have showcased
some of the most fascinating pitchers in baseball history. This fan-built list blends numbers, narratives,
and nostalgia into one long, winding rotation. Use it as a guide, a conversation starter, or even an excuse
to rewatch some classic gamesand then go ahead and rearrange the rankings in your head. That’s exactly
what Cubs fans have always done, and it’s not stopping any time soon.