The Chicago Cubs entered the Winter Meetings with clear interest in the closer market, signaling a possible shift toward a more aggressive approach to MLB free agency this offseason. With the bullpen needing stability for 2026, the club has kept its attention on several late-inning arms, including Robert Suarez , who stands out as one of the most proven options available.

Chicago’s search comes at an important moment for a club that showed flashes in 2025 but lacked a consistent ninth-inning anchor. Moving Porter Hodge into a flexible setup role could strengthen high-leverage innings, while protecting arms returning from injury. The Cubs believe a veteran presence would help push them deeper into October, making the closer market a priority as discussions continue at the Winter Meet

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