Cubs Named Candidate to Sign Top Free Agent Closer, Dodgers No Longer in Mix

Sep 27, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) and Freddy Fermin (54) celebrate after the Padres beat the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs seemingly finished in second place last winter when trying to land closer Tanner Scott.

Chicago was ultimately bested by the Los Angeles Dodgers in those sweepstakes. According to a report from Francys Romero, the Cubs are trying to return the favor this offseason when it comes to another elite All-Star reliever.

Romero reported that the Cubs are heavily involved in the free agent market — specifically for a closer. One of the names most mentioned with Chicago is former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez.

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What makes this interesting is the fact that the Dodgers have also been linked to the flamethrower out of Venezuela for much of this offseason. However, the defending champions signed New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million deal Tuesday morning.

The Diaz deal has seemingly put the Dodgers out of the mix for Suarez, now the top free agent closer available on the market.

Hearing from the Winter Meetings that the Cubs are still exploring the closer market, with Robert Suárez as one of the ideal candidates.

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) December 8, 2025

Suarez has compiled 76 saves over the last two years (both resulting in All-Star appearances). His fastball routinely sits in the high 90's, and the proven track record he brings to the table understandably has led to several contenders viewing Suarez as a real asset in the back of their bullpens.

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Chicago similarly finds itself wanting to fortify its bullpen with an obvious upgrade. While the Cubbies do boast some decent depth with their corps of relievers, Suarez is a potential game-changing talent.

Suarez could command a three-year deal with a monetary value in the same ballpark as the one Devin Williams received ($51 million) from the New York Mets.

There's also the value factor. The Dodgers are notorious for not overspending on players. If they deem a player's value to be too great given what they're asking for, they'll move on for a cheaper option that fits the team's parameters.

The Dodgers got exactly what they wanted with Diaz, a shorter-term contract with a higher annual average value.

Now it appears Suarez is not an option for the Dodgers as they've addressed their need for a closer.

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.