Checking in on the Cubs’ free agents and where they have signed so far

With Christmas now in the rearview mirror, the halfway point of the offseason is (roughly) upon us.

The Chicago Cubs have been relatively active, though none of their moves registered as the kind of blockbuster addition fans have been waiting for.

With about six weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report, let's review where every Cubs free agent who hit the market has landed, including those who remain unsigned.

Updating the status of every Cubs free agent in the 2025-26 offseason

Players who are still unsigned

The big one here is obviously Kyle Tucker, and it sounds like his colder-than-expected market could push him back toward Chicago. If we're being realistic, though, he's still likely as good as gone.

Other notable free agents that are still lingering include utility man Willi Castro, swingman Aaron Civale, and clubhouse legend Justin Turner. None appear particularly likely to come back, though low-risk reunions can never be completely ruled out as players remained unsigned heading toward spring training.

The team's other unsigned free agents are Reese McGuire, Carlos Santana, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan, Ryan Pressly, and Jon Berti.

Players who remained with the Cubs

This list technically goes two deep, as Caleb Thielbar re-signed with the Cubs on a one-year deal after proving to be an effective LOOGY option out of the bullpen in 2025.

The other free agent that re-signed is Shota Imanaga, who, after both sides declines contract options, opted to stay with the Cubs on the qualifying offer. It's a one-year deal, so that means we're all due for a reprisal of his contract drama next year if he plays well.

Players who have signed with other teams

This is a shockingly long list already, though such is life when you build a bullpen on a year-to-year basis.

The biggest loss was set-up man Brad Keller, who signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. As one of the biggest looming threats in the National League, there's a non-zero chance that Keller plays a key role in a playoff series against the Cubs.

Ill-advised trade deadline pickup Michael Soroka joined the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year contract, though he appears slated to join their depleted rotation after pitching primarily out of the bullpen in his (very) short stint with the Cubs.

Breakout sensation Drew Pomeranz followed him west and signed with the Los Angeles Angels for $4 million, which was an unfortunate consequence of the Cubs signing Thielbar and fellow southpaw Hoby Milner.

Nate Pearson (Astros) and Keegan Thompson (Reds) were the other major-league signings of the group, both inking one-year deals for about $1.3 million. Nicky Lopez also technically left the Cubs for the Rockies, though he signed a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

With so many unsigned free agents still on the board, Keller and Pomeranz represent the biggest losses thus far. Hopefully, the Cubs can ensure the talent they bring in this offseason is greater than the talent they'll lose.