Chicago Cubs: 3 under-the-radar free agents worth pursuing

The Chicago Cubs got to Game Five of the NLDS last season, in their first playoff appearance since 2020, while posting their first postseason wins since 2017. Ultimately, though, the team’s deficiencies became painfully evident as the postseason progressed.

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Headed into 2026, the Cubs are looking to fill holes and fortify the roster for another playoff run and, hopefully, a more legit shot at a championship. Among the team’s needs/wants are starting pitching depth (preferably, a front-of-rotation arm), bullpen strength, and a re-tooled bench to ease the heavy load that weighed down their starters last season.

So far, however, the Cubs’ offseason has been more characterized by who they’ve lost than who they’ve acquired as big-named pursuits Dylan Cease and Devin Williams signed elsewhere and other rumored targets have yet to be reeled in. As of right now, the Cubs’ offseason haul consists of free agent relievers Phil Maton and Hoby Milner, the returning Shota Imanaga, re-signed reliever Caleb Thielbar, and backup first baseman Tyler Austin.

As time passes and players are scooped up by other teams, there’s a legit fear that Chicago may whiff entirely and come away this winter, not only minus four-time All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker, but also without any of the big talents they need.

But there are actually some under-the-radar signings to be made that could not only fulfill the Cubs’ immediate needs, but also keep a significant amount of money in the till in case a deal can be made with a high-end free agent star. Here’s a look at three quality bargain buys for a competitive Cubs team:

Rob Refsnyder as an outfield super sub

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It looks like the right-handed outfield sub will be leaving the Boston Red Sox after four seasons of establishing himself as one of the better fourth outfielders in the majors, with a .276 batting average and an OPS of .804 in 809 at bats over his run in Boston.

The 34-year-old, 10-year veteran has hit a tick over .300 against lefties the last two seasons and could help solidify efforts against southpaw pitching. His versatility in the outfield could allow for Ian Happ to get some extra rest and for Pete Crow-Armstrong to take breathers against the occasional tough lefty. He could also serve as added insurance to the post-Tucker right field situation, currently assigned to Seiya Suzuki and rookie Owen Caissie. Although exclusively an outfielder or DH over the last several seasons, he’s also played first base, second base, and third base in the past.

A reported strong clubhouse presence, Refsnyder is being projected to go for $3.5 million per season, which would be a bit of a steal, relative to what he brings to the table.

Michael Kopech: Closer material?

The Cubs absolutely love a low-risk, high-reward reclamation project and, perhaps, nobody on the free agent market fits that bill better than the 29-year-old Kopech.

2025 was an absolute nightmare for the right-hander as assorted injuries (shoulder, knee) limited him to just 11 innings with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Shut down for the season in mid-September, the former White Sox starter will have the entire offseason to recover and rebuild strength.

When healthy, Kopech is a flame-thrower, routinely reaching triple digits with his fastball, who has averaged 10 strikeouts over 9 innings over the course of his 6-year MLB career. Durability issues may keep him in the bullpen, but that’s just fine for the Cubs, who most definitely need a swing-and-miss arm for late-inning relief duty.

Given their needs and wants, the Cubs could even explore using him as a closer, something which could elevate his asking price when he hits the free agent market once again. They do have a tremendous track record when it comes to rehabbing struggling pitchers.

Current projections have Kopech possibly going for between $13-$22 million in a two-year deal, but a one-year trial contract could also be a realistic expectation, with the pitcher banking on a big 2026 to create greater money demand in 2027.

Max Scherzer is all about winning

The 41-year-old veteran is not an under-the-radar kind of guy, but he would be an unexpected, but maybe welcomed addition to the Cubs if they can’t wrangle a high-end, front-of-rotation starting pitcher on a multi-year deal.

Scherzer’s right thumb issue with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 led to an off-putting 5.19 ERA and just 17 appearances. His physical struggles may or may not be the end-of-baseball harbinger for the 18-year veteran.

But the fire he brings to the field and his mega-veteran experience could be worth gambling on a one-year deal for the projected asking price of $10-$15 million. The Cubs currently have several question marks in the rotation and while Scherzer would be a lesser answer to team needs than a more in-their-prime starter, he would be another puzzle piece in the mix– one with a verifiable hunger to win.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-scherzer-kopech-refsnyder-free-agents