Cubs agree to 1-year deal with key reliever as 4 pitchers elect free agency

As expected, the Chicago Cubs' pitching rotation will look different in 2027.Four pitchers will be on the free agent market as MLB free agency began on Monday. The Cubs will retain one of their relievers, though.Clay Holmes, Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar and Colin Rea became free agents on Monday after they all declined the 2027 player-options on their contracts. Holmes is the biggest name to know. He was acquired by the Cubs at the trade deadline on Aug. 3 and was in the last year of a three-year deal he signed with the Mets. Holmes had a 2-4 record with a 4.25 ERA in nine appearances for the Cubs.They did retain one hurler, though. Right-hander Jacob Webb agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract with the Cubs.The Cubs had a $2.5 million club option on Webb. He had a $1.5 million base salary this year and did earn $500,000 in performance bonuses. The 33-year-old Webb finished the 2026 season with a 6-5 record, a 3.36 ERA and nine saves in 68 relief appearances.The surprising move w