The Cubs lost several relievers to free agency after the 2025 season, which made rebuilding the bullpen one of Jed Hoyer’s top priorities this winter. The starting rotation is also a focus, but locating one arm is much easier than multiple, especially when juggling the financial constraints that have been present over the last several offseasons. Two of the most appealing options in free agency, Brad Keller and Luke Weaver, both found new teams last week, making the search for impact arms much harder.
Keller signed a two-year deal with the Phillies, and his departure was met with extreme disappointment across the Cubs’ fanbase.