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Cubs’ next bullpen gamble could come from an overlooked former Dodgers arm

Michael Kopech would be a great fit for the Cubs if he's healthy
ByRich Eberwein
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Jun 11, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech (45) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
Jun 11, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech (45) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It doesn't look like the Chicago Cubs will dip into the expensive end of the free agent reliever market. ESPN's Jeff Passan is skeptical about the team's overall willingness to spend money this offseason, and the relief pitching market feels a little rich for Jed Hoyer's blood. Righty Evan Phillips - who hasn't pitched a full season since 2024 - just landed a three-year deal worth $35 million.

If someone like Phillips (3.46 ERA across 26 innings in 2026) can land a lucrative multi-year deal, the Cubs are likely out of the conversation when it comes to the higher end of the market. Guys like Adrian Morejon, David Bednar, and Sean Newcomb have much more negotiating leverage than Phillips. And after the Cubs got burned on Phil Maton's contract last year, I don't expect them to make a big splash to help the bullpen.

That doesn't mean the Cubs won't sign anyone though, and a former Chicago pitcher recently came back on the radar.

Michael Kopech could be an intriguing Cubs target

Marquee Network's Bruce Levine recently reported that Michael Kopech will be throwing for scouts this weekend, and the Cubs should at least kick the tires. Kopech, 30, spent all of 2026 rehabbing from a knee injury. After struggling as a starting pitcher with the White Sox, Kopech unlocked something as a reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Between 2024-25, Kopech posted a 1.54 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 35 innings out of the Dodgers' bullpen before going down with his knee issue. If his throwing session goes well, Kopech is worth a minor-league contract or maybe even a one-year, prove-it deal worth around $1 million. It's a low-risk, high-reward move that the Cubs have thrived on with their bullpen situation in the 2020s.

But if Kopech still has his velocity, which averaged 97.5 mph in 2025, he could be a real weapon and one the Cubs need. Kopech is also no stranger to high-leverage spots, with 30 holds and 15 saves in his career. Plus, he would contribute to the Cubs' goal of adding more velocity across their organization as a whole.

I would prefer it if the team would just bite the bullet and sign someone like Bednar to be the closer. After blowing 28 saves last season, the bullpen needs stability. But after following this team for decades, I just don't think they're willing to do it since a lot of their cash needs to go to the starting rotation. I can live with it since the bullpen has Daniel Palencia, Ryan Zeferjahn, Ryan Rollison, and Jacob Webb coming back. Plus injured players like Riley Martin, Porter Hodge, and Maton hopefully coming back.

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