Cubs Rumors: First bullpen signing could be under-the-radar overseas closer

The Chicago Cubs don't have a dire need in the bullpen this offseason, considering they already have a solid base in place for 2027 with Daniel Palencia, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Ryan Rolison among those under team control. Still, it wouldn't be a complete surprise if the Cubs were in the market for a high-leverage reliever, and Adrian Morejon is someone who makes complete sense. A Morejon pursuit is possible, but it seems that the Cubs have found their first bullpen project of the offseason.

Unconfirmed reports have linked the Cubs to Taiwan closer Jyun-Yue Tseng. Tseng has previously filed for international free agency, and one report suggest that the Cubs are interested. More details suggest that it would be a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. For now, this remans speculation, but it's possible that the Cubs have found their latest project for the pitching staff.

Considering that it's rare for a player to make the jump from the CPBL to MLB, it would make sense that a deal between the Cubs and Tseng would be of the minor-league variety. The idea being that the Cubs would get Tseng into the organization first before determining next steps.

Jyung-Yue Tseng could be a creative way for the Chicago Cubs to find bullpen help

Tseng made his debut int he CPBL in 2021 when he was 19 years old. In six professional seasons, he's posted an ERA of 2.36 with 342 strikeouts. He's been dominated this year, posting an ERA of 1.57 while striking out over 32% of the hitters he faced. Tseng's fastball also sits in the upper-90s.

An exact profile on Tseng is difficult to construct, considering the lack of exposure the CPBL has. He did have two scoreless outings with Chinese Taipei during the World Baseball Classic this spring, but overall, he has 5.40 ERA across three different runs in the tournament.

On the surface, it seems like a chance for the Cubs to add a relief pitcher with a fastball in the upper-90s and an ability to miss bats. There hasn't been much made of his free-agent status, so that is a sign for Cubs fans to have cautious expectations. It's a gamble, and there's no telling if Tseng ever actually makes it to the big-league club.

Of course, if the signing is made official or gains more traction, more details could become available.

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