Minutes after Cubs miss on Brad Keller, bullpen plan B signs elsewhere

Once a Brad Keller reunion with the Chicago Cubs was ruled out, Keller signing a multi-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, one fallback option that immediately came to mind was former New York Yankees relief pitcher Luke Weaver. Weaver has closing experience and should be within the Cubs' financial reach, but he has already been taken off the market.

Minutes after Keller's deal with the Phillies was reported, Weaver reportedly signed a two-year deal with the New York Mets worth $22 million. Ironically, it's the same money that Keller got from the Phillies.

Free-agent closing options are drying up for the Cubs as they look to round out their bullpen.

With Keller having an interest in returning to the Cubs, it feels like had Chicago had a similar offer on the table, he would be returning to Craig Counsell's bullpen instead of making his way to Philadelphia. The Cubs were never directly connected to Weaver this offseason, but considering the wide net they have cast, it stands to reason they had some general interest.

Bullpen help has been the focus for the Cubs throughout the first two months of the offseason. The result has been the North Siders bringing in Phil Maton and Hoby Milner while also reuniting with Caleb Thielbar on a one-year deal.

There's no question that the Cubs' bullpen is in better shape than it was at the start of the offseason, but they need another high-leverage arm. Ideally, it would be a veteran who also has closing experience.

With Keller and Weaver now off the board, Pete Fairbanks remains the best option on the free-agent market. Though considering the precedent that has been set with the Cubs capping their interest when the price extends beyond their comfort zone, it's hard to point to Jed Hoyer and Co. as the group to sign the former Tampa Bay Rays closer.

Rehabbing reliever Evan Phillips could be an option. Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to be ready during the closing months of the 2026 season. If the Cubs are looking for a buy-low option. Phillips would check that box.