Bold Adrian Morejon prediction could define Cubs' entire offseason

Starting pitching will be the primary focus for Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs this offseason but, in a market most expect will move quickly prior to the anticipated Dec. 2 lockout, the front office can ill-afford to turn a blind eye to the bullpen or outfield needs.

Among the eight players to receive a qualifying offer was Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki, who is set to cash in this winter as one of the top bats on the market. Joining him on that list is left-hander Adrián Morejón, who has cemented his place as one of the game's top late-inning arms at the back of the San Diego Padres bullpen over the last few years.

Both will certainly be able to beat the $23.15 million value of the qualifying offer, but it at least offers the Cubs and Padres something for their respective losses. Assuming both decline the QO, they'll hit free agency and, over at MLB Trade Rumors, the team believes Morejón will find his new home on the North Side.

Adrian Morejón prediction would put Cubs in uncharted free agent waters

Two of the three MLBTR experts predict the Cubs will land Morejón this winter (with the dissenter saying he goes to the Dodgers) on what would be the largest free-agent deal in franchise history for a reliever (five years, $80 million).

To give you some context, the Cubs have only ever given seven free-agent deals larger than that in their 150-year history. It would represent a stark departure from Hoyer's traditional way of doing business, but the team's need in the bullpen couldn't be clearer and he's surely looking to bounce back after striking out in a big way last winter.

The problem with the Cubs' bullpen in 2026 was everyone was forced into a higher-leverage role than they were suited for in. A prime example was Jacob Webb, who went on an impressive run as the team's closer, then hitting a rough patch late in the summer. Hoyer already brought him back for 2027, but he should be more of a seventh-inning guy than your ninth-inning option.

Adding Morejón as the team's closer would answer a longstanding question the Cubs have grappled with for what's felt like the better part of a decade and bring much-needed stability to the ninth inning. The left-hander put up laughably dominant numbers (11.2 K/9, 2.37 FIP, 86 IP) with the Friars this year and, given he doesn't turn 28 until next year, a five-year contract, while expensive, may not be the huge risk that long-term deals with relievers can sometimes be.

If nothing else, it's a risk that's very much worth taking if you're Hoyer and the Cubs. Because the bargain bin approach to bullpen-building can only get you so far - and the time for half-measures is over.

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