Odds are the Chicago Cubs' bullpen in 2026 will look quite different from what it looked like during the team's playoff run this season. As it stands, Daniel Palencia is the only high-leverage relief pitcher who is certain to be with the Cubs next season. Outside of Andrew Kittredge's $9MM club option, the rest of the experienced relievers from the Cubs' 2025 bullpen are all set to become free agents.
It seems that the Cubs will make overtures to see what it would take to bring Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar back, but re-signing veteran relief pitchers hasn't been common practice for Jed Hoyer's front office.