Jed Hoyer’s Bullpen Blueprint Pays Off in 2025: 3 Free-Agent Lefties Who Could Replace Thielbar, Pomeranz in Chicago Cubs Pen.vc
October 31, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer may have whiffed on the Ryan Pressly trade, but his signature low-risk, high-reward bullpen strategy delivered big in 2025. Unsung heroes Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, Drew Pomeranz, and Chris Flexen all exceeded expectations, turning one-year fliers into reliable late-inning weapons.
Now, with Thielbar and Pomeranz likely departing in free agency, Hoyer faces a familiar challenge: rebuild the left-handed relief depth without breaking the bank. While Keller has expressed interest in returning, here are three free-agent lefties who fit Hoyer’s proven mold — and could keep the Cubs’ bullpen among MLB’s most underrated in 2026.
1. Gregory Soto – The High-Upside Reclamation Project
- Age: 31 (2026 season)
- 2025 Stats: 3.42 FIP, 10.4 K/9, 70 appearances (Mets/Orioles)
- Why He Fits: Two-time All-Star with elite velocity and swing-and-miss stuff
- Cubs Pitch Lab Potential: Known for unlocking underachievers (see: Thielbar, Flexen)
“Soto has all the makings of a shutdown reliever but hasn’t put it together,” one NL scout told Cubs Insider. “Chicago’s track record with high-stuff lefties makes this a no-brainer — if the price is right.”
Risk: May command a multi-year deal after a strong first half in New York. Fit: High-leverage lefty with closer upside.
2. Hoby Milner – The Craig Counsell Special
- Age: 35 (2026 season)
- Since 2022: 3.21 FIP over 264 IP
- 2025 Role: Thrived as late-inning setup man with Texas Rangers
- Counsell Connection: 4 seasons together in Milwaukee
“An aging southpaw who limits hard contact and keeps the ball on the ground? Hoby Milner — you, sir, are a perfect Jed Hoyer target.”
Cost: Projected 1-year, $2–4 million Fit: Groundball machine, middle relief stability, proven in high-pressure situations.
3. Danny Coulombe – The Thielbar 2.0
- Age: 36 (turned in October 2025)
- Last 5 Seasons: 3.22 FIP over 170+ IP
- Strengths: Induces chases, suppresses hard contact, durable when healthy
- Hometown Tie: St. Louis native — bleeds Midwest
“Picking Thielbar off the scrap heap worked. Why not dip back into that Minnesota-adjacent pool?”
2025 Note: Battled injuries but remained effective when active. Fit: Cost-effective, one-year middle relief with LOOGY potential.
Why Jed Hoyer’s Bullpen Formula Works
| Strategy | 2025 Success Stories | Projected 2026 Impact |
|---|---|---|
| One-Year Prove-It Deals | Keller, Thielbar, Pomeranz, Flexen | Soto, Milner, Coulombe |
| Pitch Lab Optimization | Turned castoffs into contributors | Unlock Soto’s ceiling |
| Low-Cost, High-Floor Depth | Outperformed projections | Maintain flexibility under budget |
The Bottom Line
Hoyer doesn’t chase headlines — he builds quietly lethal bullpens. After 2025 validated his approach, expect more of the same:
Avoid overpaying for big names
Target under-the-radar lefties with fixable flaws
Let the pitch lab do the rest
“We don’t need All-Stars in the 7th inning,” Hoyer said last month. “We need pitchers who get outs in October. That’s how you win.”
If Soto, Milner, or Coulombe dons a Cubs uniform in 2026, don’t be surprised when they’re the unsung heroes of another postseason run.
Stay ahead on Chicago Cubs free agency, Jed Hoyer bullpen moves, and MLB relief pitcher targets this offseason.
