A bold reality check: the bullpen market is heating up, and the Cubs aren’t standing still. After the Winter Meetings, the pace of signings picked up quickly, with several relievers changing teams and more to come. Here’s what happened, what it means for the Cubs, and how the landscape could influence their strategy.
First, precision moves around top relievers are shifting the balance. Christopher Morel found a home with the Miami Marlins, sticking in Florida after his stint with the Rays. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays jumped back into the market by signing a top reliever, Tyler Rogers, to a three-year deal worth $37 million (with a vesting option that could boost the value to roughly $48 million). This kind of commitment signals teams are prioritizing stability in late innings rather than gambling with high-variance options.
In Texas, the Rangers reinforced their bullpen by adding catcher Danny Jansen on a two-year, $14.5 million deal and pursuing one-year agreements with right-hander Alexis Díaz and left-hander Tyler Alexander. These moves illustrate a broader trend: clubs are not just chasing one big closer but building diverse bullpen arsenals through multiple players and contract types.
Other notable developments included Robert Suárez, Mark Leiter Jr., and Hoby Milner landing with new teams on Thursday, further evidence that relievers are moving widely as clubs reshape relief staffs. Kenley Jansen then found a new home with the Tigers on Saturday, joining Kyle Finnegan as their second bullpen addition of the offseason. That deal highlights how traditional closers are still highly valued even as teams blend traditional roles with flexible usage.
For the Cubs, there hasn’t been a direct link to Jansen, but they’re widely expected to add one or two more bullpen pieces before the offseason wraps up. Potential targets include Pete Fairbanks, Brad Keller, and Luke Weaver, all of whom could fit into Jed Hoyer’s plan to give Craig Counsell reliable late-game options. Keller, who signed a minor-league deal last January and became a cornerstone of the Cubs’ pitching staff, posted a 0.96 WHIP and a 2.07 ERA across 69.2 innings, while limiting hard contact and baserunners. The Cubs and Keller have shown mutual interest in a reunion, though financial considerations could complicate any negotiations.
Fairbanks also shows mutual interest with Chicago, but financial realities may steer him elsewhere if other teams, like the Blue Jays or Dodgers, are able to offer more favorable terms or a clearer fit. The Dodgers are consistently in the market for high-quality depth arms, and Fairbanks could be a natural fit there if the numbers align.
Weaver has thrived in the pressures of a big market, delivering sub-1.00 WHIPs over the past two seasons. His elite chase rate (about 32.8%) and solid strikeout rate (roughly 27.5%) suggest he can provide valuable innings late in games, though his groundball rate isn’t a standout. His profile makes him an appealing, if sometimes polarizing, candidate for bullpen roles in competitive rosters.
Looking ahead, the Cubs might lean on under-the-radar acquisitions to soak up innings and provide managerial flexibility. It wouldn’t be surprising to see one larger move paired with several smaller signings, especially as a closer issue remains a point of consideration. Daniel Palencia did solid work in regular-season relief but saw an expanded, variable role in the postseason. If Chicago can secure a closer-caliber option or assemble a closer-by-committee approach, they’d gain a meaningful upgrade without overcommitting to a single magnetically expensive name.
Bottom line: the bullpen market is no longer a quiet corner of the winter. Teams are distributing money across multiple relievers, testing varied roles, and leaving open the possibility of one or two bigger acquisitions for Chicago. As spring approaches, expect more announcements, more contract types, and more strategic balancing of high-leverage arms near the end of games. What’s your take on the best path for the Cubs—target a proven closer, or build a flexible closer-by-committee bullpen? Share your thoughts in the comments.
