The Chicago Cubs have their work cut out for them. After making decisions on tendering and non-tendering contracts on Friday, the team (unofficially) signed Phil Maton to a two-year contract. Maton, Devin Williams, Pete Fairbanks, Edwin Diaz, Ryan Helsley, Robert Suarez, and Maton have been a few of the top late-inning relievers available in this winter’s free agency class.
A new report reveals the Cubs aren’t done adding impressive relief arms. The report details multiple arms on the Cubs’ radar; several are listed above.
Chicago Cubs Aren’t Done After Signing Phil Maton
At the time of this writing, the Cubs’ reliever depth chart has Daniel Palencia, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and Porter Hodge. Now, I’m not the fastest swing in the batters’ box, but that’s a few arms short of a functioning bullpen.
However, if a recent report is to be believed, more arms are on the way after Maton. Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, who broke the Maton news, has revealed that the Cubs aren’t done adding the best relievers available.
“I’m here to tell you today that they aren’t done yet,” Cerami reported on November 22, 2025. “According to a source, the Cubs remain engaged in the impact free-agent relief market even after signing Phil Maton last night. Nothing is thought to be close, but Maton won’t likely be their only established relief signing this offseason.”
“In fact, it sounds like they’re aiming even higher than Maton for their next target.”
Maton has been linked to other contending teams this offseason (the Toronto Blue Jays being one team). Who else could the Cubs be looking at? Cerami offered some thoughts on a few potential targets.
“I do think you can keep open the possibility of a Craig Counsell reunion with Devin Williams,” Cerami revealed. “Or perhaps a Cubs reunion with Brad Keller. Other pitchers in this tier include Pete Fairbanks, who’s already been connected to the Cubs this offseason, and Ryan Helsley, who’s saved 70 games over the past two seasons (3rd most in MLB), though most of those came in 2024.”
How High Are the Cubs Aiming?
Cerami ruled out the possibility of the Cubs signing either Diaz or Suarez. However, until those players sign a new contract, anything can happen.
As stated above, the Cubs could have their eyes on Williams, Fairbanks, Helsley, or a return of Brad Keller. Each of these pitchers makes sense to one degree or another. However, there are a few other arms that could be added to valuable contracts, not the “splashy” names floating around.
Kenley Jensen, 38, is a veteran closer who proved that he still had juice in 2025. He has earned at least 20 saves in 13 of his 16 years in the MLB and could provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse. In 2025, he was tied for the ninth-most saves among all relievers, with 29.
Another available veteran arm is Emilio Pagan. The 34-year-old recorded 32 saves, 81 strikeouts, a 0.92 WHIP to go along with a 2.88 ERA across 68.2 innings.
Cubs the Frontrunners For Williams?
The one name that won’t go away is Williams. The Athletic recently noted that Williams was the Milwaukee Brewers‘ closer when he and current Cubs manager Craig Counsell were with the team.
A reunion shouldn’t be ruled out entirely, but it’s unlikely.
One way or another, the Cubs appear to be headstrong in improving their bullpen. Time will tell what exactly that looks like.
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