Jacob Webb Could Be the Chicago Cubs’ Biggest Bullpen Surprise This Season
The Chicago Cubs enter the new season with a roster that looks dramatically different from the one that walked off the field last fall.
An aggressive offseason reshaped nearly every layer of the club, from the everyday lineup to the starting rotation and, perhaps most importantly, the bullpen.
With high-profile additions like Alex Bregman and the acquisition of right-hander Edward Cabrera, the front office made it clear that this organization is no longer content with incremental progress.
Chicago is building to contend.
But while the headlines have focused on marquee names, one of the most intriguing moves of the winter may have quietly flown under the radar.
That move is the signing of veteran reliever Jacob Webb.
And if early projections hold true, he could emerge as one of the most impactful and undervalued bullpen arms in the National League this season.
A Reinforced Vision Under Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell approached this offseason with urgency and precision.
They understood that modern postseason baseball is often decided in the late innings.
Starters may set the tone, but bullpens close the door.
Last season exposed moments of vulnerability in Chicago’s relief corps, particularly in tight games where one misplaced pitch changed everything.
Counsell, a manager known for his tactical bullpen management, prioritized reliability and versatility.
The Cubs did not simply want power arms.
They wanted pitchers capable of executing in high-leverage moments while maintaining efficiency over a 162-game grind.
That philosophy led them to Jacob Webb.
Jacob Webb’s Journey Across the League
Webb’s career has been anything but linear.
He has worn the uniforms of the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and most recently the Texas Rangers.
At times, he was viewed as organizational depth.
At others, he flashed the potential of a dependable late-inning option.
What changed over the past two seasons was consistency.
With Texas, Webb appeared in 55 games and logged 66 innings while posting a 3.00 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP.
Those numbers are not accidental.
They represent three consecutive seasons in which he surpassed 50 innings with an ERA under 3.70.
For a reliever navigating multiple organizations and varying roles, that level of sustained performance signals growth and maturity.
He has refined his pitch mix.
He has embraced contact management.
And perhaps most importantly, he has learned how to pitch with efficiency rather than relying solely on velocity.
The Contract That Could Prove to Be a Steal
The Cubs signed Webb to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with a team option for 2027.
In a market where established relievers frequently command salaries north of $7 million annually, this agreement represents minimal financial risk.
Yet the upside is considerable.
Webb excels in generating soft contact.
Last season, he ranked in the 95th percentile in average exit velocity allowed.
He also placed in the 89th percentile in hard-hit rate suppression.
Those metrics underscore his ability to limit damaging swings even without elite velocity.
While he may not overpower hitters, he consistently disrupts timing and induces weak contact.
In the late innings of close games, that skill becomes invaluable.
Postseason Pedigree and Championship Experience
Webb also carries postseason experience, having been part of the 2021 Atlanta Braves team that captured the World Series title.
While he was not the headline name in that bullpen, the experience of navigating October pressure leaves a lasting imprint on a player’s composure.
Postseason baseball is unforgiving.
Crowds intensify.
Mistakes magnify.
Momentum swings rapidly.
For a Cubs team seeking its first World Series appearance since 2016, players who have witnessed championship environments bring immeasurable value.
Webb understands the emotional discipline required in high-stakes situations.
He understands that sometimes the most important pitch is not the hardest one, but the smartest one.
Versatility as a Strategic Weapon
One of Webb’s most underrated attributes is his ability to record more than three outs in a single appearance.
More than one-third of his relief outings last season extended beyond a standard one-inning role.
That flexibility gives Counsell options.
It allows the Cubs to bridge innings without overexposing their closer or primary setup man.
In an era where bullpen fatigue can derail entire stretches of a season, having a multi-inning reliever capable of maintaining efficiency is critical.
Webb fits seamlessly into middle relief while also offering late-inning stability.
That combination is rare and strategically valuable.
Why His Value May Be Flying Under the Radar
When Chicago announced the signing, it did not dominate national headlines.
It was viewed as a depth move.
A complementary piece.
But sometimes the most important acquisitions are not the loudest.
Webb brings control, efficiency, postseason experience, and cost-effectiveness.
He limits baserunners.
He manages contact.
He remains poised under pressure.
For $1.5 million, the Cubs may have secured a reliever capable of stabilizing the back end of their bullpen throughout the season.
If he continues the trajectory established over the last three years, Jacob Webb may not simply be a solid contributor.
He could be the quiet catalyst that transforms Chicago’s bullpen from reliable to formidable.
And if the Cubs find themselves playing meaningful baseball deep into October, do not be surprised if this understated offseason signing becomes one of the defining moves of their championship pursuit.
