The Chicago Cubs' approach to building their bullpen this offseason has been clear: stay disciplined, avoid big-money splashes, and trust their process. That strategy became even more apparent with news that Pete Fairbanks is officially off the market, signing a one-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Marlins.
Fairbanks had been loosely connected to the Cubs earlier in the offseason, but once Chicago inked Jacob Webb, the writing was on the wall. The Cubs were never going to be in the mix for a reliever with Fairbanks’ price tag-especially not one with a recent injury history.
The Rays declined an $11 million club option on Fairbanks, and while there was buzz that his health might limit his market, the Marlins ultimately stepped up. Interestingly, Miami was reportedly one of the teams hesitant to meet that number earlier in the winter, but things change quickly in free agency.
As for the Cubs, they’ve been operating with a clear financial ceiling when it comes to bullpen arms. They passed on Brad Keller, who landed a two-year deal with the Phillies at an $11 million AAV. That decision lines up with their recent moves-focused more on value than splash.
So far, Chicago has added Jacob Webb, Phil Maton, and Hoby Milner, all on deals with average annual values under $10 million. They also brought back veteran lefty Caleb Thielbar for less than $5 million.
These aren’t headline-grabbing signings, but they fit the Cubs’ mold: experienced arms at reasonable prices. After getting burned in recent seasons by higher-priced bullpen additions like Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly, it’s not surprising the front office is opting for a more measured approach.
That doesn’t mean the Cubs are done tinkering with their bullpen. There’s still time before spring training, and the front office could take a flyer on a reclamation project or two.
One name to keep an eye on is Evan Phillips. The former Dodgers closer is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and may be ready by the second half of 2026.
He’s exactly the kind of high-upside, low-risk option the Cubs tend to target. Other possibilities include former Mets reliever Ryne Stanek and Michael Kopech, who also spent time with the Dodgers.
This isn’t a front office that chases headlines in December. They stay in their lane, trust their evaluations, and target pitchers they believe can outperform their contracts. It’s a strategy that’s had its ups and downs, but overall, it’s kept the Cubs competitive without tying them to long-term bullpen liabilities.
With Fairbanks now in Miami and the Cubs sticking to their script, don’t expect a sudden pivot. If anything, the next bullpen move will likely be another calculated, cost-effective addition-just the way this front office likes it.