Why Adrian Morejon Should Be the Cubs’ Top Free-Agent Priority
Much of the pre-Wild Card discussion around the Chicago Cubs’ matchup with the San Diego Padres centered on one critical factor: the Friars’ bullpen. San Diego entered the postseason with one of baseball’s best relief units, top-five in ERA and top-two in FIP, anchored by the highest-profile reliever in the game in Mason Miller. Their depth and dominance raised obvious questions about whether the Cubs — and specifically general manager Jed Hoyer — could compete in this arms race. The answer, unfortunately, leaned heavily toward no. But the Series also served as a reminder that a genuine fix may be waiting in free agency: Adrian Morejon.
A Bullpen That Fell Short
Hoyer’s offseason plans unraveled in ways few anticipated. The free-agent signings of Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Hoby Milner, and Caleb Thielbar all failed to produce, while Daniel Palencia battled injuries for much of the year. The organization’s typical reclamation projects — a staple of Hoyer’s approach — largely dried up, with Ryan Rolison’s 3.14 ERA the lone bright spot. Jacob Webb kept things respectable through the first half before a sudden surge in home runs pushed his ERA and FIP to 3.36 and 4.03 respectively.
The final tally was ugly: a middle-of-the-pack 3.90 ERA overshadowed by a bottom-five 4.59 FIP. Despite Hoyer spending more than usual — including a two-year, $14.5 million commitment to Maton — the relief corps frequently felt like an anchor dragging down an otherwise strong roster. That reality should not trap Hoyer into his usual comfort zone; it should push him toward the one arm that makes sense for this team.
Adrian Morejon: The Arm That Fits
Before the trade deadline, when San Diego was noncommittal about deals, Morejon was widely rumored as one of Chicago’s top rental targets for good reason. The lefty gives the Northside something it has historically valued — a swingman capable of bridging to the closer — while also addressing a glaring velocity need at the back end of the bullpen. His fastball averages 99.4 mph, a meaningful upgrade over what the Cubs have had available.
Morejon’s 2025 numbers are difficult to ignore: a 2.83 ERA and 2.37 FIP, both in the top tier of relievers industry-wide. His 8% walk rate sits well within acceptable range, and he ranks in the 90th percentile or better across hard-hit rate, whiff rate, and velocity. The most compelling pieces, though, are his strikeout rate (30.4%, 93rd percentile) and ground-ball rate (58%, 98th percentile). Paired with the returning Palencia and Ryan Zeferjahn, that trio could finally give Chicago a back end capable of missing bats and inducing weak contact.
A Natural Fit at Wrigley
Morejon’s extreme ground-ball profile makes him ideally suited for Wrigley Field’s unpredictable weather and the Cubs’ historically strong defense. Chicago led the league in defensive runs saved (115), outs above average (74), and fielding run value (72) this season. Their infield of Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, and Michael Busch is locked in through at least 2029, giving Morejon a stable ecosystem to thrive in.
Few pitchers in relief — or the rotation — address this team’s weaknesses while amplifying its strengths so directly. Morejon has been consistently elite since establishing himself as a regular in 2024, never posting an ERA above 2.83. He will be only 28 next season, and he has already proven his clutch mettle: he allowed zero runs across 4â…“ innings in last year’s Wild Card series.
The Money Question
The real obstacle is whether Chicago is willing to pay for it. One MLB executive told FanSided the deal could reach four years and $60 million — a figure that would dwarf any contract Hoyer has ever handed out, even dwarfing his serious pursuit of Tanner Scott. For a reliever, that is unprecedented money, and the risk of a dip in performance over a multi-year deal is real.
Yet context matters. Morejon’s ground-ball rate, velocity profile, and age curve suggest he has the tools to sustain this level longer than the typical reliever. If the Cubs are eliminated on Wednesday and Morejon helps San Diego close out the 2025 season, the lesson should be unmistakable: this is the arm to build around. Hoyer’s philosophy on bullpen volatility is generally sound, but this is the exception that proves the rule.
What Comes Next
Adrian Morejon will be one of the most intriguing free agents on the market, and the Cubs are arguably his best fit in baseball. Whether Hoyer and ownership are willing to break from their usual approach and commit long-term money to a reliever remains the open question. What is not open to debate is that Chicago’s 2025 bullpen left too much on the table — and Morejon represents the clearest path to closing that gap.
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