The Cubs made a quiet move just before Christmas, signing right-handed reliever Jacob Webb to bolster their bullpen. On its own, it’s a solid, low-risk addition-one that fits a pattern we’ve seen from the front office in recent offseasons. But it’s also a move that lands a little flat if you’re a fan hoping for a splashier headline this winter.
Let’s be clear: Webb isn’t a name that’s going to light up the marquee. He’s not Tatsuya Imai or Kazuma Okamoto, and he’s certainly not Bo Bichette.
But he is another example of the Cubs targeting undervalued arms who can quietly contribute meaningful innings. And if recent history is any indication, Webb could be the next in a growing line of bullpen pieces who outperform expectations in Chicago.
This marks the third reliever the Cubs have picked up this offseason who spent time with the Texas Rangers in 2025, joining Phil Maton and Hoby Milner. Whoever’s been scouting the AL West champs deserves some credit-there’s a clear strategy here, and the Cubs are leaning into it.
Webb originally debuted with the Braves back in 2019 and has quietly built a solid resume. In 2025, he posted a 3.00 ERA over 66 innings with the Rangers, sporting a tidy 1.03 WHIP across 55 appearances.
Since getting consistent big-league work in 2023, he’s logged 176.1 innings with a 3.22 ERA. That’s not just serviceable-that’s steady production from a bullpen arm.
What makes Webb an intriguing fit for the Cubs is the profile. He’s not overpowering-his fastball averaged just 93.5 mph last season-but he limits damage.
His 21.7% strikeout rate in 2025 isn’t eye-popping, but he excels at avoiding hard contact, allowing just a 5.9% barrel rate last year. That’s the kind of skill set that plays well when paired with a strong defensive unit, and the Cubs have quietly built one of the better defensive clubs in the league.
Walks have been a concern for Webb in the past, but there’s progress there too. After posting double-digit walk rates in 2023 and 2024, he brought that number down to 7.1% in 2025-a step in the right direction.
The flip side? His strikeout rate has trended downward, and he’s still vulnerable to the long ball.
Webb gave up 10 home runs in 66 innings last season, ranking 13th among right-handed relievers in home run rate. That’s a red flag, especially when paired with a .219 BABIP that suggests he benefited from a fair amount of good fortune.
Still, this is the kind of pitcher the Cubs have targeted in recent years-contact-oriented arms who rely on location, movement, and a strong defense behind them. It’s not flashy, but it can be effective. Webb fits that mold, and if he continues to avoid barrels and limit walks, he’ll have a real shot at becoming a key piece in the 2026 bullpen.
Of course, it’s fair for fans to want more. There’s a desire to see the Cubs chase a high-octane arm-someone who can come in and blow hitters away in the late innings.
That kind of firepower hasn’t been a hallmark of the Cubs’ offseason approach so far, and that’s where some of the frustration lies. Webb might be good, maybe even very good, but he doesn’t scratch that itch for a dominant, shutdown reliever.
Still, this signing doesn’t signal a lack of ambition-it’s part of a broader, calculated strategy. The Cubs are building a bullpen with depth, versatility, and a clear identity. Jacob Webb might not be the headliner, but he could end up being a steady contributor in a group that gets the job done.
So while the move might not move the needle now, don’t be surprised if Webb is getting key outs come midseason. And if the Cubs do make a bigger splash later in the offseason? Then this signing looks even better in hindsight.