"The Cubs have generally lacked the willingness to commit big money on multiyear guarantees for relievers, and that should be the case again this winter. Their pursuit of lefty Tanner Scott stands as an exception to the rule, though they eventually chose not to match the Dodgers' offer. Now, with nearly all of their biggest bullpen contributors hitting free agency, Jed Hoyer will likely rebuild on a budget once again."
"We got the first hint at this continuing strategy when Andrew Kittredge was traded back to Baltimore on Tuesday. The Cubs were never going to pick up the aging righty's $9 million club option, so trading him to the O's for cash considerations was just about getting off the hook for his $1 million buyout. A lot of folks saw that as a sign of Tom Ricketts being cheap, but there's no sense in paying a guy not to pitch if you can avoid it."
"The bigger issue is what they'll do about replacing Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar, all of whom figure to command big raises over their 2025 salaries. Keller was a non-roster invitee who earned just $1.5 million, and Pomeranz made a pro-rated portion of that same salary after coming over from the Mariners' minor league system. Thielbar got a whopping $2.75 million in his resurgent age-38 season."
The Cubs lack willingness to commit big money to multiyear reliever guarantees and are expected to pursue bullpen upgrades on a budget. Their pursuit of Tanner Scott was an exception, but they declined to match the Dodgers' offer. Trading Andrew Kittredge back to Baltimore avoided guaranteeing his $9 million option and eliminated a $1 million buyout. Replacing Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar presents larger payroll questions given expected salary increases. The organization believes in identifying bounce-back candidates and has scouting assets like Tyler Zombro. The team intends to seek value on the margins and may sign unsigned relievers to team-friendly deals.
Read at Cubsinsider
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