5 free agent closers the Cubs could sign this offseason

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One of the Chicago Cubs' most glaring weaknesses has been the back of the bullpen, especially since Adbert Alzolay hit the injured list earlier this year. Alzolay served as the primary closer in 2023 but looked like a shell of his former self before getting sidelined.

Even if the Cubs end up selling or not making the playoffs this year, they are in a position to compete in 2025 and adding a legitimate closer with more experience and ability than Alzolay should be a top priority. The team has blown 17 save opportunities this year. Converting even half of those could have made a massive difference in the tight NL Central division race. The team cannot enter 2025 without an experienced arm for the ninth inning, and luckily there are a lot of options.

Below are five closing pitchers the Cubs could target in free agency this winter.

1. RHP Kenley Jansen

Although he will be going into his age 37 season, Kenley Jansen is still a solid option given his track record and continued success into the latter part of his career. The Boston Red Sox closer currently has a 2.16 ERA on the season, with 19 saves, 25 games finished, and 38 strikeouts. Although he doesn't throw as hard as he used to, Jansen is proving to still be more than capable of being a top closer in the game and he's remained relatively healthy to boot. Since 2021, Jansen has only made two brief trips to the injured list, and one of them did not even involve his arm or shoulder (irregular heartbeat).

Because of his age, Jansen would likely accept a shorter-term deal for two or three years. He would be a reliable option whose bad outings are very few and far between. His 439 career saves currently rank fifth all-time in MLB history, and his presence would bring much-needed experience and consistency to the back of Chicago's bullpen.

2. RHP Clay Holmes

On the other side of the famous Northeast rivalry is Clay Holmes, who has served as the New York Yankees closer for the last three seasons. This is a role Holmes has excelled in, as he has so far collected 65 saves, 211 strikeouts, and a 2.56 ERA. At 31 years old and coming from a team that historically overpays to keep their top players around, it would definitely be more challenging for the Cubs to pry Holmes away from New York.

But his resume as a closer and his pitch mix are worth pursuing at the very least, as Holmes' sinker slider mix induces a lot of soft contact. Since he became a closer in 2022, Holmes' has posted a groundball percentage of 69.8%, which is second in MLB among relief pitchers in that time period (minimum 100 IP). Inducing that much soft contact bodes well on paper for the Cubs' infield defense, which consists of gold glovers Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, as well as first baseman Michael Busch who has been a more than capable defender.

While Holmes is an unlikely option, he should at least be on the Cubs' radar given their need for a ninth-inning hurler.

3. LHP Tanner Scott

The most attractive option, in my opinion, is current Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott. At 29 years old, Scott is the youngest player on this list and one of the hardest throwers. His fastball has averaged out at 96 mph this year, which has yielded an impressive 31.7 strikeout percentage over his last two seasons. Scott has also led all MLB relievers in fWAR since the start of 2023 while posting a 2.00 ERA with 25 saves in 117 innings pitched in that time.

The relatively low amount of saves from Scott is mostly due to the Miami Marlins not giving him many opportunities, especially in 2024. But the southpaw is more than capable of the ninth-inning role and he will be one of the most sought-after relievers on the market this offseason for good reason. Scott will likely demand a hefty multi-year contract, but the Cubs have a decent chunk of money coming off their payroll to meet the number.

4. RHP Kirby Yates

One of the more intriguing options on this list is Kirby Yates, who is also the oldest player and will be entering his age 38 season in 2025. Yates missed the entirety of 2021 and most of 2022 because of Tommy John surgery, but stormed back on the scene with the Atlanta Braves last year. He posted a 3.28 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 60.1 innings while keeping opponents to a .167 batting average.

Yates has remarkably kept the momentum going and emerged as the primary closer for the Texas Rangers this year. Although the Rangers have significantly regressed after their World Series win in 2023, Yates has not only been a bright spot but he's been nothing short of stellar for the team. He has converted all 16 of his save opportunities, struck out 46 hitters in 34.1 innings and posted an ERA of 1.05. His work this year has also garnered him his second career All-Star appearance.

Yates is set to hit free agency after 2024 and he should be heavily considered given his performance and track record. Before closing for Texas, Yates recorded 53 saves for the San Diego Padres from 2018-2019. Although his fastball only tops out a 93 mph, he has proven to still have what it takes to close out ballgames even after his injuries.

5. RHP Carlos Estevez

If the team wants to opt for a bit more velocity, Carlos Estevez would be a better option. The 6'6' righty boasts a fastball that averages at 96 mph which is complemented by a nasty slider. Estevez is only 31 years old right now and has been the main closer for the Los Angeles Angels since the beginning of last year, compiling 47 saves in that time. He is also currently compiling his best major league season, with a 2.61 ERA and 17 saves on the year so far.

The big man pitches with a lot of confidence on a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2014. Before getting traded to Los Angeles, Estevez spent the beginning of his career with the Colorado Rockies where he only made one brief playoff appearance in 2017. If he comes to a team that is looking to compete like the Cubs, I believe he would thrive and slot into the back of Chicago's bullpen seamlessly.

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