The Chicago Cubs have taken another significant step in their mission to reconstruct their relief pitching staff this offseason. The franchise has successfully agreed to terms with experienced right-handed pitcher Jacob Webb on a one-year contract. The deal notably includes a club option for the 2027 season, providing the team with valuable future flexibility.
Contract Details and Strategic Fit
This signing is a clear continuation of the philosophy championed by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. His approach focuses on acquiring dependable and cost-effective bullpen arms while deliberately avoiding lengthy, expensive commitments. The financials of Webb's contract reflect this strategy perfectly.
The agreement guarantees Webb $1.5 million for the 2026 season, with performance-based incentives that could increase his earnings to $2 million. The club option for 2027 is valued at $2.5 million, with the potential to reach $3 million through bonuses. Represented by KHG Sports Management, Webb joins a growing list of new arrivals in the Cubs' bullpen. Importantly, no immediate 40-man roster move is required due to existing vacancies.
Jacob Webb's Profile and Recent Performance
At 32 years old, Jacob Webb brings a track record of remarkable consistency to the North Side. He is coming off three consecutive strong campaigns. In the 2025 season with the World Series champion Texas Rangers, Webb was a reliable workhorse, posting a solid 3.00 ERA across 66 innings in 55 appearances.
His underlying numbers were equally impressive, featuring a stellar 1.03 WHIP and 58 strikeouts against only 19 walks. A key strength is his ability to induce weak contact; his hard-hit rate ranked among the best in the league at limiting damaging contact.
Over the past three seasons, Webb has maintained an ERA of 3.69 or lower while pitching a minimum of 53 innings each year. His career ERA stands at an excellent 2.99 across parts of six major league seasons. Despite his steady results, Webb has journeyed through several organizations, including the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and most recently, the Rangers.
Interestingly, the Rangers chose not to tender him a contract last month despite a projected $2 million arbitration salary, a decision that allowed the Cubs to secure him on a team-friendly deal. Webb becomes the third former 2025 Texas Ranger to join the Cubs this winter, following relievers Phil Maton and Hoby Milner.
Building the New-Look Cubs Bullpen
Jed Hoyer's blueprint for constructing a competitive bullpen is now clearly visible. He prefers a mix of affordable one-year agreements, strategic trades, and minor league signings over committing huge, long-term salaries to relievers.
With the addition of Webb, the Cubs' offseason bullpen acquisitions include:
- Jacob Webb (One-year deal with 2027 option)
- Phil Maton (Two-year contract)
- Hoby Milner (One-year, $3.75 million deal)
- Caleb Thielbar (Re-signed with a $4.5 million guarantee)
These seasoned veterans are expected to form the core, joining holdover Daniel Palencia, who emerged as a trusted high-leverage option during the 2025 season. Furthermore, young pitchers like Porter Hodge, Ethan Roberts, and Luke Little will have opportunities to compete for roster spots during Spring Training, with many possessing minor league options for added roster flexibility.
While Chicago may still seek additional depth, the foundation of their 2026 relief corps is rapidly taking shape. The strategy emphasizes pitchers who excel at contact management, a philosophy designed to work in synergy with the team's defensive strengths. This methodical rebuild under Hoyer aims to create a deep, effective, and financially sensible bullpen for the upcoming campaign.
