A Frustrating But Unsurprising Plan to Replenish Cubs Bullpen Expected

The 2025 Chicago Cubs ended the year as the No. 11 ranked bullpen in terms of ERA and following the trade deadline the relievers posted a combined 3.47 ERA, ranking third-best in MLB. The organization has long followed a similar plan when addressing its bullpen needs and outside of a few instances fans have become accustomed to seeing the front office target mid-tier free agents or reclamation projects in hopes of rebuilding a solid reliever group. That philosophy worked marvelously in 2025, and if fans were expecting a change of course heading into 2026, think again.

It’s frustrating to see a list of several high-end relievers available in the free agent market and almost immediately knowing the Cubs aren’t going to be involved in trying to sign any of them. Yet, it’s kind of expected at this point and Patrick Mooney pretty much confirmed that the Cubs will once again stay away from the star relievers in free agency.

Via The Athletic.

But league sources told The Athletic not to expect the Cubs to jump in on big-name free agent relievers, at least not early on. The Cubs are not going to be setting the market on relievers. Perhaps someone could fall through the cracks and be available in January or February at a deal that could provide potential surplus value. In that case, the Cubs may pounce; otherwise, reeling in big fish in the reliever department in free agency just isn’t in the cards for this front office. A trade for an established reliever on an expiring deal — like Ryan Pressly last winter — shouldn’t be ruled out, though.

A Devin Williams reunion with Craig Counsell? Unlikely. How about going after Robert Suarez, who has reportedly been on the team’s radar in previous years in trade rumors? Nope. Cross off Edwin Diaz, who is seeking a new contract upwards of $100 million.

Again, it would be nice to have the Cubs actively pursuing top relievers, but at this point it’s just not to be expected. It’s worked out for the most part, but there’s no doubt that fans have endured plenty of frustration, especially early on in seasons as the Cubs have not had an established set of relievers in place until after April during the past three years of the team’s new contention window.

Sure, injuries have played a role, unforeseen ineffectiveness from guys who you were counting on, but that’s the type of risk you get when you don’t necessarily target elite talent. However, acquiring star relievers doesn’t always guarantee success anyway. Last year the Cubs offered Tanner Scott a four-year, $66 million contract before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $72 million over four years. In his first year with the Dodgers, Scott posted a 4.74 ERA in 61 games and blew 10 saves, while also missing time with injuries in the regular season and postseason.

It was one of the few times the Cubs pursed and made a competitive offer to a free agent closer in the past decade and at this point they will most likely revert to aiming lower in free agency and attempting to find value on more cost-effective signings like they did last offseason.

One thing is for certain this winter and that’s how active the Cubs will be in obtaining bullpen help. The current 40-man roster has a total of seven true relievers and only two pitched more 20 innings out of the bullpen: Porter Hodge and Daniel Palencia.

Lots of pieces to fill in the bullpen puzzle for the 2026 Cubs.