Marlins just took a bullpen option right off the Cubs’ offseason wishlist

The Chicago Cubs' signing of Jacob Webb felt like confirmation that the team wasn't going to be signing Former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, and that has proved to be the case. The Athletic's Will Sammon reports that the Miami Marlins have signed Fairbanks.

ESPN's Jeff Passan adds that Fairbanks' deal with the Marlins is for one year and is worth $13 million. Recently, there was speculation that Fairbanks' injury history could be one of the reasons why he wasn't going to top the $11 million club option the Rays declined at the start of the offseason. Ironically, it was believed that the Marlins were among the teams that were hesitant to pay that price.

With Pete Fairbanks off the market, the Cubs are likely done with major moves in the bullpen.

Considering the Cubs weren't willing to match the two-year deal that Brad Keller signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, carrying an AAV of $11 million, it's no surprise that they weren't the suitor for Fairbanks.

The Cubs have spent the early months of the offseason looking for bargains in the bullpen. The Cubs have signed Webb, Phil Maton, and Hoby Milner to deals that all carry an AAV under $10 million. Not to mention, they brought back Caleb Thielbar for less than $5 million. Spending the last two years being burned by pricier additions such as Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly, the Cubs may have wanted to avoid a similar mistake this offseason.

While the Cubs may not be done adding to their bullpen before spring training, they likely will turn their attention to reclamation projects.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be ready near the second half of the 2026 season. He could be an option the Cubs consider, along with former New York Mets relief pitcher Ryne Stanek and former Dodger Michael Kopech.

The Cubs' front office is nothing if not stubborn, and their bullpen ideology is proof of that. It's rare for the team to extend beyond their comfort zone for free-agent relief pitchers, and for the most part, their strategy has been successful. The hope is they continue that success in 2026.