It’s well documented that the Chicago Cubs bullpen struggled during the 2026 season. 

President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer failed to revamp that bullpen last offseason, and it desperately hurt the Cubs throughout the 2026 campaign. 

The backend of Chicago’s bullpen was shaky most of the year, especially after Daniel Palencia went to the injured list with an elbow injury. When Palencia returned later in the season, he simply wasn’t the same. 

After rotating closers in the second half, that should be an area of focus for the Cubs this coming offseason. Here are three closers the front office should target for next season. 

David Bednar is easily the best available closer on the free agent market this offseason. The two-time All-Star has been a reliable closer over the past few years, which included another strong all-around campaign in 2026. 

Bednar posted a 2.47 ERA, 1.038 WHIP, 76 strikeouts, and 35 saves across 69 ⅓ innings with the New York Yankees. Those 35 saves were the second-most of his career, and his most in a season since his 39-save season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023.  

While the Yankees could extend the qualifying offer to him this offseason, Bednar should be at the top of the Cubs’ wish list. He would be the perfect closer for a Cubs team that is expected to be competitive again in 2027. 

Raisel Iglesias signed a one-year, $16 million deal with the Atlanta Braves last offseason to return. Iglesias will now be back in free agency one year later and looking for a potential multi-year deal. 

The Cubs should be all over Iglesias in free agency. The veteran closer posted very similar numbers to Bednar this past season, posting a 2.55 ERA, 1.083 WHIP, 64 strikeouts, and 34 saves across 60 innings pitched.  

If the Cubs are serious about adding a closer this offseason, they can’t go wrong with either Bednar or Iglesias. Both are veteran closers with plenty of success in that role. 

If the Cubs miss out on Bednar and Iglesias this offseason, they could pivot to a cheaper closer option in Pete Fairbanks. Fairbanks didn’t have a great 2026 campaign, but his prior success in this role could appeal to Chicago. 

The 32-year-old right-hander posted a 6.31 ERA, 1.355 WHIP, 57 strikeouts, and 19 saves in 41 ⅓ innings with the Miami Marlins in 2026. The season before that, though, Fairbanks had a 2.83 ERA and 27 saves with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Fairbanks could be the classic “buy-low” option for the Cubs following a disappointing 2026 season. He wouldn’t cost as much as the other closers on this list and would solve the closer need in the front office’s mind.