Cubs may finally get Jed Hoyer's elusive bullpen target thanks to Tigers

Over the years, it's felt like Kenley Jansen would eventually land with the Chicago Cubs. As the Cubs have looked for bullpen help, it's felt like their paths would eventually cross paths with Jansen, He had stops with the Red Sox, Angels, and Tigers, and while he's certainly not what he once was, his career track record almost always ensures that he lands a job. The Cubs will have another opportunity this offseason.

The Tigers declined Jansen's $12 million option for the 2027 season, making him a free agent. Jansen turned 39 this past September, but he's two saves away from reaching 500 for his career. Nonetheless, it feels like a certainty that he will look to sign elsewhere this offseason.

On the surface, one wouldn't think much of Jansen's production with the Tigers this past season. He posted a 3.20 ERA across 50 appearances, striking out over 28% of the hitters he faced. The problem is that he has six blown saves, walked over 12% of the hitters he faced, and had a FIP of 4.46. Jansen is ticketed for the Hall of Fame once his career is over, but any team that signs him should be aware that he's more luck in his current form than the dominant closer he once was with the Dodgers.

Kenley Jansen shouldn't be a priority, but he might fit into the Cubs' bullpen plans

The Cubs are in an unique position when it comes to constructing their bullpen this offseason. Most of the pieces are already in place, and it would seem likely that one of Ryan Zeferjahn or Daniel Palencia emerge as the full-time closer by the end of the 2027 season. Cubs may finally get Jed Hoyer's dream target thanks to Tigers also gives them an effective option for the middle-to-late innings of game.

Still, the Cubs could use another high-leverage option in the bullpen. Adrian Morejon certainly would be the best fit for what the Cubs need, but the latest contract predicition from MLB Trade Rumors has him landing a five-year deal worth $80 million.

With the Cubs having to fill multiple spots in their starting rotation, going to that level for Morejon feels like it would be too rich for them. That could put Jansen is on their radar, considering he's not likely to receive anything more than a one-year deal for no more than the $11 million he made last year.

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