MLB Rumors: Cubs interested in top reliever on free agent market

Jed Hoyer knows the Cubs roster isn’t a finished product.

“We’re definitely focused on the bullpen, on our bench,” Hoyer said Friday before the start of the Cubs convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. “Try to add to the squad as much as possible the rest of the way.

“A lot of good players are still out there and we will probably work on that leading up to our report and maybe even after.”

(Where the Cubs’ bullpen stands two months before Opening Day)

On the relief front, the Cubs have added a lot of volume — but they still lack some experience. But they could be looking for a big fish to fill that role. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the team remains one of the top candidates for left guard Tanner Scott.

Scott was one of the best relievers in baseball last year. He had a 1.75 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 72 appearances for Miami and San Diego, recording 22 saves. He was part of a six-player blockbuster transfer from the Marlins to the Padres.

This is his second straight year of posting strong relief numbers. In 2023 with Miami, he had a 2.31 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 74 appearances. He has 55 career saves – 54 of them since 2022.

The Cubs have made the effort to stock their bullpen with plenty of weapons. But they lack real closure. Porter Hodge evolved into this role in his rookie season in 2024, making 9 saves. On the 40-man roster, Hodge has the most saves of any other pitcher.

Adding Scott would solidify that spot and give manager Craig Counsell plenty of options to rely on in leverage situations. Behind Hodge, Counsell relied on right-handers Tyson Miller and Nate Pearson. The team added veteran options this offseason in left-handers Caleb Thielbar and Eli Morgan, among others.