The Chicago Cubs may have already named Daniel Palencia as their closer already, but that does not mean they are done building their bullpen. Indeed, Palencia led Chicago with 22 saves last season and posted a 2.91 ERA in 54 games. However, manager Craig Counsell has a tendency to use multiple relievers in save situations, and the Cubs could use as many arms as possible. This ensures that they are covered in the case of an injury.
And while Chicago already has multiple pitchers who can fill in should Palencia struggle or get hurt, it does no harm to have more players on the roster with closer experience.
On Friday, it was reported that the Cubs are close to an agreement with a former All-Star reliever.
The Chicago Cubs are near an agreement with former Milwaukee Brewers reliever Shelby Miller
Aug 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shelby Miller (55) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
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According to MLB insider Robert Murray, the Cubs are nearing an agreement with former All-Star reliever Shelby Miller. The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Miller last year ahead of the trade deadline:
Sources: Free-agent reliever Shelby Miller and the Chicago Cubs are nearing a multi-year major-league contract. https://t.co/CpGcbS9bFA
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 13, 2026
As can be seen in the post above, Miller’s contract with the Cubs is expected to be a multi-year deal. He previously appeared in three games with Chicago back in 2021, but posted a 31.50 ERA.
Sources: Free-agent reliever Shelby Miller and the Chicago Cubs are nearing a multi-year major-league contract. https://t.co/CpGcbS9bFA
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 13, 2026
Last year, Miller had a 1.98 ERA and 10 saves in 37 appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he went on the injured list with an arm injury, and then was traded to Milwaukee.
After completing his rehab with the Brewers, Miller appeared in just 10 games and had a 5.59 ERA before going on season-ending IL.
Miller previously was a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals. He was an All-Star with the Braves in 2015 when he was 6-17 with a 3.02 ERA in 33 starts.
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