The Chicago Cubs’ front office and coaching staff have made it clear that the team is still actively working on building their roster for the 2025 season, signaling their intent to further improve the team. As the offseason progresses, there’s growing frustration among fans, who are eager to see the Cubs secure high-impact players, especially with several key free agents still available on the market.
There are numerous areas where the Cubs are focusing their efforts this winter. They have openly stated their desire to add another quality starting pitcher to the rotation, and they’ve been actively pursuing additional depth in both the infield and behind the plate at catcher. However, one of the most pressing needs remains in the bullpen, particularly in the closer role.
Last season, the Cubs lacked a definitive, proven shutdown closer. While 23-year-old Porter Hodge stepped up toward the end of the 2024 season and performed admirably in the role, saving 9 games with a solid 1.88 ERA in 39 appearances, the bullpen still left much to be desired. The Cubs lost several winnable games late in the contests, often due to struggles in closing out games. As a team that aims to contend for the postseason, it’s essential for the Cubs to secure an established closer who can reliably handle high-leverage situations. While Hodge showed promise, he’s still developing and isn’t yet at the level of a proven closer.
To bolster their bullpen, the Cubs have already made some moves this offseason. They traded for Eli Morgan from the Cleveland Guardians and signed free agents Caleb Thielbar and Colin Rea, as well as other depth pieces. These moves have likely solidified the middle relief roles, but the final puzzle piece remains: a proven closer.
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy recently addressed the closer situation during an appearance on 670 The Score’s Mully and Haugh Show, emphasizing that the team is far from done shaping their roster. Hottovy acknowledged that while it’s already mid-January, the Cubs are still actively working to improve their bullpen and raise the overall level of their pitching staff.
This leaves the question of who the Cubs will pursue to fill the closer role. Free agents such as Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Kyle Finnegan, and Kenley Jansen are all still available, though there’s been little public indication that the Cubs are in talks with any of them. Among these options, Scott stands out as a reliable closer but likely comes with a hefty price tag and would require a multi-year commitment.
Another potential avenue could be a trade, with some reports suggesting a possible deal with the San Diego Padres for closer Robert Suarez. Suarez, who would be a one-year rental, is a compelling option, especially for a Cubs team that has shown interest in bolstering its roster through trades rather than committing significant financial resources to the free agent market. A trade for Suarez could involve a prospect or a young, major-league-ready pitcher like Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks, or Ben Brown.
While the Cubs have ample payroll flexibility, their preference for acquiring talent through trade this offseason, rather than pursuing high-cost free agents, could influence their strategy for securing a closer. Regardless of the method, it seems clear that the Cubs are determined to acquire a reliable shutdown closer before the start of the 2025 season. The only question that remains is who they will target and when they’ll make their move, with pitchers and catchers set to report in just under a month.
