Budget-friendly bullpen fixes the Cubs could be eyeing this winter |
Dustin Riese
· · 2 hours ago
Since taking over the Chicago Cubs to start the 2020 season, Jed Hoyer has done a lot of great things for this franchise, but also plenty of not-so-great things. Of the good things he has done, one of the best has been his ability to build up one of the best farm systems in baseball through the trade market, and then trade within that system to improve the team without giving away top guys.
Another thing he doesn't get enough credit for is his ability to get the most out of a dollar, as he isn't afraid to give anyone a chance. Whether they are coming off an injury or haven't been at the top of their game for a while, Hoyer will never shy away from giving a player a one-year prove-it deal to see what happens. When those deals work as they did last season with Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar, Hoyer looks like a genius, but when they don't work out, then it becomes a lost cause and essentially a missed opportunity based on how the Cubs' season plays out. The types of deals we are talking about are what you call a reclamation project, as the Cubs are one of the best in the game at handing out these deals and making them work in their favor. A lot of those deals have come on the pitching front, where the Cubs front office likes a pitch that they see from any of these guys and then gets them into their pitching lab to use that to their advantage. The more they can maximize that pitch, the better it is for both sides, which is why the Cubs continue to make these types of deals. With a bullpen that has only three guaranteed contracts for next season and a team that continues to operate on a budget, there is no doubt that more of these reclamation projects are coming for this team, as they will have to round out their roster somehow. Should that happen, expect a lot of those deals to come in the bullpen as several options are available for the Cubs to consider.
Perhaps the most intriguing name on this list is that of former Chicago White Sox Michael Kopech, who is coming off an injury-riddled 2025 with the Dodgers. The former starter, now turned late-inning reliever, had plenty of success with the Dodgers after getting dealt in 2024, but has also spent significant time on the injured list. Known for his 98 MPH fastball, Kopech has all the tools you look for in a late-inning arm, as he has been one of the better strikeout pitchers in the game. Walks have been a massive issue for him in the past, which is why his overall numbers haven't been great, but you could see him become much more comfortable as a reliever than as a starter, which led to a massive decrease in walks since joining the Dodgers. Success aside, Kopech has dealt with plenty of injuries the past two seasons, which have limited him to just 35 innings last season. A one-year prove-it deal is the logical outcome for Kopech this year, making him attractive for the Cubs as long as his medicals are clean, as he could emerge as one of the surprise pickups of the offseason.
The most promising option to consider for the Cubs is former New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers right-hander Tommy Kahnle. Set to enter his 11th season in 2026, Kahlne has always been a reliable relief option, but is coming off a down 2025 that saw him post a 4.43 ERA with the Tigers. Ironically, his first half was much better than that, and it closely mirrored what he did in his two seasons prior, where he posted a 2.38 ERA across 89 innings. Known for his elite changeup, Kahnle is a unique pitcher who is not only changeup-first, but also throws his change nearly 85% of the time. Teams know it is coming, yet they still can't hit it. His biggest issue last season was command, and once his command wavers, it's tough to get it back. We have seen the Cubs work with pitchers who specialize in a certain pitch, and Kahnle is no different with his change-up. Get him into their pitching lab, and he could bounce back to be the dominating force he was most of his career.
One of the bigger disappointments among relievers last season was right-hander Jordan Romano. The former Toronto Blue Jays closer was coming off Tommy John Surgery last season and wound up signing a one-year prove-it deal with the Phillies for $8.5 million. Hoping to round back into form and potentially slide into their closer role, 2025 was an absolute struggle for Romano, as he may find it difficult even to find a job this season. Romano's 8.23 ERA is alarming, as are the 45 hits he surrendered, which is more than the number of innings he tossed (42 2/3). Going even further than that, Romano will be in his age-33 season in 2026, and you have to wonder if his age has affected the way he bounced back from that injury. Age aside, Romano still has an average fastball around 96 and continues to work his 87 MPH slider to both sides of the plate, as that could be a pitch the Cubs want to work with. Even with his struggles last season, Romano has proven to be one of the game's best when on, with 177 games finished and 113 saves through this point. His experience and upside make him a quintessential bounce-back candidate, and the Cubs could come away with a steal if they're willing to roll the dice, as he could be this year's version of Thielbar or Pomeranz for them.
The Cubs have also heard Marcus Stroman's name thrown around as a possible reclamation project for them this season. That is unlikely to happen, as Stroman wants to be a starter and is coming off a horrendous 2025 with the Yankees. Not only that, the Cubs' starting rotation is full, and they are looking to upgrade, not downgrade. He also had a falling-out with the organization on social media prior to being traded, so it's safe to say this relationship is over.Michael Kopech
Tommy Kahnle
Jordan Romano
Marcus Stroman
