The Cubs had some real bullpen issues in 2024, particularly in the first half of the sason. Things stabilized, to some extent, in the second half and it’s possible the Cubs might have identified a closer in Porter Hodge.
Since the 2024 season ended, the following relievers have been subtracted from the roster: Jorge López (free agency), Yency Almonte (free agency), Drew Smyly (free agency), Adbert Alzolay (non-tendered), Trey Wingenter (designated for assignment).
They’ve added the following relievers: Eli Morgan (trade with Guardians), Brooks Kriske (minor-league deal), Phil Bickford (minor-league deal).
That still leaves plenty of room for bringing in other relievers, likely on minor-league deals.
Last month, I suggested the Cubs look at Kyle Finnegan (non-tendered by the Nationals) and Jordan Romano (non-tendered by the Blue Jays). Romano signed with the Phillies recently, but Finnegan’s still out there and probably worth a look. The best thing to do here might be to wait, because the longer Finnegan goes without a MLB deal, the better the chance the Cubs could get him on a minor-league contract.
MLB Trade Rumors lists 88 relief pitchers who are currently free agents. That’s a lot!
The reality is, though, that many of those pitchers are heading into their late 30s and are likely done. Some of the others are “been there, done that” with the Cubs such as Smyly, Hector Neris and Richard Lovelady.
There are a few, though, who might be worth a minor-league deal and NRI to Spring Training for the Cubs. Here are a handful who I think could help, beyond the already-mentioned Finnegan.
Jeff Hoffman
Hoffman, a former first-round pick of the Blue Jays (ninth overall in 2014), has been a solid reliever for the Phillies the last two years, with good K and BB rates. He’s 32 and might require more than a minor-league contract. He’d probably be worth it at the right price. Hoffman made $2.2 million in 2024 so he likely wouldn’t be too expensive.
Jakob Junis
A failed starter with the Royals, Junis turned into a pretty good reliever with the Giants, and last year with the Brewers and Reds. His K rate was down in 2024, but he just doesn’t walk guys (only nine walks in 67 innings, 253 batters faced in 2024).
Also 32, Junis made $4 million in 2024.
Tommy Kahnle
Kahnle missed the 2021 season after Tommy John surgery, and since his return has been excellent out of the pen for the Dodgers and Yankees. In 105 appearances from 2022-24 Kahnle has a 2.44 ERA and 1.063 WHIP, with 108 strikeouts in 96 innings. He’s 34 and made $5.75 million in 2024.
Colin Poche
Interested in a lefthander? Poche had an outstanding year with the Rays in 2023, wasn’t quite as good in 2024 — he missed some time with injuries, including left shoulder issues in September. So there are caveats here, but Poche still has decent K and walk rates. If he’s healthy, this could be a good under-the-radar signing.
There are a few ideas for the pen. Perhaps you have others.
