The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 season with significant depth in the area of starting pitching. While analysts weren’t blown away with the high-end potential of the rotation as a whole, most everyone agreed that the team’s strength was in its depth.

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Chicago started the regular season with five established starters (Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon) on the Opening Day roster, along with two rotation-capable swingmen (Colin Rea and Ben Brown). Reliable swingman Javier Assad was assigned to start the season in Triple-A Iowa, but would only be a phone call away from Wrigley. Jordan Wicks was also a name tossed about as a possible rotation fill-in. Meanwhile, ace Justin Steele is slated to make his return in May-June.

All told, that makes ten potential starters in the mix for a season where big things are expected.

Now, there’s talk that, maybe, the Cubs won’t have the rotation horses after all.

Horton’s injury spotlights Cubs rotation weak points

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Cade Horton’s forearm injury on Friday and subsequent placement on the 15-day IL is the biggest cause for alarm right now, of course. The 24-year-old right-hander was expected to be an ace-level presence on the mound after a second-half of 2025 that saw him emerge as an elite starter.

But Horton has been injury prone throughout his young career. Last year, he was shut down with a fractured rib late in the regular season and would miss the playoffs entirely. In 2024, he was shut down around mid-season with a shoulder injury. He already has a Tommy John surgery in his past.

At best, Horton had to be seen as a question mark when it came to full season duty.

New Cub Edward Cabrera also has a history of injury, with two stints on the IL just last year.

Matthew Boyd, regarded as injury-prone as well, pitched a full season last year, but it was his first 100+ inning campaign since 2019.

Shota Imanaga got smacked around a bit over the second half of last season and also got smacked around in his first start of this season.

Jameson Taillon got crushed during Cactus League play and looked touchable in his first official start of 2026.

Big problems ahead?

If one of the Cubs’ top starters falters and/or is forced to the IL for a long stretch of time, things will get rough. If a couple starters fall out, there’ll be huge problems. Because, yes, the Cubs have depth, but they’ll need more than seat-fillers. Rea, Brown, and Assad are solid, but there’s a reason they weren’t regarded as rotation fixtures.

For now, as Horton is assessed, the 35-year-old Rea will likely fill the young arm’s spot. The veteran was solid last season as the designated rotation-filler, with a 10-7 record in 27 starts and a 4.33 ERA (11-7, 3.95 ERA overall).

Chicago could do a lot worse when it comes to temporary replacements. But Rea doesn’t bring what Horton brings and “good enough for now” is not what an aspiring championship team needs near the top of their rotation.

For now, it’s reasonable to be alarmed about the team’s starting pitching, especially considering that the season is just beginning and a lot more could happen.

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The Chicago Cubs, early this season, appear to be very cognizant of what their postseason should look like and how best to optimize a run at a championship. Last year, the focus seemed to be on just making the postseason.

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In 2025, pitching injuries hobbled their playoff run. By the time they reached the NLDS, they were down to, maybe, two reliable starters and two or three trusted relievers. It was a sobering reality that played out at the tail end of an otherwise tremendous season.

In 2026, however, the pitching focus has seemingly shifted to depth and to pacing themselves for a more pitching-powerful postseason.

That, maybe especially, means keeping an eye on the workload of the team’s younger starters and using their long relief to greater benefit early in the season.

That mindset seemed evident in the first starts of Cade Horton and Edward Cabrera.

An early focus on workload

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Both young arms were cooking into the sixth inning with a minimal pitch count. Manager Craig Counsell opted to take both out of their respective games.

Horton and Cabrera do have a history of injury and durability issues, so it’s no surprise that Counsell would want to be cautious with both. Horton, for example, was shut down late in the season and missed the playoffs entirely with a rib injury, after a sizzling post-All-Star break run. But Counsell’s own words to the media after the Horton game reveal, perhaps, more of a long-term team goal than a simple focus on the health of one young arm.

“If you look at history,” Counsell said, “the first three weeks of the season for pitchers are pretty delicate.”

Counsell has also talked about the benefit of having starter-capable pitchers such as Ben Brown and Colin Rea on the team.

“Having a pair of experienced starters filling in the long-reliever role is a luxury for a team,” Counsell said.

“Early in the season, we thought it could be valuable. With unforeseen weather and being cautious with the starters, I think it’s worked out and will continue to be an asset the next couple of weeks.”

It’s been speculated that the Cubs may be trying to adopt a 2025 Dodgers strategy to managing their starting corps, one where the team is ultra conservative with their starters in order to bring a strong and rested rotation into the playoffs.

Adopting the 2025 Dodgers strategy?

Last season, the Dodgers’ rotation was strained throughout much of the regular season due to injury, with only Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering more than 112.2 innings as a starter.

They were then careful and judicious with the return of injured/recovering starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and even Shohei Ohtani. Ultimately, they were able to reintroduce all three to the rotation just in time for a strong pennant push and then the postseason.

The strategy paid off as Yamamoto and the fresh, strong threesome of Glasnow, Blake, and Ohtani accounted for more than 68% of the innings pitched in the postseason en route to another World Series win for the Dodgers.

The Cubs don’t have the studs the Dodgers did, but they do have big-time depth. The team currently has seven possible starters on the big league roster and Javier Assad in Iowa, with recovering ace Justin Steele set to make his return before mid-season.

If the workload is handled just right, it’s almost a guarantee that Chicago will be able to put together a very nice four-man rotation for what they hope to be a deep postseason run.

Last season, they really didn’t have that luxury of depth—and they ultimately paid the price. This season, they’re angling for a much different end to the season.

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The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a slower start than they had hoped, but there have been some impressive showings. One pitcher made his team debut earlier this week and impressed. Let’s take a closer look at who it was and what it means for the Cubs going forward.

Edward Cabrera’s Chicago Cubs debut was impressive

The Cubs had some solid performances, but starter Edward Cabrera was highlighted for his debut. MLB’s Brent Maguire wrote about some of the top pitching performances. He would mention Cabrera’s excellent debut against the Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched five shutout innings and allowed one hit, one walk, and five strikeouts. Below is what Maguire wrote about Cabrera’s debut:

“The Cubs sent three prospects, including Owen Caissie, to the Marlins over the offseason to acquire Cabrera, fully believing there was another level for the talented right-hander. So far, that inclination looks wise, after Cabrera one-hit the Angels in six innings in his Cubs debut, striking out five batters and only issuing one walk. Cabrera’s usual electric stuff was on display, leading to 15 whiffs on 40 swings, but just as notable (if not more) was the one walk and 61.3 percent strike rate. After running a career-low 8.3 percent walk rate last season (he had never been below 10 percent in a season), another drop in walks could propel Cabrera to another level.”

Cabrera is expected to slot into the middle of Chicago’s pitching rotation and showcase his talents. He was also labeled as the biggest takeaway from the team in the early stages of the season. His pitches had a tick down from where they averaged last season, but that could simply be going from pitching in Miami to outside in Chicago. Cabrera’s changeup forced hitters to go 0 for 8 with three strikeouts in his Cubs debut. It will be intriguing to see if he can continue pitching well as the season goes along.

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The Chicago Cubs had been eyeballing right-handed power pitcher Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins for the better part of two years, starting from the end of the 2024 season. They finally pulled the trigger on the trade to bring him over this past offseason.

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Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer paid a hefty price for the emerging 27-year-old starter. To bring Cabrera aboard, they had to send over their top prospect OF Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect INF Cristian Hernandez, and 19-year-old talent INF Edgardo De Leon.

Both the Cubs and the Marlins walked away from the deal happy. So far, each side has every reason to feel like they came out ahead.

Cabrera and Caissie shining so far

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In Cabrera’s first start with his new team, he blew the Los Angeles Angels away with a masterful showing. On the day, he tossed 6 shutout innings, striking out 5 while giving up only one hit and one walk in a 7-2 win.

The Marlins also have to be pleased with their new outfielder’s season so far, as he’s helped carry them to a very early first place spot atop the NL East. The 23-year-old outfielder has driven in 8 runs so far, with a walk-off home run and an impressive .350 batting average.

The success of both principal players in the Cubs-Marlins swap has created an odd point of debate when it comes to which team actually “won” the trade.

A trade that was both smart and dumb?

Michael Brauner of SI.com encapsulates this perfectly in a recent piece regarding the Cubs dumbest and smartest moves of the offseason—including the trading FOR Cabrera as a smart one and the trading OF Caissie as a dumb one.

Per Brauner:

“Cabrera came in on Monday night and did exactly what he was brought in to do: generate a ton of swing and miss. The right-hander carved up the Los Angeles Angels lineup with six scoreless innings, striking out five and walking one while allowing just one hit.

Cabrera may just wind up as the ace of this staff, and if he keeps looking how he did on Monday night, he very well could be an All-Star as well.

He still has a ton to prove, but it was as strong a beginning to his time with the team as one could possibly hope for.”

Also, per Brauner:

“The way Chicago’s former top prospect has started with the Miami Marlins, it makes fans wish Hoyer had found a way to get Cabrera without sacrificing Caissie.

The 23-year-old has slashed .385/.429/.769 so far this year (.350/.391/.600 currently, as of April 2) coming off a huge showing in the World Baseball Classic and even hit a walk-off home run for Miami the other night. The Cubs needed pitching, but seeing Caissie have a huge rookie season would be a tough pill to swallow.”

There’s no doubt that Cabrera and Caissie will always be connected from this point forward with both team’s fan bases and the value of the trade judged by each player’s performance. But this very well could go down as one of those deals where both sides come out a winner.

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The Chicago Cubs knew that they needed to make a significant addition to their starting rotation. With Justin Steele recovering from injury and not available to start the season, they wanted to get a pitcher who would do more than just fill the gap. They wanted one who would give them years of added stability.

And that is what they got when they traded for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, sending a package of prospects in return, most notably Owen Caissie.

While Cabrera has made just one start for the Cubs so far this season, his performance has inspired a great deal of excitement among fans.

The Chicago Cubs could have something special in Edward Cabrera

In his Cubs debut, Cabrera threw six innings of shutout ball while allowing just two base runners. He also notched five strikeouts and earned the win.

It was an impressive enough performance for MLB.com to name Cabrera Chicago’s biggest takeaway of the first week’s worth of games:

“When Cabrera took the mound at Wrigley Field for his Cubs debut on Monday, the announced attendance of 36,702 was the largest home crowd he had experienced in his MLB career. Not only was he in the North Side’s rowdy environment, but the wind was blowing out and it was his shot at a good first impression as Chicago’s big trade acquisition over the winter.

“Cabrera was unfazed by all of it. The big righty showed off his powerful arsenal and held the Angels to one hit over six shutout innings. He flashed a combination of swing-and-miss (15 whiffs) and trust in the Cubs’ elite defense. It was an impressive debut in every way and showed why Chicago had been trying to reel in Cabrera for a couple years.”

If Cabrera can keep pitching this way, the Cubs’ starting rotation is going to be in excellent shape. What is more, he is under team control for the next several seasons.

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Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs went out and bolstered the starting pitching rotation by acquiring Edward Cabrera this offseason from the Miami Marlins. It cost the Cubs top prospect, Owen Caissie who is off to a hot start this season. But if Cabrera pitches like he did in his debut on Monday, the trade will pay off.

The starter went six innings, struck out five batters and allowed just one hit and one walk in his debut. He quickly won over the Wrigley Field faithful as he mowed down the Los Angeles Angels lineup, helping the Cubs get their second win of the season. After a tough weekend in which the Cubs lost the series to Washington, they needed an outing like this.

That was especially true after both Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga struggled in their starts to open the season. Following the start, Cabrera earned some praise not only from his teammates but from a former Cubs slugger as well.

Cliff Floyd believes Edward Cabrera has no-hit stuff

Following the Cubs win over the Angels, Cliff Floyd had nothing but praise for Cabrera on the team’s postgame show on Marquee Network. He went through Cabrera’s outing, pointing out some positive stuff.

“He didn’t shake off Carson [Kelly] once, he was in rhythm, he was in a flow. It allowed him to get deep into the ball game. I’m serious, he’s going to throw a no-hitter,” Floyd said. “If he can keep this stuff up and stay healthy, a no-hitter is gonna go under his belt at some point.”

It was certainly an impressive outing for Cabrera in his first start at Wrigley Field. Floyd has some good points too about how he was able to get into a flow of the game and pitch the six innings.

With teams monitoring pitch counts now, no-hitters are becoming even more rare. That would be an obstacle for Cabrera in Floyd’s prediction. However, you have to be encouraged by his first start as a member of the Cubs and what it could mean for this rotation moving forward.

The post Former Cubs slugger predicts big achievement is in Edward Cabrera’s future appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Fireball pitcher Edward Cabrera raised many eyebrows on Monday night in his Chicago Cubs debut. The 27-year old righty pitched six shutout innings, giving up just one hit, walking one, and striking out five in the Cubs’ 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. He threw 80 pitches (49 strikes) before Craig Counsell put in Colin Rea to get the final nine outs. The lone Angels hit was a Nolan Schanuel single in the fourth inning, and he did not face anyone with multiple men on base.

Per the Chicago Tribune’s Meghan Montemurro, it was the largest home crowd Cabrera has ever pitched in front of. He was definitely pumped up in this one, and having that crowd behind him had to provide a rush.

https:///Twitter.com/MegMontemurro/status/2038818875685409158

Cabrera showed off his filthy stuff.

Cubs fans who had not watched a ton of Marlins games in the past got a taste of what kind of stuff Cabrera features. While the high 90s fastball is a nice weapon, the 90+ MPH changeups and hard breaking balls can really catch one’s attention. His high-octane changeup running down and in to righties resulted in several strikeouts on Monday night, as did the curve down and away.

Edward Cabrera, Filthy 92mph Changeup. pic.twitter.com/PbIEgmgyXl

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 31, 2026

It certainly helped Cabrera that the Cubs jumped out to a 3-0 lead early and kept adding on, putting less pressure on him. The Angels might not be projected to be a contender, but they came into Wrigley Field having scored 25 runs over their first four games, with Mike Trout looking like his old self. Worth noting that Cabrera recorded his first strikeout as a Cub with the curve against Trout.

Edward Cabrera’s first strikeout as a Cub is Mike Trout pic.twitter.com/vtdpeU2ldo

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) March 30, 2026

All in all, it was a great debut for Cabrera. Could not ask for much more. The stuff has always been there, despite the inconsistencies with command and injuries over the years. Hopefully there are plenty more of those types of outings to come, and he’s healthy this season.

Ian Happ on Edward Cabrera: "The stuff is just nasty." pic.twitter.com/0rZ9GQHPHU

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 31, 2026

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Chicago Cubs ownership had been blasted prior to this offseason for being too conservative, too unwilling to spend like the major market team they are. Those criticisms have been quieted this year.

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Over the offseason, the Cubs restocked a depleted bullpen with four free agent relievers, signed free agent three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, and extended center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong on a six-year-deal. After Opening Day, they then extended second baseman Nico Hoerner on another six-year deal. They even flipped on their informal policy against deferred money by using some of that down-the-road cash in the Bregman and Hoerner deals.

Per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic:

“Within one fiscal quarter, the Chicago Cubs guaranteed $431 million to three players [Bregman, PCA, Hoerner] in deals that will cover 17 total seasons.”

Throw in the bullpen acquisitions, minor league contract deals, and a couple of position players, and we’re talking about a half-billion dollars invested into the team this year by the Ricketts family. It’s not Dodgers-level spending, but this isn’t something done unless ownership is really serious about winning.

Bregman speaks on Cubs investment

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“They see the potential of this team being a winner for a sustainable period of time,” Bregman told reporters Saturday at Wrigley Field. “When you have a team like that, you want to invest in it.”

The soon-to-be 32-year-old Bregman was acquired as a cornerstone of the Cubs immediate future and now he has company in that regard with Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner.

Including shortstop Dansby Swanson and first baseman Michael Busch, who are both under contract through the 2029 season, the Cubs are guaranteed to be featuring the same five of eight position players for at least the next four season. And that number becomes six of eight if you include catcher Miguel Amaya, who is also under contract through the 2029 season.

That’s the kind of security most teams would kill for. The Cubs, specifically, believe in the team they’re fielding to such a degree that they were willing to go all-in, monetarily (at least as all-in as the Cubs would realistically go).

Daring in the face of uncertainty

Chicago’s offseason daring wasn’t just limited to spending, though. Trading their top prospect Owen Caissie (along with two other prospects) for three years of pitcher Edward Cabrera also screams of confidence that they can not only compete for a championship right now, but also win one (or more).

“It’s hard to try and re-create something good every year with a bunch of new pieces,” Swanson told media. “That’s in any business. So when you have good things going, you try and find ways to keep them and also improve at the same time. Continuity is huge.”

The Cubs are still facing a lot of uncertainty this offseason, however. Core elements of the team such as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga could all be gone next season via free agency. The bullpen could also find itself nearly as depleted at the end of 2026 as it was at the end of 2025.

For now, though, the Cubs have locked in much of the foundation for the future. Whether they’re actually serious about winning should stop being a question.

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The Chicago Cubs are, maybe, not as secure in the starting pitching department as many thought they would be this winter.

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The names are there and there’s still an overflow of arms for the rotation, but just about every proposed starter has looked vulnerable this spring and depth has suddenly become a concern. Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera, and Shota Imanaga have been beaten up in Cactus League play and that makes one wonder about backups.

Colin Rea, Ben Brown, and Javier Assad will be around, but none project as high-end starters over the long haul.

But could the Cubs have another Cade Horton surprise this season?

The next Cade Horton surprise?

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Last year, top pitching prospect Horton came up from Triple-A in May, after Imanaga’s injury, and ended up blowing people away with a dominant post-All-Star break run.

This year, current top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins is being predicted by some to be the surprise pitching star of the season.

The 24-year-old Wiggins came to spring training this year as a non-roster invitee and turned some heads, despite getting touched up a bit in his limited play.

“There’s a lot of good signs with Jaxon, there are a lot of good things happening,” manager Craig Counsell told media. “The finishing touches can happen really fast is how I would describe it. But they can also take a while. That’s Jaxon’s job right now, just make himself a little bit more complete pitcher. It’s certainly very close.”

Big league expectations for Wiggins

Michael Brauner of Sports Illustrated fully anticipates the 6-foot-6 Wiggins getting the major league call-up at some point this season:

“He was never going to break camp with the team, but he certainly could be on a similar trajectory as Cade Horton last year, starting the season in Iowa.

Making an impact on the coaching staff, Wiggins established himself as a name to watch and once Ballesteros officially graduates he will become the top prospect in the organization. Jed Hoyer has spoken often about how much pitching depth is needed, and the 24-year-old is the next one up.

It would be a significant surprise to not see Wiggins’ big league debut in 2026.”

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic echoes the enthusiasm, although he holds back in predicting a likely big league debut in 2026 for the pitcher he describes as having “one of the best fastballs in the minors.”

Per Sharma:

“The fastball is in the upper 90s and has the type of vertical rise that is impossible to ignore. He also has a strong curveball, a quickly developing changeup and a slider. So what are the next steps?

…He has a walk rate well above 10 percent in each of his pro seasons. That has to change. That he walked just 5.9 percent of batters this spring was something that was taken note of. Now bring that into the season.”

Wiggins is, arguably, the last homegrown high-end starting pitching prospect in the Cubs farm system, at least for now. Fast-tracking his development and bringing him up to the majors this coming season will probably be a last resort for the Cubs– and a sign that the rotation is in deep distress.

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The Chicago Cubs are one of the baseball world’s early picks to compete for and win the World Series in 2026. They have made a big free agent splash, orchestrated a major trade, and have rebuilt their bullpen in an effort to get there. A day before their first regular season game, they have many people buzzing in regard to their chances.

But these things are similar to what they have done in each of the past few years. In each of the last three years, the Cubs have finished second in the National League Central Division… to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Indeed, the Cubs versus Brewers rivalry has become intense over the course of the last two years especially, and it all came to a head in the postseason last year.

The Chicago Cubs rivalry with the Milwaukee Brewers named a top MLB storyline

Chicago and Milwaukee have been fierce rivals ever since the Brewers made the move from the American League to the National League. This rivalry intensified prior to the 2024 season when the Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee.

Over the course of the last years, Cubs and Brewers matchups have seemed to mean more, especially to the fans in Milwaukee. But it would appear that the national media has taken notice, too. In his article in which he lists the 12 biggest storylines of the 2026 MLB season, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic listed the Chicago v. Milwaukee rivalry:

“Here we go again. The Cubs loaded up by signing third baseman Alex Bregman, trading for righty Edward Cabrera and remaking their bullpen. The Brewers pared down by trading their ace, righty Freddy Peralta, and the third- and fourth-place finishers for NL Rookie of the Year, third baseman Caleb Durbin and outfielder Isaac Collins.

“Will it matter? Does it ever matter?

“Prior to the 2024 season, the Cubs lured Craig Counsell from the Brewers by awarding him a five-year, $40 million contract, a record total for a manager. Since then, the Brewers have won two more division titles, making it four in five seasons. And Counsell’s replacement, Pat Murphy, twice has won NL Manager of the Year.

“Every year, people like me predict the Brewers’ demise. Every year, the Crew defies expectations. Their rotation without Peralta looks vulnerable, but the same was true at the start of last season, and Milwaukee won 97 games, most in the majors.

“The Brewers … remain the division’s standard. Just ask the Cubs.”

While many experts are picking the Cubs to win the division, they are doing so cautiously, stating that the Brewers have proved everyone wrong before and that it would not be a surprise if they do so again.

Therefore, it is up to the Cubs to make sure that surprise does not happen.

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Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs are days away from kicking off the 2026 MLB season with a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. They have spent the past several weeks in Arizona for Spring Training. During that time, they have answered many questions regarding the make-up of their roster.

One of the last questions to be answered, as is the case for most teams every year, is what five pitchers will make up their starting rotation.

Despite a plethora of quality candidates, it appears that the Cubs have finally settled on who their initial starting-five will be.

The Chicago Cubs seem to have figured out their Opening Day starting rotation

It has been known for several days now that 2025 All-Star Matthew Boyd will be Chicago’s Opening Day starter. This decision was somewhat unpopular among fans. Many of them wanted to see Cade Horton get a chance to start on Opening Day, especially after Boyd struggled in the World Baseball Classic.

Of course, Horton is making the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career, and his spot in the rotation appears to be cemented.

Based on previous roster moves, the following five pitchers appear set to make up the Cubs’ initial starting rotation.

Matthew Boyd

2025 stats: 14-8, 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 31 starts, 154 strikeouts, 172.9 innings

Cade Horton

2025 stats: 11-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 23 games (22 stats), 97 strikeouts, 118.0 innings

Shota Imanaga

2025 stats: 9-8, 3.73 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 25 starts, 117 strikeouts, 144.2 innings

Edward Cabrera

2025 stats (with the Miami Marlins): 8-7, 3.53 ERA, 1,23 WHIP, 26 starts, 150 strikeouts, 137.2 innings

Jameson Taillon

2025 stats: 11-7, 3.68 ERA, 1,06 WHIP, 23 starts, 98 strikeouts, 129.2 innings pitched.

As can be seen, on paper, this is an excellent starting rotation. Justin Steele is going to return at some point this season as well, and will fill in for whoever is injured or under-performing at that point.

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Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Cubs took a gamble in signing oft-injured starter Matthew Boyd prior to the 2025 season on a 2-year, $29 million contract.

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The veteran lefty was coming off Tommy John surgery in mid-2023 and had just gotten back into the swing of things at the very end of the 2024 season. Plagued by an assortment of injuries, he hadn’t thrown over 100 innings in a season since 2019.

But the Cubs’ bet paid off. Boyd was brilliant last season, posting 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA over 179.2 innings. With ace Justin Steele sustaining a season-ending elbow injury after just four starts, Boyd stepped in to become the Cubs’ ace the rest of the way.

The experts and analysts, however, are not very high on Boyd heading into the 2026 season and have almost unanimously predicted a prodigious fall from grace for the starter.

Boyd blasted with poor ranking

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In a collaborative piece for The Athletic ranking the top 50 starters in baseball, Andy McCullough, Will Sammon and Sahadev Sharma placed Boyd nearly at the bottom of the list. They actually him him tied for 49th.

Per The Athletic:

“Boyd made his first All-Star team in 2025, rewarding the Cubs for their faith in giving him a two-year, $29 million contract after an intriguing eight-start campaign with Cleveland in 2024. ‘Good for a solid, back-end arm,’ one executive said. But many of our panelists were pessimistic about Boyd putting together a repeat. ‘Very good 2025,’ one scout said, ‘but that was his first healthy year since 2020.’”

According to their tier system for the rankings, Boyd falls into the area of a fourth or fifth starter.

The Cubs plan on Boyd being their Opening Day starter and implied ace.

Overall, the Cubs starters rate poorly on this list, with the highest placed Cub being Cade Horton as a tie for no. 40 of the top 50. Newcomer Edward Cabrera comes in at 48, one spot below Boyd. Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon are unranked.

This assessment falls in line with MLB projections systems, which don’t view Chicago’s starting pitching in much of a positive light.

Cubs rotation “deep in meh and unexcitement”

Dan Szymborski, the developer of the computer-based ZiPS projection system, blasted the rotation as one “deep in meh and unexcitement.”

Per Szymborski:

“ZiPS sees the Cubs as having a very deep rotation that’s also very deep in unexcitement. There’s certainly some upside here, especially in Edward Cabrera, but ZiPS largely views the team as having a whole lot of broadly average starting pitching options. The good news here is that if Justin Steele has any setbacks, ZiPS likes the team’s replacement options. Even with especially bad luck in the injury department, the computer thinks Javier Assad will be adequate — it has him with an ERA considerably lower than his FIP, though some of that is thanks to the stellar Cubs defense — and that Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks would both be far more acceptable as starters if called into duty than they’ve shown so far. Heck, if Colin Rea or even Connor Noland were forced into starting some games, that wouldn’t be an apocalyptic scenario for the Cubs.”

None of this guarantees the Cubs starters a great, big fail this season. It does raise some concerns, though, that maybe the rotation is not as rock-solid as fans would like to believe. As always, time will tell.

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The Chicago Cubs pulled the trigger on the big trade that had been rumored for the better part of a year when they acquired emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. By all accounts, the Cubs had been eyeballing the young arm since the end of the 2024 season and were finally willing to part with the prospects to secure the deal.

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If one recalls last season, though, there was considerable debate over whether the Cubs should move to acquire Cabrera or the more proven Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara, who was coming back from Tommy John surgery. The debate became more fierce as the trade deadline neared.

Ultimately, the Cubs didn’t move on either pitcher. Now, some feel that the Cubs could have both by the time the 2026 trade deadline passes.

Cubs, back in the Sandy Alcantara hunt?

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Chicago was recently mentioned by Mike Axisa of CBS Sports as a possible landing spot for Alcantara at the trade deadline.

Per Axisa:

“The Marlins moved two veteran-ish starters this offseason (Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers) but hung on to Alcantara, who was a prime trade candidate last winter and again at last year’s trade deadline.

He instead remains in Miami. How long will that last? I don’t think it will be too much longer given his $17 million salary this year and $21 million club option next year. Interested teams will give up more to get two postseason of Alcantara rather than one, making a trade this summer more likely.”

On the surface, this Alcantara-to-the-Cubs scenario wouldn’t seem to make a lot of sense. The Cubs already have a deep rotation with too many starters for too few spots. Returning ace Justin Steele, who’s expected back in May or June, will make the starting corps even more crowded.

But what about 2027?

A holdover for 2027

Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga could all be gone via free agency at the end of this 2026 season. At that point, the Cubs’ surplus of starters could turn into a deficit.

Alcantara has potential ace-level stuff and would be working under a $21 million club option in 2027 before becoming eligible for free agency at the end of that season. He’d fit nicely into a new-look Cubs rotation around guys like Steele, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and, possibly, top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins.

As for what to do with the 30-year-old righty in 2026? That’s not a problem. You find a place for someone as talented as Alcantara and it’s not difficult to see him wedged somewhere into the rotation as the Cubs push for a deep postseason run. A team can’t have too many quality arms.

Although his 2025 numbers didn’t look good (11-12, 5.36 ERA), he did finish closer to his old self with a 3.33 ERA in 13 starts after the All-Star break.

There will be a market for Alcantara, especially if he’s still available at the trade deadline. So, the Cubs will have competition if they decide to make a play for him. But finding a way to bring him aboard is an idea certainly worth exploring.

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The Chicago Cubs don’t typically target young prospects like Moises Ballesteros. The analytics-loving Cubs staff usually goes after the thoroughbred multi-tool athletes who, visually, stand out as blue chip prospects.

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Ballesteros was short and squat. He didn’t fit the bill of a blue-chipper by Cubs’ standards and, by all accounts, his defensive game was all but nonexistent.

Yet, the Cubs signed the kid from Venezuela anyway, snatching him up as an international free agent just about two months after his 17th birthday, forking over a $1.2 million signing bonus. And they did it all because they recognized that this kid could really hit.

Ballesteros’ impressive run

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Ballesteros would prove the team’s faith in him warranted. Despite being the youngest prospect at almost every level he reached in the organization, he never failed to impress with the bat. His advanced hitting prowess would carry him to Cubs Minor League Player of the Year recognition in 2023 and 2024.

In his first major league run last season, he hit .298 in 66 plate appearances split up over three separate call-ups, with an especially impressive .333 average over 39 at bats in September He’s now slotted in to be the team’s full-time DH in 2026.

This spring, the talk regarding Ballesteros has centered around his still-developing defensive game as a catcher because, apparently, everybody just assumes now that he’ll hit (and he HAS, hitting .333 in 27 Cactus League at bats so far after a late arrival due to Visa issues).

Catching is getting rave reviews

The assessments of Ballesteros, the catcher, have been positive.

“From a pitch-calling standpoint, I love the way he thinks,” Cubs pitcher Ben Brown told media. “I love the way he goes about hitters. He’s a great hitter himself. He has great plate discipline. What he can do offensively is really special, so I think he brings that into his catching.

“I think everyone, top to bottom, in all honesty, we truly believe that Bally can stick back there. There’s no doubt. He loves to learn. He’s such a good teammate. He’s such a light in the clubhouse. He’s a joy to be around.”

New Cubs starter Edward Cabrera also praised him for his work behind the plate.

“I was shocked,” Cabrera told reporters, via interpreter, following a game caught by Ballesteros, where the young catcher flipped three balls to strikes via ABS challenge. “Having a catcher who sees the zone that well gives me a lot of confidence, especially in tight counts. He did a great job guiding me through those innings.”

Bat first, everything else is a bonus

The reality when it comes to Ballesteros, though, is that he’ll make the major league roster almost entirely on the weight of his bat. Everything that he can give defensively, would be just a bonus.

“He’s been an exceptional hitter,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters late last season. “That’s the best development for Moisés, really, is that he’s come up to the big leagues and shown everybody what a natural hitter he is, (while being) put in the fire against some tough, tough competition. The rest is a bonus.”

Even as an all-bat prospect, expectations are high heading into this season. There’s even been some Rookie of the Year chatter.

Right now, defensively, he stands to be the Cubs’ third catcher, behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya and he’ll also be in the mix as a backup to first baseman Michael Busch. But the team would be ecstatic if he could work his way into becoming an Alejandro Kirk-like asset behind the plate. Early thoughts appear to be that he has the unconventional athleticism and work ethic to develop in that direction. He is, after all, only 22.

For now, he’ll be given the bat and asked to produce come Opening Day. Defensive nuance can wait.

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The Chicago Cubs, on Thursday, named Matthew Boyd their Opening Day starter. It was the safe, reasonable choice to make considering Boyd’s 2025.

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The veteran lefty came to the Cubs as a bit of a free agent gamble last season, coming off a long history of injury and Tommy John surgery in mid-2023. Originally targeted for 110-120 innings as a back-end-of rotation starter, Boyd exceeded all expectations and performed his way into being the ace of the staff with a 3.21 ERA in 179.2 innings over 31 starts.

So, yes, Boyd was the logical choice for Opening Day.

That designation, though, probably paints a clearer picture for the rest of the rotation order.

Boyd on Opening Day, and then what?

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The Cubs would probably want a power right-hander coming after the more nuanced lefty. That means probably Cade Horton, but it could also mean newcomer Edward Cabrera. Then, maybe, another nuanced lefty in Shota Imanaga. After that, either Horton or Cabrera, whoever didn’t land the no. 2 spot in the rotation. That would leave Jameson Taillon as the no. 5 starter.

A probable rotation might look like this (although, obviously, the order could easily be all scrambled up behind Boyd):

Matthew Boyd
Cade Horton
Shota Imanaga
Edward Cabrera
Jameson Taillon

Things get a bit more complicated, however, when Justin Steele returns after being on the shelf, recovering from elbow surgery last April. Upon his comeback (expected before mid-season), someone will have to be booted from their rotation spot. Who gets the boot will be determined, obviously, by who has been the least effective at the time of Steele’s return.

One also has to consider the fact that the Cubs have a pair of very capable swingmen in Javier Assad and Colin Rea, with Ben Brown also having starter potential. Assad has been having a killer spring so far and Rea performed admirably in the rotation last season, making up for the injury-related absences of Steele, Imanaga, and Taillon.

A Plan B, Plan C?

Some have theorized that Chicago could possibly go with a 6-man rotation for at least part of the season, given their depth and the need/desire to preserve arms for what they hope to be a deep postseason run.

They could also piggyback starters for a stretch of time, maybe pairing two for a single game, utilizing all of their nine potential starters to deliver multi-inning outings and save wear and tear on a staff that does have considerable injury and durability concerns. Although this strategy might end up taxing the bullpen disproportionately, essentially forcing a small handful of dedicated relievers to cover almost all relief innings.

Whatever the Cubs decide, the elephant in the room will always be the staff’s health and durability concerns. Boyd, Horton, and Cabrera have significant history of injury. Taillon and Imanaga spent a good amount of time on the IL last year. And Steele, of course, is coming back from major elbow surgery.

An ace in the hole may be top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who some are hoping could be the Cade Horton of 2026, moving up from the minors to win a spot in the Cubs rotation. There’s also hope that lefty Jordan Wicks can get healthy and finally put it all together for a good major league run.

For now, all the Cubs can do is lay down their pieces and play them. Soon enough, everyone will know whether a Plan B or C is necessary.

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The Chicago Cubs will be feeling pressure this season. Unlike the situation heading into last season, where the team was expected to contend, the expectations this year are that they will win, at the very least, the NL Central Division.

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Although they lost right fielder Kyle Tucker via free agency, they added three-time All-Star free agent Alex Bregman and traded for emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera. They also restocked a depleted bullpen with four free agent relievers (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey).

With so many key additions and a returning core of talent from last season, the general feeling is that anything short of a division title and a deep playoff run will be seen as a major disappointment.

Cubs under pressure

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Karl Rasmussen of Sports Illustrated recently acknowledged that pressure by naming the Cubs one of the teams under the most pressure this coming season. While he placed them outside the “World Series or Bust” category, he did put them high atop the “Postseason Run Required” list.

Per Rasmussen:

“The Cubs are in a good spot as they look to win the NL Central for the first time since 2020. Chicago acquired Alex Bregman in the offseason and should be favorites to win the division, especially after the Brewers parted ways with Peralta. The Cubs made it back to the postseason last year, snapping a four-year drought, and fans will be expecting the team to be playing into October again this season.”

Expectations are running high this spring and everyone feels it, from the front office to the coaching to the players themselves, as well as the fans. Actually, the word “expectations” has been a running theme throughout spring training.

“Everybody in this industry wants expectations,” manager Craig Counsell told The Athletic. “You work hard to get expectations. You work really hard to build a roster that has expectations, you work really hard to get on a team that has expectations. That’s what we want. We’re truly excited we have expectations. It’s not easy to get them.”

Causes for concern

And while there are numerous reasons for optimism, there are also some glaring causes for concern.

Several Cubs had career years in 2025, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki, and Nico Hoerner. There’s no guarantee that they’ll replicate their successes this season.

There are legitimate durability and health concerns in their deep starting rotation. Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Edward Cabrera have a history of injury, while Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga spent considerable time on the IL last year. Returning ace Justin Steele, meanwhile, will be coming back from elbow surgery.

Then, there’s the bullpen, which is always a wildcard on almost every team. Closer Daniel Palencia had 80% of a great season last year as he came up from Triple-A Iowa to win the bullpen shutdown spot. But he faded late in the year, delivering two months of subpar performances which suggested that, maybe, the young arm was bending under the pressure.

On paper, the Cubs would appear to be a better team than they were at this time last season. But that’s certainly no guarantee of equal or greater success.

The pressure will definitely be on.

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Chicago Cubs top prospect Moises Ballesteros came into Mesa late, held up with visa issues from his native Venezuela for 10 crucial early spring training days. It was an especially tough development since the team wanted to have him focus on his catching this spring and work on building a rapport with the pitchers.

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The 22-year-old is expected to make the Opening Day roster as a bat-first DH, but becoming a viable backup to catchers Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya would be huge for a Cubs team that prioritizes depth and roster flexibility.

By all accounts, he’s caught up to speed and is actually exceeding expectations, especially at catcher, where he’s surprised some observers who had previously envisioned him as a below-average receiver. New Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera recently praised him for his keen eye behind the plate and his ability to help guide him through his outing.

Ballesteros is also not disappointing with the bat, hitting .294 after just 18 plate appearances with 6 RBIs in his abbreviated spring.

All in all, people are excited about what the Cubs’ 2023 and 2024 Minor League Player of the Year can do in a full season after posting a .298 batting average in 66 plate appearances with the major league team last season.

Rival scout raves about Ballesteros upside

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In a recent interview with the Mully & Haugh Show on 104.3 The Score, Cubs beat reporter Bruce Levine shared a rival scout’s glowing assessment of the squat, 5-foot-8 unlikely top prospect.

“I was talking to a scout who has watched him since he came into major league baseball,” Levine asserted. “He said…don’t worry about his weight as much as look at him as the baseball athlete he is at this weight. Make sure that the dietary part is good, but don’t ask this guy to lose 20 or 25 pounds, you might lose the pop in his bat if you do that…He’s a believer in Ballesteros and, like me, he believes he’s going to be a middle of the order hitter very soon. He said anywhere from fourth to sixth is where Counsell is going to hit him most of the time. He just believes he’s going to be an RBI machine.”

Another Alejandro Kirk?

The unnamed scout also went on to praise Ballesteros as an overall player, comparing him to Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays, who is similarly 5-foot-8 and is actually listed as 50 lbs. heavier.

“It was good to hear from someone outside the organization who thinks not only is he going to be an outstanding hitter, but that he’s going to be a better catcher,” Levine said. “And he brought up Kirk as the idea from the Toronto Blue Jays…Not the greatest body in the world, but he’s turned out to be an outstanding catcher even at a big size.”

For now, the plan with Ballesteros seems to be to DH him against mostly right-handed pitching and slot him in as the team’s emergency catcher. He can also play some first base and might see some time there as a backup to Michael Busch.

But, make no mistake about it, Ballesteros will be with the Cubs for his bat and everyone’s waiting to see how well he does there.

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The Chicago Cubs know that no. 1 ranked prospect Moises Ballesteros can hit. The experts and analysts almost universally agree that the kid’s bat will carry over into major league play.

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The 22-year-old, after all, has risen through the Cubs’ farm system– winning Cubs Minor League Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024– on the weight of his bat, alone. He’s also expected to make the Opening Day major league roster as a bat-first prospect, playing a role as the team’s primary DH.

Last season, in a small sample size of 66 regular season plate appearances sprinkled out over three call-ups, the lefty slashed .298/.394/.474. In the month of September, he really turned heads with a .333 batting average and a .435 OBP, essentially providing the offense an injured Kyle Tucker couldn’t deliver, often placed in the middle of the Cubs lineup.

The question with Ballesteros, though, is defense.

Ballesteros as a catcher: So far, so good

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A catcher by designation, with experience at first base, his defense has lagged far behind his offense. It’s been an aspect to his game that he’s worked on diligently, even trimming as much as 20 lbs. off his squat frame to help with his agility and speed.

On this 2026 Cubs team, where versatility is highly prioritized, Ballesteros will be asked to play the field, at the very least as a third catcher behind Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya and as a backup first baseman behind Michael Busch. So, there’s an added emphasis this spring in getting the young talent some extra time behind the plate.

And…so far, so good.

While catching Edward Cabrera in Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Venezuelan made three successful ABS challenges, turning three balls into three strikes.

Ballesteros’ keen eye and feel for the strike zone did not go unnoticed.

“I was shocked [at the successful challenges],” Cabrera told reporters after the game, via interpreter. “Having a catcher who sees the zone that well gives me a lot of confidence, especially in tight counts. He did a great job guiding me through those innings.”

“It motivates me to prove people wrong”

By all accounts, Ballesteros is a hard worker and a positive, goal-oriented young man. He’s made it clear that working on his catching is a priority this spring.

“It motivates me to prove people wrong — to prove that I am a good catcher and not just a hitter,” Ballesteros told Cubs beat writer Bruce Levine.

Chicago’s coaching staff doesn’t doubt that he’ll work his way into being the catcher they expect him to be.

“Experience catching is a real goal for him and in the drill work exposure to good players, that was the goal,” manager Craig Counsell told The Chicago Tribune. “He’s not a finished product catching so we just want him to keep taking strides, and a lot of it’s just receiving work, receiving work, receiving work…He has very good instincts for the game so that part of it he’s very capable, it’s not a development goal. That part he will be very good at.”

If his bat turns out to be as good as projected over a full season, he may not need to be a stellar defensive catcher. But the goal will always be to develop a prospect into the best possible player he can be.

In Ballesteros’ case, anything above and beyond his hitting will be an absolute plus.

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The Chicago Cubs had been angling to acquire righty powerhouse pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins since the end of the 2024 season. They finally pulled the trigger this offseason.

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They paid a steep price for the 27-year-old starter, giving up no. 1 prospect OF Owen Caissie, no. 11 prospect INF Cristian Hernandez, and 19-year-old talent INF Edgardo De Leon. But, in return, the Cubs got a tremendous emerging talent who will be under contract through 2028.

The native of the Dominican Republic also brings a swing-and-miss power game that last year’s rotation lacked.

“I felt like we had a very contact oriented pitching staff,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said in a recent interview on “The Show” podcast. “Our defense helps that, but, you know, we don’t have that kind of stuff in our rotation other than Cade Horton. So he fit that well. Our pitching guys have long be enamored with him and getting a chance to work with him. And it’s three years of control. I think that was a significant factor. His age and the control”

Cabrera is a whiff machine

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Cabrera’s ability to generate swings and misses was on full display in his scoreless spring training appearance against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday when Sal Frelick was juked out of his helmet waving haplessly at a killer changeup.

“Cabrera is a nasty guy,” catcher Moises Ballesteros commented after the game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. “Every pitch is nasty…[the changeup is] REALLY nasty.”

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic crunched the numbers and laid out the facts regarding just how dominant the new Cub can be:

“Among eligible starters, his curveball got the highest whiff rate in baseball (45.2 percent). By Statcast’s RunValue metric, it was the third most valuable curveball. By the same RunValue metric, his changeup — a very unique offering that averages 94.2 mph and that he often uses to both righties and lefties — is 15th in baseball.”

Cabrera’s changeup has been getting all the raves this spring, but he really is a complete package, drawing comparisons from Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to former Cub Yu Darvish.

The injury issue

The concern with Cabrera, though, is injury. He was on the IL twice last season and has had shoulder and elbow issues throughout his young career. Last season was the first time he pitched more than 100 innings as a major leaguer.

Still, through injury, the young talent was able to shine (8-7, 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts in 137.2 innings over 26 starts) and affirm his reputation as an emerging talent on the cusp of breaking through to next-level success.

The Cubs have plenty of depth in their rotation, which would allow them to avoid putting too much stress and strain on Cabrera this season. Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga are slated into the mix around Cabrera. They have ace Justin Steele returning from elbow surgery at some point in the first half of the season. They also have capable swingmen in Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and Ben Brown as rotation backup.

Cabrera just has to do what he was built to do and prove that the Cubs’ long-standing interest in him was warranted.

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The Chicago Cubs are heading into the 2026 season with great expectations and a feeling that this year could most definitely be their year. Part of the reason for such optimism is in the fact that their starting rotation is so deep and locked in.

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Barring some unforeseen surprise, the Cubs will start the season with a rotation of Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga. Then, possibly as early as May or June, Justin Steele should be coming back from last year’s elbow surgery.

That would give the team six viable starters, plus Colin Rea and Javier Assad as capable swingmen who could step in and take a rotation spot for a good period of time.

So, what would Chicago do with six starters (or possibly eight) and only five slots in which to put them?

An unprecedented trade

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Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib predicts that the Cubs could trade one of them away at the trade deadline for whatever they may need to take them comfortably into the postseason.

Per Misener:

“…Nobody is doubting the sheer volume of arms in the mix here. Cabrera and Horton are joined by Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga – as well as Javier Assad, Colin Rea and Ben Brown, not to mention Justin Steele, who is expected to return in May or June.

That math doesn’t math – at least not when everyone is healthy. There could be a deal out there this summer to the Cubs’ liking, maybe to add a bona fide late-inning arm, and seeing Hoyer deal from a position of strength makes a decent amount of sense.”

Dealing from a position of strength

It’s unprecedented for a likely playoff-bound team to trade AWAY a starter at the deadline. However, if the Cubs’ rotation stays healthy and Steele can return to ace-level form, the front office, as Misener says, could cut a deal from a position of strength.

Maybe they’d get a bullpen stud, someone who could add some end-of-game stability and step into a closer or co-closer role. Maybe the acquisition could be a proven power hitter.

Of course, such a deal would probably mean that their trade partners would also see themselves as contenders for postseason play. So, a trade like that would require some boldness from both sides.

But, why not? Imanaga and Taillon are free agency-eligible at the end of the season. Boyd, meanwhile, is staring down a mutual option at the end of 2026 and is not an absolute guarantee to return next year.

In a Cubs-perfect world, the team would still be carrying five starters into August with some solid backup behind them.

First, though, the Cubs have to stay healthy and live up to expectations. If not, any deadline trades would be sell-offs and not roster reinforcement.

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The Chicago Cubs have real reason to believe that they are the favorites to win the NL Central Division. They made a lot of impact moves this offseason and a lot of smaller depth acquisitions that provide ample insurance if/when plans go sideways.

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The biggest move may have been the signing of free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who brings veteran leadership, a strong bat, and stellar defense to the team.

Right behind the acquisition of Bregman, in terms of potential impact, was the trade for emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

Then, there was the re-stocking of a depleted bullpen with four free agent relievers (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey).

And beyond all of that, Chicago went out of its way to acquire depth pieces at every possible position, but especially in the area of pitching.

So, yes, given their success last season and the moves made this offseason, it’s no mystery why the consensus opinion among fans and experts is that the Cubs will win their division.

But that belief is not universal.

The emerging Reds

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Steve Phillips of MLB Network is giving the Cincinnati Reds a real chance of winning the division this coming season:

“Their starting pitching matches up with anybody… I think the Reds have a real chance to win the NL Central this year. They’re going to be well beyond 78-79 wins.”

This past offseason, the Terry Francona-led Reds acquired free agent slugger Eugenio Suarez, who just happens to be a verifiable Cubs killer. They also made considerable efforts to rebuild their bullpen.

Given their spirited 2025, which led to an NL Wild Card spot, they will be a team to watch in 2026.

The Pirates as dark horse NL Central contenders

Robert Murray of Fansided is fancying the Pittsburgh Pirates as dark horse contenders to upset the Cubs’ hopes:

“Ryan O’Hearn compared them to the 2023 Baltimore Orioles, a group that came out of nowhere to win 101 games and the AL East, and it’s hard not to be impressed by what Pittsburgh is building.

Their pitching staff, headlined by Paul Skenes, speaks for itself. But now they have a credible offense with new additions such as Marcell Ozuna, Brandon Lowe and O’Hearn to pair with Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and more. Their new manager, Don Kelly, has drawn rave reviews from folks early on. I’m optimistic about what’s to come with the Pirates, and I know I’m not alone there.”

Both the Reds and Pirates are notably improved teams with, seemingly, real hunger heading into the 2026 campaign. The Milwaukee Brewers, however, should also never be counted out, even after trading away pitcher Freddy Peralta and making other high-profile subtractions.

The Cubs, meanwhile, do have some question marks and causes for concern.

Causes for Cubs concern

Chicago’s deep starting rotation, which will carry six viable starters when Justin Steele returns, is also full of health and durability concerns.

Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Edward Cabrera have extensive history of injury. Steele is coming off elbow surgery that forced him to miss all of last season. Shota Imanaga was on the shelf with a hamstring injury for nearly 8 weeks in 2025. James Taillon, meanwhile, was on the IL twice last year.

Closer Daniel Palencia is due to resume his game-closing role in 2026. But, for as good as he looked for much of his breakthrough 2025, he looked just as bad down the stretch of the season. He posted an ugly 7.07 ERA in his final 17 regular season appearances, with an IL stint after the first week of September to boot.

There’s also the possibility of regression is some players who had career offensive years last season, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki.

Despite being the clear favorites to take the NL Central Division, the Cubs may have to scrap and fight their way to the top. People are starting to acknowledge that now.

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The Chicago Cubs gave up a lot to get Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. In the deal to acquire the right-handed power pitcher, Chicago had to give up their no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect Cristian Hernandez, and promising 19-year-old Edgardo De Leon.

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The Cubs, however, walked away from the trade with zero remorse. They had tried to get him prior to the 2025 season as well as at the 2025 trade deadline last season, but weren’t willing to pull the trigger. This time, working under the belief that the young talent was on the verge of breaking though to next level success, they did.

Last season, Cabrera had a career year (8-7, 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts in 137.2 innings over 26 starts) and many believe there’s still a much higher ceiling for the native of the Dominican Republic, who is under team control through the 2028 season.

Cabrera dazzles in spring debut

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On Friday, the new Cub made his Cactus League debut versus the Cleveland Guardians at Sloan Park and looked absolutely stunning.

In two scoreless, hitless innings pitched, Cabrera struck out three. His fastball averaged an incredible 97 mph for his spring debut.

Per Yahoo! Sports’ account of Cabrera’s outing:

“Cabrera’s best pitch on Friday was his changeup. He induced three whiffs on that pitch alone, which included two swinging strike outs in the second inning. He perfectly placed his changeup at the bottom of the zone to both Gabriel Arias and CJ Kayfus. Both hitters then went down swinging.

It was an impressive spring debut for the new Cubs pitcher. He threw 20 of his 31 pitches for strikes and threw five different pitches in the game (four-seam fastball, changeup, curveball, sinker, and slider). 29% of his pitchers were either whiffs or called strikes.”

“I felt good,” Cabrera told reporters after the outing via translator. “I was trying to get all my pitches in the zone. That was my goal.”

The injury issue

Cubs manager Craig Counsell has been high on Cabrera for quite some time and is focused on keeping the young arm on the right developmental path, something which goes hand in hand with keeping him healthy.

Injuries have been the one knock against Cabrera and the reason some teams reportedly shied away from trading for him. Over the course of his young pro career, the 27-year-old has had numerous health issues, including right shoulder and elbow problems that have limited his output. Last year was the first time he pitched more than 100 innings in the majors and, even then, he spent time on the IL twice, the second time with some concerning UCL/elbow issues.

The Cubs staff is focused on keeping Cabrera healthy with advanced training techniques and common sense workload management, in much the same way they helped the oft-injured Matthew Boyd stay healthy and productive throughout 2025.

“Because he’s had some injuries, he just hasn’t put together the seasons necessarily that kind of make you go, ‘Wow,’” Counsell said after Cabrera’s first outing. “I don’t think there’s a big change that we think needs to happen here. That’s not what the trade was about.

“We just think this is a talented pitcher coming into the right part of his career. The health part of this is a real thing that we have to get right to the best of our ability.”

The Matthew Boyd endorsement

“Edward’s the real deal,” Boyd told reporters. “You’re going to see it.”

“In terms of how to fine-tune your abilities,” Boyd added, “it’s like, ‘OK, here’s how we can optimize where you are in your career health-wise and help you go forward with that.’ All those little things — at least from my experience — were huge for me last year…

“You think, ‘OK, cool, they did that with me. Let’s see what they can do with a stallion.’”

And Cabrera has the ability to be that stallion in the Cubs rotation, adding swing-and-miss power to a starting crew more known for nuance and generating weak contact.

He also brings a definite swagger to the staff.

“With all due respect to everyone here, whenever I step on the mound, I think I’m the best,” Cabrera told the Marquee Sports Network earlier in the spring. “Every time I cross that white line and I get out there and start pitching, I’m the best.”

The post Chicago Cubs: Edward Cabrera shocks and awes in spring debut– “He’s the real deal” appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs made a lot of pitching movement this past offseason. It really hasn’t been pointed out enough just how much the front office has actually focused on pitching.

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The big headline, of course, was the addition of emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera, acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins.

But the Cubs also essentially rebuilt a depleted bullpen that, at one point, looked like it might be down to just one or two holdovers from the NLDS roster bullpen. They added Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey via a free agency (while also re-signing Caleb Thielbar) and spent an uncharacteristic sum of money to do so.

On the projected 26-man roster, Chicago could likely come into the 2026 season with nearly a 40% turnover from the end of last season.

The Cubs’ stockpiling of arms

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And there was even more movement right underneath the big league roster level as they went on an offseason buying spree to snatch up viable arms and reclamation projects on minor league deals.

Over the course of the winter, the Cubs signed a number of pitchers to minor league deals. The most notable were Collin Snider, Kyle Wright, Trent Thornton, Vince Velasquez, Yacksel Rios, Charlie Barnes, Ryan Rolison, Tyler Beede, Jeff Brigham, Tyler Ras, Corbin Martin, and Gabe Klobosits– all pitchers who have shown flashes of success at (or near) the major league level in their careers.

All of this is a clear effort to try and replicate (again) the success the team has had in refurbishing struggling pitchers into quality bullpen assets. Last season, the success of Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz, who were both almost out of baseball at the time they came to Chicago, helped carry a bullpen that hit some real rough patches early on.

Collin Snider: Low-risk, high-yield?

Of all the pitchers signed to minor league contracts this past offseason, arguably the most intriguing and most likely for a breakthrough is the 30-year-old Collin Snider.

In 2024, the Seattle Mariners made just the right tweaks in the righty after coming over from the Kansas City Royals, turning him from a 5.93 ERA pitcher to a shutdown 1.94 ERA bullpen asset. Injury, however, robbed Snider of two full miles-per-hour on his fastball during a disastrous 2025 which saw him demoted to Triple-A and then allowed to drift away via free agency.

The Cubs brought him aboard as a low-risk flier, believing that some minor mechanical changes could keep his arm healthy and get his velocity back up. So far, it appears to be working. According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, Snider has remarked that the first bullpen he threw, using the Cubs’ tweaks, was the “hardest he’s thrown in an offseason bullpen session.”

This season’s Brad Keller?

“The main thing was health,” Snider told Sharma. “Then, paired with health, I got into some bad mechanical habits. One thing kind of fed into the other. But health is probably the overall issue.

“It honestly was something very simple. I was throwing in like an east-west rotation instead of a little bit more north-south thought to it — my shoulder plane. I was coming on the side of the baseball instead of getting behind it a little more. I was cutting a lot of stuff. Too much, a little cut would be fine. Cutting things too much, which (put) stress on the forearm, and my velo was down.”

A product of Tread Athletics and Tyler Zombro, the Cubs’ new vice president of pitching, Snider was a beast in his stellar, healthy 2024 season. He more than doubled his strikeout rate from 2023 to 2024, halved his walk rate, and, with certain pitches, produced a 30% whiff rate.

There appears to be the firm belief that all of Snider’s 2025 struggles were due to his lower-arm issues. And, if that’s the case, this pickup will be an absolute steal for the Cubs.

He’ll have a tough road to a roster spot coming out of spring training. However, as we are constantly reminded, bullpens are volatile, unpredictable beasts where there will always be need for fresh arms over the course of a long, grueling season.

The post Chicago Cubs: Surprise dark horse emerging for key roster spot? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs will have no shortage of starting pitchers (assuming health) come Opening Day, but the question of who the ace of the staff will be still remains. Justin Steele would be the guy, but he will not be ready to pitch come March 26. Plus he will need to ramp up and shake off the rust once he returns.

Outside of Steele, the current rotation has several number one candidates, but there is currently no Carlos Zambrano, Jon Lester, or Jake Arrieta type shoo-in. Most of the Cubs’ healthy starters on paper are arguably considered 3-5 arms on other contending rotations. At least by more “traditional” standards, noting the dynamics of pitching staffs have evolved in recent years. So that’s a bit subjective.

Potential Cubs ace candidates.

When looking at an “ace candidate” right now, it’s primarily about who will start Opening Day. Who starts a postseason series is well down the road, assuming they get there. Based on history and/or abilities, the three arms that stand out are Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Edward Cabrera.

Boyd is coming off a career year, pitching to a 3.21 ERA, 1.1 WHIP, 3.65 FIP, 7.7 K/9, and 2.1 BB/9 in 179.2 innings (31 starts). Of the three names mentioned, he is the veteran who has pitched in over 1,000 innings and made 199 career starts. Horton displayed ace-like potential in his rookie 2025 season. Over his last 14 starts last year, he pitched to a 1.36 ERA, 2.96 FIP, and 64 strikeouts in 73 innings. Cabrera is an electric arm that ranked in the 87th percentile in fastball velocity (upper 90s MPH), while ranking between 70th and 80th percentile in chase, whiff, and strikeout rates.

Boyd likely has the upper hand right now, considering the experience. Durability across a season is a concern based on his injury history, and his strikeout rate last year was not huge. Projections are still pretty solid though, even coming off a career year at age 34. Horton feels like the highest ceiling, though the workload is a question. Marcels Projections (via Baseball-Reference) are fairly bullish on the 24-year old righty, projecting a 3.23 ERA with an 8.1 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 2026. Though just 117 innings pitched. It would be a bit more surprising to see Cabrera be the guy, but he’s got the stuff to be an ace.

Why not other Cubs starters?

While one cannot definitively rule out Shota Imanaga, he feels like a middle rotation guy going forward. He’s shown he can pitch well in the Majors, sporting a 3.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 in 54 MLB starts. That said the weaknesses really showed in the later half of 2025. He’s a heavy flyball pitcher that gives up a lot of home runs; even in 2024 he surrendered 27 in 173.1 innings (58 in 318 innings total). He can generate whiffs with his repitor of pitches but he’s not overpowering. Worth noting the whiff rate last year was in the 44th percentile vs. being in the 72nd percentile in 2024.

This does not mean Imanaga cannot be an effective pitcher in 2026. It would just be hard to peg him as a 1 or 2 in a rotation right now.

Jameson Taillon has the most innings pitched of any starter on the staff (1,237), but he’s a lower to middle rotation type pitcher. He’s been a workhorse over the past few years, sporting a 3.43 ERA and only 81 walks over his last 385.2 innings pitched. He’s also given up his share of homers (101 over his past three seasons) while not having ace-like stuff that generates whiffs. Not a knock, he’s a good 3-4 starter who can be very effective while not dominant.

The rest of the pitching depth on the 40-man like Colin Rea, Javier Assad, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks would serve as swing guys. Spring Training will paint a clearly picture on who will get pegged as the top dog in the rotation.

The post Can the Cubs comfortably declare an ace of the staff? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ first big move of the offseason made big-time headlines and signaled that the team was serious about competing for a championship in 2026.

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After flirting with the idea of trading for the Miami Marlins’ emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera since 2024, Cubs president Jed Hoyer finally pulled the trigger on the big deal.

Bringing the 27-year-old righty aboard, however, cost the Cubs their top prospect Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect Cristian Hernandez, and young talent Edgardo De Leon. It was a big price to pay, but one deemed worth the payout for three full years of a starting pitcher many think is on the verge of breaking through to next-level success.

The Caissie-Cabrera trade as a mixed bag

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It was still, however, a bit of a question mark move as Caissie was expected to help fill the vacant right field spot, along with Seiya Suzuki (who’s in the last year of his contract), left behind by Kyle Tucker.

The trade was a mixed bag for the 23-year-old Caissie. On one hand, he’ll get more of an opportunity to play every day on the rebuilding Marlins. On the other hand, he’s moving from a team expected to make a deep playoff run to a team several years away from even competing for a playoff spot.

Caissie speaks: “I was blocked” in Chicago

The power-hitting prospect recently talked about the rough road he had in Chicago and the opportunity currently present on his new team.

“I thought I was pretty blocked…maybe my strikeout rate, but that’s just who I am. I’m going to continue to get better at that,” Caissie told Marlins TV host Craig Mish. “You know, Chicago is pretty stacked. It’s pretty tough for a guy to break through and there’s a big payroll and everything like that…I did eventually break through, but I don’t know the internal stuff, so I’m not going to comment on that.

The Cubs have had a great squad the last couple years and, as a guy coming up the system, it’s really hard to break through. The team’s pretty good…When I was talking to my family, [they said] ‘You’re going to get more of an opportunity here.’ And I was, like, ‘100% true.’ And that’s what I’m really excited for. I can really showcase myself.”

The corner outfielder had a chance to show a little bit of his ability late last season with the Cubs when Tucker went down with a calf injury. Unfortunately, he could only muster one home run and a .192 batting average in 27 plate appearances before a crash against the Wrigley Field outfield ivy and a resulting concussion shut down his season.

Cubs vs. Marlins, according to Caissie

When asked about the difference between the Marlins’ way of doing things and the Cubs’ system, Caissie was as diplomatic as one would expect him to be.

“Not to say that the Cubs don’t compete, but the Marlins pride themselves on the compete aspect in practice from what I’ve seen so far,” he said. “I was here for like a week prior to this and all the days were really challenging stuff, something I was used to with the Cubs, but I’d say there’s more of it here and they really pride themselves on the little things. I’m not saying that the Cubs don’t, but it’s really just…a brand new perspective on how they go about things here and I’m pretty excited to learn more from the guys.”

There’s still debate as to how high Caissie’s ceiling will be, but the Cubs, with expectations of competing in the here and now, can’t necessarily spend that much time on player development at the major league level. All things considered, a mid-to-front-of-rotation starter is much more useful to the team right now than a prospect who may or may not develop into an every day player.

In a best case scenario, this trade might end of being a win-win for all parties involved.

The post Chicago Cubs: Owen Caissie on being “blocked” in Chicago and the Marlins’ more competitive mindset appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs made some significant waves this offseason. They made moves that, in other years and under different circumstances, would’ve been hard to fathom.

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After letting right fielder Kyle Tucker walk away without a struggle, for example, they signed free agent third base man Alex Bregman, who they made a play for last offseason. They spent big (5-years, $175 million) to get him, too.

They made another big splash when they traded for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, giving up their top prospect OF Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect INF Cristian Hernandez, and another infield prospect.

Before those two moves, they restocked their depleted bullpen with four free agent relievers, using a significant chunk of change to do so.

Big expectations for 2026

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With all these moves (plus the re-signing of Shota Imanaga and Caleb Thielbar), there are big expectations coming into this 2026 season. The Cubs are projected to win the NL Central division by every stats-based projection system. PECOTA, for instance, has them finishing in first place, almost ten games ahead of the second place Milwaukee Brewers, who won the division last year and even eliminated the Cubs from the NLDS.

Actually, the word “expectations” has been an early theme this spring training, thrown out by coaching, front office, and the players themselves.

“Everybody in this industry wants expectations,” manager Craig Counsell told The Athletic. “You work hard to get expectations. You work really hard to build a roster that has expectations, you work really hard to get on a team that has expectations. That’s what we want. We’re truly excited we have expectations. It’s not easy to get them.”

Similarly, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has talked about the high expectations coming into 2026.

“I know the expectations are high, which I think is great,” Hoyer said. “It’s what you want. The excitement in camp is palpable. The players are talking about it. The coaches are talking about it. They’re excited about our team. They’re excited about our group, both from a talent standpoint and from a camaraderie standpoint.”

From front office to coaching to players

Individual players have also used that “e” word as spring training kicks off, talking about the expectations created from stellar performances last season

“That’s the thing about the second year,” pitcher Cade Horton told media, looking back on an incredible rookie season that saw him deliver as, statistically, the best pitcher in baseball from the All-Star break to his season-ending injury in late September. “Now people have expectations. But the expectations don’t change for myself. I’m going to go out there and give my team a chance to win. That’s my expectation. Everyone else’s expectation doesn’t really have a say in how I go about my day.”

But, realistically, expectations do sometimes weigh heavily on people. When much is expected, the pressure gets amplified, especially if things don’t go all that well early on.

The pressure of outdoing the “best case” 2025 Cubs

Last season, the Cubs ran off to a tremendous early success that allowed them to stay afloat as a playoff-bound team through a less-than-stellar second half of the season. Guys like Horton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Daniel Palencia, and Seiya Suzuki had career years. Carson Kelly was an offensive juggernaut over the first couple months of the season, but below league-average the rest of the way. Matthew Boyd pitched his first healthy season since 2019. Brad Keller and Drew Pomeranz, now ex-Cubs, came out of nowhere to become bullpen anchors.

Everything seemed to fall in place last season.

This coming season, though, the Cubs are expected to perform better– and accomplish more– than last year’s “best case scenarios” team did. That’s real pressure. People expecting big things is a good problem to have. It means the front office did a good job of filling holes and getting pieces to their puzzle. But it also makes for some tough mental patches.

None of this is to say that the 2026 Cubs can’t or won’t outperform the 92-win 2025 Cubs. On paper, this squad is an overall better team in so many regards.

But to get to the same place they did last year, they’ll probably have to push harder and be more persistent. This season should be interesting.

The post The Chicago Cubs’ biggest 2026 battle may be internal– expectations appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs had been eyeballing Edward Cabrera for quite some time. They had reportedly explored acquiring him following the 2024 season and then, again, at the trade deadline last season.

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The team loved his stuff, his raw potential, and the fact that he seemed to be putting everything together for next level success. They also loved the fact that the young arm was under firm team control, not eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season.

This offseason, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer finally pulled the trigger on a deal to bring Cabrera to Chicago. It was a big, bold move that cost the Cubs their no. 1 prospect OF Owen Caissie, their no. 11 prospect SS/2B Cristian Hernandez, and INF Edgardo De Leon.

Cabrera is “ready to take off”

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It was a heavy price to pay for a farm system already tapped and moving in the wrong direction, from top-tier to lower-third. But a 27-year-old with an upside like Cabrera’s who could give the team three full years at a budget price is not something you really want to pass up, especially if your plan is to challenge for a championship in the here and now.

“What we see in Edward [Cabrera] is just a pitcher who’s ready to take off,” manager Craig Counsell said during Cubs Convention. “We have to try to figure out how to get him to the next place. And that’s what’s fun about coaching — we’re going to help him get to that place.”

Last season, the native of the Dominican Republic had a career year, posting a 3.53 ERA over 137.2 innings and 26 starts. Many analysts feel that 2025 was the year he turned the corner in his development and began to become the pitcher many felt he would become. He struck out more, walked a lower percentage, and, overall, just seemed more commanding as an in-your-face power pitcher.

Bringing swagger to the Cubs’ rotation

Coming into spring training with the Cubs this season, Cabrera brings a swagger that stands out among the team’s reserved, low-key rotation.

“With all due respect to everyone here, whenever I step on the mound, I think I’m the best,” Cabrera recently told the Marquee Sports Network through an interpreter. “Every time I cross that white line and I get out there and start pitching, I’m the best.”

“It gets me excited to contribute here,” Cabrera continued. “Just to help them out because I always knew before getting here that this was a very competitive team…a team that is always in the race.”

For all his self-confidence, though, Cabrera does not come without risk.

Edward Cabrera, the risks

The hard-throwing righty has a significant history of injury. Last season was the first time that he pitched more than 100 innings in the majors and, even then, he spent time on the IL twice, the second time with some concerning UCL/elbow issues.

“I’ve talked to people around the league who were kind of surprised he cleared medicals,” Marquee Sports Network’s Lance Brozdowski said on the North Side Territory podcast, at the time of the trade. “Talking with teams who communicated with the Marlins about Cabrera; this was a hang-up for other teams.”

Some feel that, given his power-pitching style and the apparent strain on his elbow, Cabrera is due for a physical breakdown that may require Tommy John surgery at some point.

The Cubs were willing to take that risk, confident that perhaps some mechanical tweaks and careful watching of innings will keep Cabrera healthy and productive. Chicago DOES have the rotation depth to limit his innings and give the occasional extra day of rest to ease the wear and tear.

But, risks aside, Cabrera brings legit power to a rotation more known for nuance and provoking manageable light contact. He also clearly brings a heaping dose of ace-level confidence.

The post Chicago Cubs’ Edward Cabrera brings swagger to rotation: “I’m the best” appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are expecting big things from newcomer Edward Cabrera, who many in the organization feel is right on the verge of moving from high-promise, high-upside young gun to powerhouse ace.

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The Cubs had to send their no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie to the Miami Marlins to get their hands on the 27-year-old righty, along with a pair of infield prospect, but, as of right now, there’s not even the slightest bit of buyer’s remorse.

Cabrera will come to the team in the most ideal of situations, too, with the least amount of stress possible in a rotation expected to carry the team to a deep playoff run.

There’s no pressure on the young talent to immediately step in and become a superstar or even to become an elite-tier starter right now. He’ll be able to slide right into the middle of a deep Cubs rotation while contributing and further developing at his own pace. Alongside fellow starters Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and the soon-to-be-returning Justin Steele, Cabrera will find a significantly dimmer spotlight shining on him.

Killing off rumors of a Cubs-Zac Gallen union

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There’ve been rumors, too, that the deep Cubs rotation could be even deeper come opening day. Buzz regarding Chicago’s continued interest in the still-unsigned Zac Gallen has been all over the place, priming Cubs fans for the possibility that Jed Hoyer and the front office may have one more big move in store before spring training fully kicks into gear.

The idea of a Cubs-Gallen union is no doubt an attractive one. After all, why WOULDN’T Chicago want a workhorse starter with ace-level chops in the rotation, even if that rotation becomes overstuffed with quality starters?

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, however, has just dumped some cold water on the flaming-hot Gallen rumors.

Per Sharma:

“Even as his free agency drags on, the Cubs are unlikely to land starting pitcher Zac Gallen. The longer he lingers on the market, the more concerned the Cubs front office will be that Gallen can even be an effective starter this season without a normal spring training to ramp up. A one-year deal, or an opt-out after one year, makes little sense when it means losing a draft pick. Gallen should have other suitors who would be a more logical fit.”

Logic trumps ambition

And, yeah, it makes total sense why they’d bow out of any Gallen talk at this point. Actually, it never quite made sense in the first place why the Cubs would still even be taking to Gallen, given that they retained Imanaga this offseason and traded for Cabrera.

Possibly, if the righty’s price dropped to an insane degree, the Cubs would take a grab at the 30-year-old on a short-term deal. But, realistically, that wasn’t likely to happen. It’s still pretty much a sure thing that he’ll get a decent deal somewhere, with more years attached than the Cubs would’ve felt comfortable offering.

It’s true that you can never have too much starting pitching, but the Cubs, as of right now, are about as solid in that regard as anyone else in baseball.

Cubs don’t need Gallen, anyway

Boyd, Horton, Cabrera, Taillon, Imanaga make for a solid front five and Steele should be back in the mix by mid-season. Beyond the likely A-team, there are swing men Colin Rea and Javier Assad along with Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins. The team has also brought in some low-risk non-roster arms, most recently once-upon-a-time 21-game winner Kyle Wright.

Barring some deep, dark bad luck, the Cubs should be alright when it comes to starting pitching.

If Gallen would’ve fallen into their laps, fine. You don’t turn away a pitcher like Zac Gallen if you can get him on a sweetheart deal. But they don’t NEED Gallen. And, apparently, the rumors of pursuing him are no longer worth the distractions they could create.

The post Chicago Cubs move on from Zac Gallen pursuit, per insider appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have a lot going for them as they head into the 2026 season. Jed Hoyer and the front office have filled in holes and fortified the roster to build upon the successes of a spirited 2025 campaign that saw them make it to Game Five of the NLDS.

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Topping the additions were the pickups of third baseman Alex Bregman and emerging powerhouse pitcher Edward Cabrera. They also restocked a depleted bullpen with four veteran free agent relievers and several next-tier depth pieces.

All in all, the Cubs seem to be in a good place when it comes to living up to the projections that have them winning the NL Central Division and making a deep playoff run.

But this IS baseball and anything that could go sideways MIGHT go sideways. And the Cubs do have some significant concerns for the 2026 campaign. Here’s a look at three areas of concern that should have the Cubs and their fans legit worried.

Injury

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Yes, injury is always a concern for any major league team. In the Cubs’ case, though, there’s reason to move from concern to worry.

For one, most of their starting rotation has significant history of injury.

Matthew Boyd was fortunate to not have run into any injury issues in 2025, but, prior to that, he had suffered through physical setback after physical setback since 2019. Some may say he’s due for an injury of some sort.

Rookie phenom Cade Horton and newcomer Edward Cabrera also have a history of injury throughout their young careers. Last season, Horton was shut down in September with a rib fracture while Cabrera had two stints on the IL with arm issues. Ace Justin Steele, meanwhile, is coming off elbow surgery and is slated for a mid-season return.

Even Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and swingman Javier Assad spent significant time on the IL last season.

When it comes to position players, Chicago was extremely fortunate in that none of the starters, except for Kyle Tucker, were put on the shelf due to injury. It’s almost a guarantee that they won’t be that fortunate this coming season.

Regression

The Cubs’ offense was overwhelming throughout the first half of last season. To a great extent, it was this first-half drive that motored them comfortably to their postseason berth.

Chief among the driving forces behind their offensive surge were the now departed Kyle Tucker and guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Carson Kelly, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki– all players who had career years in 2025.

In 2026, there’s significant chance of regression from all of the above and also a reason to believe that starters Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner may deliver results just a bit below what they were able to achieve last season.

In the area of pitching, Daniel Palencia had an eye-catching season as he came from Triple-A to win the closer gig on the big league squad. His late-season fade, though, gives some cause for concern about his long-term viability in that role. This was, after all, his first sustained run at the major league level and also his first run at being a full-time closer. A gambling man might wager that the 25-year-old is due for a heftier ERA than his 2.91 last season (which was still under 1.90 heading into late August) and a tougher time keeping his gig as the Cubs’ full-time closer.

Catching

This is a very specific one, but it highlights, arguably, the biggest potential weak point on the roster.

Carson Kelly, offensively, had a career year in 2025, despite the modest .249 batting average, 17 home run, 50 RBI season totals. However, he had an outstanding first half of the season, hitting 12 of his 17 home runs and driving in 33 of his 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.

What he brings defensively and in terms of pitcher handling is a plus to the Cubs and worth him keeping his starting gig, regardless of his offensive production. But the picture behind him is not all that secure.

Miguel Amaya was good last season, in the little time he was actually healthy. Long, prolonged injury over multiple IL stints limited the 26-year-old to just 28 games and 103 plate appearances. And this, unfortunately, was not an unusual turn of events in the young catcher’s young career. Amaya has been injury-prone throughout his professional run.

Behind Kelly and Amaya, there’s Moises Ballesteros. Listed as, technically, the third catcher on the team, the rookie will be there entirely for his hitting prowess and not for a defense that can be generously described as a work in progress. Former Cub Christian Bethancourt was brought back to the team on a minor league contract, but if he gets the call-up, that means there’s big trouble with the catching situation in Chicago.

There’s plenty to be optimistic about as the Cubs head into the 2026 season, but it’s just statement of reality that the team is also counting on a lot of good fortune.

The post Chicago Cubs: 3 points of serious concern in 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs finished their 2025 season with the clear understanding that they needed starting pitching. Despite a spirited effort in the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, they fell in five games. And a big part of that fall had to do with a hobbled and inconsistent rotation.

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Coming into that series, the Cubs were down to two reliable starters– Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon (and Boyd, himself, kicked off the series with a rocky start). Shota Imanaga had fallen out of manager Craig Counsell’s circle of trust. Rookie phenom Cade Horton never even made it to the playoffs as a rib fracture late in the regular season put him on the shelf.

So, in advance of 2026, the Cubs declared a focus on fortifying their starting five, plus restocking a depleted bullpen. They did both.

They signed four veteran free agent relievers for the bullpen rebuild. Then, they pulled the trigger on the much-talked about trade with the Miami Marlins for emerging star Edward Cabrera.

Adding the 27-year-old Cabrera to the rotation is a big deal. Another big deal is the mid-season return of ace Justin Steele, who had elbow surgery last April.

But are Cabrera and a half-season of Steele enough to ensure the kind of starting pitching depth needed for a deep playoff run?

Maybe not.

Zac Gallen rumors won’t die

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Rumors keep flying about ongoing talks with free agent Zac Gallen and every indication is that there could be fire where the smoke is. Recently, MLB insider Bruce Levine doubled down on the fact that a Cubs-Gallen deal is not so far-fetched.

The 30-year-old Gallen is coming off a down year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, posting an ugly 4.83 ERA after early season struggles. But the righty is an established workhorse, with an average of 31.5 starts and 183.5 innings logged over the last four seasons.

On paper, he looks to be exactly what a Cubs rotation full of durability questions needs.

But what would it take for the Cubs to get Gallen and what kind of roster maneuvers would his acquisition require?

Spotrac is estimating Gallen to go for a 4-year, $74.8 million contract. MLB Trade Rumors nearly mirrors that estimation with a 4-year, $80 million projection.

There’s some indication, though, that Gallen might go for a shorter-term deal in hopes that a rebound 2026 season could lead to a more lucrative re-entry into the free agent market.

That’s probably where the Cubs come in.

How much would Gallen cost the Cubs?

If the market doesn’t suddenly shift with regards to Gallen, the Cubs could conceivably get him on a two or three-year contract, with a player opt-out at the end of each contract year, somewhere in the $20 million-per-season range.

The Cubs would suffer a draft penalty for signing Gallen, who turned down Arizona’s $22 million qualifying offer. But that is less of a concern than how and where to fit Gallen into the rotation.

The addition of Gallen would give the Cubs six starting pitchers prior to opening day, competing for five slots, with Steele on deck to return and quality swing men Colin Rea and Javier Assad waiting in the wings.

An incoming Gallen = A big trade ahead?

A surplus of starting pitching is a good problem to have, of course, but it’s a bit of a problem nonetheless. There have to be innings for their pitchers to build a working rhythm. If injuries don’t come into play, the Cubs would have at least seven starters vying for innings.

Could the acquisition of Gallen be the precursor to another significant trade for Chicago this offseason?

Imanaga is working on a $22 million qualifying offer for 2026 and has seemingly, to an extent, fallen out of favor with coaching and the front office. Taillon is due $18 million for this last year of his contract. Both Imanaga and Taillon will likely be leaving Chicago after 2026 and could conceivably be moved ahead of the finish of their contract. Assad, as the team’s second swing man, could also be moved, perhaps packaged with another player for a more significant haul. Gallen would probably be seen as an upgrade over Imanaga, Taillon, or Assad.

Gallen, meanwhile, seems just fine with staying with the Diamondbacks, apparently amenable to a contract keeping him in a city where he has strong roots.

“It’s been humbling,” Gallen recently told reporters at the WM Phoenix Open, referring to the outpouring of ‘stay here’ talk from locals. “That’s kind of been the constant thing the last couple of weeks. People have been like, ‘Hey, we’d really love for you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me…My wife is from here, I’m calling this home base now, so for us to be here would be awesome.”

In December, Gallen’s rotation-mate Merrill Kelly signed a 2-year, $40 million contract to stay in Arizona.

With or without Gallen, though, the Cubs are hoping to come into 2026 with significantly more depth and security in their starting rotation.

The post Chicago Cubs and Zac Gallen: The cost and the necessary next move appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs finished the 2025 season as, in a lot of ways, overachievers who eventually ran into a reality that knocked them from their playoff run.

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Despite adding right fielder Kyle Tucker, the team’s offense wasn’t expected to be as good as it was. Several players had career years, powering them to an especially strong first-half of season. The pitching staff also overachieved, delivering solid performance from a rotation that lost ace Justin Steele just four starts into the season and from a bullpen that seemed cobbled together from bits and pieces of other teams’ castoffs.

Eventually, though, the Cubs’ magic wore off and reality set in.

The offense flatlined for long stretch during the second half of the season and through the playoffs. The bullpen settled into mid-tier level. The starting rotation, meanwhile, carried on through injury until the wheels fell off the cart in the second round of the playoffs and the team was basically left with just two reliable starters in the NLDS.

A busy offseason

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This offseason, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and the Cubs front office worked on fortifying the roster and addressing the issues that kept the team from greater success in 2025.

Third baseman Alex Bregman was signed, replacing the outgoing Kyle Tucker in the lineup. They pulled the trigger on a trade to acquire emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. They restocked a depleted bullpen with four veteran free agent pickups (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey). They also re-signed starter Shota Imanaga and reliever Caleb Thielbar on one-year deals.

Cubs get an “A” on offseason report card

The Cubs’ efforts were enough to earn them a stellar grade of “A” in a recent piece by former MLB exec Jim Bowden at The Athletic, giving them the same report card grade as the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays. Only the Dodgers got a higher grade, with an A+ after another offseason spending big money for big acquisitions.

Per Bowden:

“The Cubs have had arguably their best offseason since president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer took over in November 2020. They bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring Edward Cabrera, who has three years of team control remaining. They rebuilt the bullpen, adding five new relievers. But they made their biggest splash with the Alex Bregman signing. In addition to what he brings to the field, Bregman gives the Cubs an instant upgrade in team leadership and clubhouse culture. They lost Kyle Tucker in free agency but still have one of the best defensive outfields with Gold Glovers Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong.”

Bowden, who is picking the Cubs to finish first in the NL Central Division, listed the team’s biggest question as Justin Steele and whether he can make a healthy, productive return by mid-season.

But when/if/how Steele returns is not even close to being the only question on this Cubs squad, which seems pretty much set for the start of the season.

Glaring questions remain

Pitching is still the biggest all-around concern for this team.

Starter Matthew Boyd, who managed to stay healthy last season, has a long history of injury, as do Cade Horton and the newcomer Cabrera, who weren’t able to stay healthy. Jameson Taillon and Imanaga had long IL stints last season. And, of course, Steele is coming off elbow surgery.

In the bullpen, meanwhile, Daniel Palencia seemed to lose his luster as the team’s closer late in the season in his first extended run as a closer at the MLB level. He also suffered a late-season shoulder injury that landed him on the IL.

Then there’s the reality that a lot of the position players on the 2025 team had career offensive years, like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, and Carson Kelly. There’s bound to be some regression in at least some of them.

Yes, it’s true that all teams have question marks and that health and/or consistent play is not a guarantee for anyone. Any team, any player can be a victim of circumstance. The best a front office can do is line up all its ducks in a row and hope they don’t get run over by fate.

Have the Cubs done enough to protect themselves from the inherent uncertainty of baseball fates? On paper, the answer seems to be “yes.” On paper.

The post Chicago Cubs get “A” grade for offseason moves amid glaring questions appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs were very fortunate last year when it came to their position players. With the exception of right fielder Kyle Tucker, who sputtered and fell apart over the second half of the season, the team’s position players remained healthy and present for the entire year.

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And this WAS a fortunate thing, indeed, since the Cubs’ 2025 bench was thin and lacking in production.

Chicago’s pitching staff was not as lucky.

Ace Justin Steele went down for the season with an elbow injury after just four starts. Shota Imanaga went down for eight weeks with hamstring issues shortly after that. Jameson Taillon had two stints on the IL. Rookie revelation Cade Horton went from being the best pitcher in baseball over the second half of the season to down for the count with fractured ribs over the last part of the regular season and through the playoffs. Closer Daniel Palencia also saw significant down time at the end of the regular season with a shoulder injury.

2026 Cubs are focused on depth

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This coming season, the Cubs clearly see the possibility of them not being so lucky with their position players and being even more unlucky with their pitchers. It just stands to reason that someone among the position players is due for an injury and that a starting rotation full of durability question marks may suffer some degree of breakdown.

So, headed into a 2026 where expectations are high, the Cubs’ focus seems to be on depth.

Jed Hoyer and the front office have restocked a depleted bullpen, added emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera via trade, signed third baseman Alex Bregman, and have added a virtual legion of backup possibilities via minor league deals and waver pickups.

With their budget close to being tapped out, the Cubs probably have room to make at least one more big or “biggish” acquisition. The question is, where do they make it.

They’d most definitely like more pitching depth, but there’s also a need to add a true, MLB-level fourth outfielder. Here’s a look at the case for each.

You can never have too much pitching

The Cubs still being linked to free agent starter Zac Gallen is surprising, but not all that much.

Starters Horton, Cabrera, and Boyd all have significant history of injury. Steele is coming off elbow surgery and may not be back until about mid-season. Imanaga and Taillon, meanwhile, also lost good chunks of last year due to injury.

The team is fortunate that they have quality swingmen Colin Rea and Javier Assad on the roster, as well as potentially serviceable options in Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks. But nobody will be walking into 2026 as a guarantee to be healthy and productive throughout the year.

Gallen has averaged 31.5 starts over the last four seasons and posted 192 innings last season, despite having a down year. A dependable workhorse in the middle of the rotation would be extreme insurance against the inherent uncertainty among the starting five.

The Cubs don’t have to go big in Gallen, however. There are some more modest free agent acquisitions, either starters or swingmen, still out there that may actually come at a budget price as spring training approaches. Pitchers like Nick Martinez, Chris Bassitt, Zack Littell, Patrick Corbin, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Lucas Giolito are among the best of the rest when it comes to available starters. All would look good in a Cubs uniform as high-end depth pieces.

The need for a fourth outfielder

Last season, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and left fielder Ian Happ played nearly every inning of every game– and their late season fizzle seemed to show some drain in their game because of it.

This year, with right fielder Kyle Tucker out of the picture and top prospect Owen Caissie traded away in the Cabrera deal, the outfield looks thinner than ever, even with Seiya Suzuki moving back to right from DH.

The Cubs need a quality fourth outfielder who can spell all three starters and maintain a decent level of productivity while doing so. The 23-year-old Kevin Alcantara and Dodgers castoff Justin Dean have been the favorites to land that fourth outfielder gig, with recent minor league contract signees Dylan Carson and Chas McCormick also competing for the spot. Former starting third baseman Matt Shaw may also get some outfield playing time in his new role as super utility player. But none of them are sure things.

The Cubs have been linked to free agent outfielder Miguel Andujar and have been encouraged to kick the tires on Andrew McCutchen and Austin Hays. Even former Cub Mike Tauchman could be an upgrade over fourth outfielder options already on hand. Best of all for a budget-watching Cubs team, though, is that none of the above options would break the bank. Andujar is projected at $6-$8 million a season. McCutchen and Hays at about $5 million, and Tauchman at likely under $3 million.

Chicago’s next significant move is likely their last of the offseason. Time (and market) will tell if that last move is towards pitching or an outfield bench asset.

The post Chicago Cubs’ last move: Outfielder or pitcher? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs had been eyeing hard-throwing right-hander Edward Cabrera for quite awhile, with buzz linking them to the Miami Marlins pitcher dating back to early last season. This offseason, they pulled the trigger on the trade to bring him aboard.

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The 27-year-old Cabrera will join a Cubs starting rotation that includes Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and returning ace Justin Steele, who may be back from elbow surgery sometime around the All-Star break.

If/when everyone stays healthy and Steele stays on schedule, this will give Chicago six viable starters, plus two capable swing men in Colin Rea and Javier Assad along with long shots Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins waiting in the wings.

Uncertainty in Cubs’ pitching depth

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On paper, this seems to be an embarrassment of riches. In reality, though, there’s a lot of uncertainty up and down the rotation, especially when it comes to durability. Boyd, Horton, and Cabrera all have significant history of injury. Steele is coming off major elbow surgery. Meanwhile, Taillon and Imanaga both spent significant time on the IL last season.

So, what can the Cubs do to preserve their arms and ensure that their best starters make it to the postseason?

Some have suggested a move to a 6-man rotation, which would give each pitcher an additional day of rest between starts.

It’s more likely, though, that manager Craig Counsell and company may look to an NL powerhouse, the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, for the answer.

Adopting the Dodgers model

The Dodgers’ rotation was strained throughout the majority of the regular season due to injury, with only Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering more than 112.2 innings as a starter.

But Los Angeles was judicious with the return of injured/recovering starters Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and even Shohei Ohtani. Careful and conservative with their respective comebacks, they were able to reintroduce all three to the rotation just in time for the pennant push and, more importantly, the postseason.

The strategy paid off as Yamamoto and the reasonably fresh threesome of Glasnow, Blake, and Ohtani accounted for more than 68% of the innings pitched in the postseason in another winning World Series run for the Dodgers.

Justin Steele

It’s not hard to imagine the Cubs following that blueprint with their own rotation, especially with Steele, who could be key to the team’s postseason success. Over the last four years, Steele has been Chicago’s most reliable and effective starter, posting a 3.18 ERA over 82 starts in that period of time.

“It’s just one of those math equations you’re going to have to do,” Steele said of the timeline for his 2026 return, “because Dr. Meister [Steele’s surgeon and supervising physician] is going to probably have some innings limit [in mind].”

“That definitely eases your mind,” Steele added, referring to the Cubs’ rotation depth and the lack of rush to get him back in the mix, “knowing that it’s not a race to get back for Opening Day or something…So there’s definitely some comfortability knowing that I don’t have to rush.”

Given the Cubs’ starting pitching depth, it’s quite possible that the team could have multiple starters on an informal innings limit over the course of the season, maybe capped at four innings or so, with Rea, Assad, Brown, or Wicks serving as second-half-of-game starters to finish things off.

With this plan in place, the Cubs could walk into the playoffs with a solid core of fresh and effective starting pitchers and, subsequently, a fresh, rested bullpen as well. Last postseason, Chicago wilted in the NLDS, dragging along a taxed rotation that had been whittled down to two viable pitchers.

While the Cubs don’t have the mega-bank studs that LA has, this conserve and preserve strategy definitely would give them stronger footing if/when they make their 2026 postseason run.

The post Chicago Cubs to adopt Dodgers strategy for Justin Steele and rotation? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have shaken things up considerably more this offseason than they were expected to do by most.

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They acquired two long-targeted assets in third baseman Alex Bregman and starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, via free agency and trade, respectively. They restocked their depleted bullpen with four new free agent acquisitions– Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey. The front office also spent some considerable money in keeping 2025 holdovers Shota Imanaga and Caleb Thielbar.

This is certainly enough for Chicago to comfortably sit back and wait on the coming season, content in knowing that they did enough to give themselves a real shot at a championship.

But there’s buzz out there that the Cubs may actually be pursuing one more major acquisition before the start of spring training.

Cubs still pursuing Zac Gallen?

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Veteran MLB insider Bruce Levine, during a segment on 670 The Score, recently revealed that the Cubs are still talking with free agent starter Zac Gallen:

“Those talks are ongoing. My reporting is the possibility is that it’ll be a shorter-term type of deal.”

Well, that’s certainly an unexpected and, honestly, somewhat puzzling development. After all, getting Gallen would give the Cubs six legit starters heading into spring training (alongside Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga) with a seventh, Justin Steele, due to return before the All-Star break.

Acquiring Gallen would also add another major salary to the payroll of a budget-minded team already close to crossing the first luxury tax threshold.

But, given current developments, the Cubs may benefit from being in the right place at the right time to land the free agent workhorse right-hander.

Gallen’s plan B

The Rangers and the Mets recently satiated their hunger for starting pitching by trading for Mackenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta, respectively. The Red Sox signed Ranger Suarez. The Dodgers stuffed themselves with Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz. The Blue Jays also gorged themselves this offseason.

The market for Gallen is shrinking and the former Arizona Diamondback may have to fall back on a plan B when it comes to 2026. That’s where the Cubs and the possibility of a short-term deal may come in.

The 30-year-old starter is coming off a down season where he posted an ugly 4.83 ERA in 33 appearances. He’s young and fresh enough to sign a one-year contract, banking on a rebound 2026, and re-enter the free agent market in 2027 in search of a longer and more lucrative contract.

The Cubs have a well-deserved reputation as a team adept at turning around the fortunes of struggling pitchers. Just last season, they celebrated in the successes of rehabbed arms Matthew Boyd, Brad Keller, and Drew Pomeranz who played a big role in the team’s push to the postseason.

Money may not be as much of an issue

As for the money, Cubs’ GM Carter Hawkins has said that the luxury tax constraints are “less of a consideration” this year since the team is now seen as a contender. The assumption is that the Cubs will pass the first $244 million luxury tax threshold in 2026 anyway, so they’ll have more than $20 million to play with before another penalty comes into play.

Per Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib:

“The assumption is that the Cubs, at some point, will go over the first level of the CBT, and there’s a silver lining in that. With the Cubs accounting for that, they now have around $23 million in space before reaching the next level at $264 million. In other words, the penalties the Cubs would pay if their payroll is at $245 million next season are the same as they would be if their payroll is at $263 million.

It suggests the Cubs could still have a move or two up their sleeve this offseason, if not, a healthy amount of space for in-season moves.”

Chicago also has pretty clean books, with only Bregman, Maton, and Dansby Swanson owed any significant money beyond 2026.

Gallen to the Cubs is a longshot, but stranger things have happened in baseball. Gallen’s best bet, with Framber Valdez still on the market ahead of him, may be to go for a short-term deal and position himself for 2027.

If the Cubs can scoop up a potential ace-level starter on a friendly deal, why wouldn’t they? Having too many starters is a good problem to have.

The post How the Chicago Cubs may luck into free agent Zac Gallen appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs made headlines when they pulled the trigger on the trade they had been tied to since last trade deadline. The deal to acquire Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins cost the team their no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie and two other solid young talents, but most everyone agreed that the price was worth paying.

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By most accounts, the hard-throwing 27-year-old righty is an emerging powerhouse starter who turned the corner on his progress last season. In acquiring him, they also got three years of team control at a discount price until he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2028 season.

Now, the Cubs get to drop Cabrera into a starting rotation that also includes Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga, with injured ace Justin Steele possibly making his comeback before the All-Star break.

All good news, right?

Not exactly.

Cubs starting rotation gets ugly ZiPS projection

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A prominent MLB projection system doesn’t think all that highly of a starting rotation that’s generating widespread enthusiasm among Cubs fans.

The well-respected ZiPS is not convinced by the starting staff put together by Jed Hoyer and the front office, describing the admittedly deep rotation as also being “deep in meh.”

The Cubs’ rotation is projected to have just a combined 11.2 WAR next season, ranking them 19th in the league in starting pitching.

Dan Szymborski, the developer of the computer-based ZiPS projection system, elaborated on the projection of mediocrity:

“ZiPS sees the Cubs as having a very deep rotation that’s also very deep in unexcitement. There’s certainly some upside here, especially in Edward Cabrera, but ZiPS largely views the team as having a whole lot of broadly average starting pitching options. The good news here is that if Justin Steele has any setbacks, ZiPS likes the team’s replacement options. Even with especially bad luck in the injury department, the computer thinks Javier Assad will be adequate — it has him with an ERA considerably lower than his FIP, though some of that is thanks to the stellar Cubs defense — and that Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks would both be far more acceptable as starters if called into duty than they’ve shown so far. Heck, if Colin Rea or even Connor Noland were forced into starting some games, that wouldn’t be an apocalyptic scenario for the Cubs.”

Nearly the same or worse next season

Specifically, ZiPS sees Boyd and Horton falling somewhat flat next year, down slightly in WAR in 2026 (down .1 for Boyd and .3 for Horton). Imanaga and Taillon, meanwhile, are projected to achieve minor gains over last season ( up .4 WAR for Imanaga and .2 WAR for Taillon). Cabrera is projected to finish the season with a 1.9 WAR, which would place his impact on the team somewhere between what Boyd and Imanaga had in 2025. The projection system gives the returning Steele a 1.5 WAR, despite not knowing exactly when he might actually pitch.

But…

Being projected as a bottom-half starting rotation (along with the projection of a middle-of-the-pack bullpen) is not great news.

It should be taken into consideration, however, that this Cubs staff has a lot of intangibles swirling around it. Imanaga could conceivably have a nice rebound after a rough second half of 2025. Nobody is quite sure when Steele will return to full-time duty. Cabrera’s ability to perform in a new city under a new system is still an unknown factor.

There’s also the uncertainty surrounding a rotation full of durability and injury issues. A full year of a healthy Horton, for example, would make a major impact, even if his rookie year performance over the second half of the season proves to be an outlier run.

Overall, though, it’s just hard to look at the Cubs rotation, one through five, extending to Steele (with Colin Rea and Javier Assad as backups), and see extreme “meh.” We shall see.

The post Chicago Cubs rotation is “deep in meh and unexcitement” says brutal ZiPS projection appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs bolstered their starting rotation by trading for emerging right-handed power pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. Prior to that they retained the services of lefty Shota Imanaga and swing man Colin Rea, who performed very well as a starter last season.

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The Cubs got an added injection of rotation positivity this week with the latest update on injured ace Justin Steele’s progress.

Justin Steele recovery ahead of schedule, threw from mound

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Chicago Tribune Cubs beat writer Meghan Montemurro is reporting that the southpaw threw from the mound on Friday, for the first time since his April 18 elbow surgery and that his rehabilitation is actually ahead of schedule.

“There hasn’t really been any hiccups at all through this process,” Steele told Montemurro. “It’s felt good the entire time. If anything, we’re ahead of schedule. Kind of been pushing the envelope the entire time, wanting to get off the mound, push the footage back as far as the throwing progression goes. But, yeah, it’s full steam ahead.”

The 30-year-old Steele would double down on his optimism in an interview with Marquee Sports Network at this year’s Cubs convention:

“I threw off the mound yesterday for the first time…felt great, you know, I’ve been doing the normal throwing progression in the past however so many months, weeks and it’s been feeling really good…It felt really good to get off the slope, felt like back to normal…just ready to start building the volume off the mound again.”

No need to rush

Steele went down for the 2025 season after just four starts and after a stellar 7-inning shutout versus the Texas Rangers on April 7.

Technically, there was a possibility that he could be back from his surgery at the start of the season, but the feeling within the team seems to be that pushing his recovery is neither prudent nor necessary at the moment. Starting the 2026 season, the Cubs aim to carry a starting rotation consisting of Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga, with Colin Rea and Javier Assad as possible fill-ins.

Chicago’s depth in starting pitching will allow Steele to continue his rehabilitation at a slower, more deliberate pace with the end goal being full recovery by the start of the dog days of summer and the team’s hopeful postseason run.

Full recovery at the perfect time

Per Montemurro:

“Steele expects his surgeon, Dr. Keith Meister, will want him to be on some level of an innings limit for 2026 and so he anticipates that will impact when he comes back, though the belief is it will be sometime early in the season. The Cubs envision playing in October and making a deeper run this year, lessening a rush to get Steele back as soon as possible, especially with the depth they have built for the rotation.”

As things stand right now with the Cubs’ starting rotation, barring injury or unexpected setbacks, the team seems to have solid depth. If the goal is a deep postseason push, having a proven pitching asset like Steele back on the mound and fully recovered will be an incredible boost for the team, akin to acquiring a front-of-rotation trade deadline starter just in time for the pennant race.

For the last four years, Steele has been the Cubs’ most reliable and consistently effective starter, posting a 3.18 ERA over 82 starts in that span of time. A healthy and fresh Justin Steele in the Cubs rotation, just in time for the most crucial part of the season, would be killer.

The post Chicago Cubs: Positive news on injured ace, rehab ahead of schedule appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs definitely made waves this offseason. They also made it known that, this year, they actually would be “all in” when it comes to pursuing a championship.

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So far, the Cubs have signed third baseman Alex Bregman, traded for Miami Marlins picher Edward Cabrera, restocked a depleted bullpen, and re-signed starter Shota Imanaga for qualifying offer money.

All told, Chicago has spent over $220 million this offseason (not counting arbitration raises and minor league acquisitions) and is now bumping up against the first marker of the luxury tax threshold, reportedly just $500-$800 K away from crossing it.

Cubs new outlook on spending?

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In the past, that threshold was reportedly viewed internally as a self-imposed salary cap, ensuring that the team doesn’t get hit with the tax penalties and possible draft sanctions suffered by over-the-threshold teams.

According to recent reports, though, that barrier is no longer a hard wall separating team needs from team spending.

In a conversation with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins has said that the CBT (Competitive Balance Tax) is “less of a consideration” this season as the team is now seen as a contender.

Past constraints and frustrations

The change in tone is a welcomed switch-up from past seasons where budget constraints from ownership appeared to handcuff the front office when it came to talent acquisition. The frustration was especially felt last year, when the Cubs were seen as contenders with clear needs who refused to pull the trigger on deals that could’ve possibly put them over the top.

“It’s hard when you see other teams you’re competing with get really good players, but those aren’t decisions you’re making in the moment,” Hawkins told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers last August, addressing criticisms over the team failing to pull of a major pickup at the trade deadline. “…It takes some discipline, especially in a moment when you see things moving that way, but we were able to stick to our approach and felt really good about the adds we were able to make.

“Teams are trying to find that guy that can lock down the eighth or ninth inning but that also costs a lot. That costs a lot of future wins. We have a responsibility to the 2025 Cubs but also the 2032 Cubs. That’s not always popular in the moment, but it’s decisions we have to make.”

The comment from Hawkins generated a fierce backlash from fans who felt that it was within the team’s reach to make the 2025 Cubs squad a possible World Series contender.

More money flexibility

This offseason, however, Hawkins’ outlook has apparently changed.

His statement opens the possibility that the Cubs actually may not be done adding to the team and/or that the road could be paved for a big-ticket in-season acquisition.

Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib talked up the positives of the Cubs’ willingness to pass over the first tax threshold:

“The assumption is that the Cubs, at some point, will go over the first level of the CBT, and there’s a silver lining in that. With the Cubs accounting for that, they now have around $23 million in space before reaching the next level at $264 million. In other words, the penalties the Cubs would pay if their payroll is at $245 million next season are the same as they would be if their payroll is at $263 million.

It suggests the Cubs could still have a move or two up their sleeve this offseason, if not, a healthy amount of space for in-season moves.”

All of that is great news for the fans and for the team, itself, as it looks to compete with powerhouse franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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The Chicago Cubs went out and made the deal this offseason for the pitcher they had been linked to since last season’s trade deadline. In a trade that cost them their top prospect Owen Caissie and two infield prospects, the Cubs brought aboard right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner and teammates address trade rumors

Despite the feel-good vibes generated by this acquisition and the tremendous upside with Cabrera, there are definite risks involved in this move. The 6-foot-5 power pitcher, in what many see as a breakthrough year, had to be paused twice last season due to arm issues and has a history of injury throughout his pro career.

In that regard, Cabrera fits in with the rest of the proposed Cubs rotation, which is also filled with question marks regarding durability and health.

A rotation full of durability questions

More News: Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw speaks on Bregman signing and his future with the Cubs

The oft-injured Matthew Boyd, with his surgically-repaired arm, smashed all expectations last season by avoiding the IL and delivering 179.2 innings in the regular season and 9.2 innings in the playoffs. Shota Imanaga missed almost eight weeks with a hamstring issue that may or may not have thrown off his game for the rest of the season. Jameson Taillon had two separate stints on the IL last year. Rookie revelation Cade Horton, who has an extensive history of injury throughout college and the minors, went down with fractured ribs in late September and missed out on the postseason entirely. Ace Justin Steele, meanwhile, only managed four starts before a season-ending injury that required elbow surgery (It’s estimated that he could return to the rotation around mid-season).

So, what do you do with a rotation where every single starter carries a significant risk of injury?

Cubs considering a 6-man rotation?

The idea of going from a 5-man rotation to a 6-man rotation is currently being considered by the team, according to MLB insider Bruce Levine:

“Depending on pitching staff health, the Cubs will be exploring using a six man rotation this season. Past injuries to Imanaga, Steele and a veteran mix of Boyd and Taillon makes this a logical approach. Rea and Assad are excellent swing men. 7 bullpen guys is a challenge.”

The idea has been brought up before, as recently as early last season when the Cubs’ rotation also gave some signs of frailty. This year, though, there seems to be more substance behind the buzz– and maybe an even greater need to keep the starters healthy over the long haul as the team aims for an extended postseason run.

Sam Olbur of the Locked on Cubs podcast is all for this 6-man rotation proposal:

“I love the idea. I think it really benefits some of these guys. I think if Boyd had an extra day, his last five, six, seven, eight starts. If Shota got an extra day every start. Man, I really think that benefits these guys and I’m interested in seeing it. Even a guy like Cabrera, who battled his injuries…I think it just benefits everybody. The Cubs don’t really have a guy on their team…to where, you’re like, ‘every fifth day, that guy’s going seven innings, he’s throwing 200 innings a year.’ They really don’t have that guy.”

Maintaining the rotation over the long haul

And all of that is true. In the absence of a workhorse to eat innings, the Cubs will have to do whatever they can to make sure they have a strong core of starters throughout the pennant race and into the playoffs.

There will be the risk of throwing off the rhythm of starters used to a 5-man rotation. There will also be an added strain on the bullpen, which will then only be able to carry seven relievers rather than the customary eight.

The Cubs have depth when it comes to their rotation and at least three possible swing men– Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and Ben Brown– who can switch between starting duties and long relief. If the 6-man rotation idea is implemented, it may be put into play later in the season and maybe in spots where the schedule is less forgiving. It’s just as likely, though, that the starters’ innings will be monitored and long relief options employed more often.

As everyone learned last year when the Cubs’ rotation limped its way through the playoffs with only two viable starters, a team can never have enough pitching…and pitching options. Fortunately, the 2026 Cubs, barring a crazy rash of injuries, look to have the needed depth to make it over the long haul.

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After doing little to add to their roster outside of their bullpen, the Chicago Cubs turned things around by flipping the script and making a big trade and signing their big free agent fish to give fans hope in 2026.

More News: MLB insider doesn’t hold back in bold Cubs prediction for 2026

Acquiring right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins to bolster their starting rotation, while signing third baseman and two-time World Series Champion Alex Bregman to a five-year $175 million contract, the Cubs’ roster is starting to look better than the one they had in 2025, which went 92-70 and lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series (3-2).

Still a ways to go before the offseason is over and the start of spring training, the Cubs still have moves to make to add more pitching depth to their roster, but are most likely not going to make another big signing or trade.

The Chicago Cubs’ signing of Alex Bregman and trade for Edward Cabrera could mean they won’t make any more big signings or trades

The Ricketts family has shown a habit of not spending money on big-name free agents, despite playing in one of the larger TV markets in the country, which means they could outspend everyone in their division. Their signing of Bregman — $70 million of the contract getting deferred, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal — signaled their willingness to build a truly competitive roster, especially after not bringing back All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Source: $70M of the $175M is deferred.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2026

The three-time All-Star adds more depth and value to the Cubs roster than re-signing Tucker would, but by signing him and trading for Cabrera, which cost them their top prospect, Owen Caissie, the Cubs will likely not be making any more big free-agent signings or trades.

The Cubs still could use another front-line starter to pair with Cabrera and All-Star left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, who will likely head the rotation. Left-hander Justin Steele will be back this season after having Tommy John surgery partway through the beginning of last season, and he will add depth to their rotation. Right-handers Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and possibly Javier Assad are other options to fill things out.

With mid-level arms like RHP Erik Fedde, RHP Lucas Giolito, and RHP Miles Mikolas still available on the free market, the Cubs have options to bring more depth into the rotation.

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The Chicago Cubs have had a significant offseason, even if they’ve yet to bag a big-ticket impact player free agent.

More News: Chicago Cubs’ likely free agent finale may drive fans crazy

For one, they’ve re-stocked their bullpen with four new faces via free agency (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey) while re-signing lefty Caleb Thielbar. The new relief corps promises to be an interesting mix of styles and approaches.

They also added positional depth pieces in Tyler Austin and Scott Kingery.

Then, of course, was the big trade with the Miami Marlins for pitcher Edward Cabrera, which brought them a potential ace with three years of team control at the cost of Owen Caissie and two other prospects.

But there’s a widely held feeling that the Cubs’ offseason isn’t quite finished, especially for a team that got within one game of the NLCS last year. Debate rages over what Chicago needs to do next, but fans are anxious for success and one gets the feeling that the blow back will be extreme if the team fails to capitalize on their window of winning opportunity.

Here are three things that will cause the otherwise loyal Cubs fan base to revolt:

End the offseason without another significant free agent signing

More News: Chicago Cubs add righty and lefty relievers in wake of Edward Cabrera trade

When last season ended, the Cubs’ needs were plainly evident. They needed starting pitching depth (especially at the front of the rotation), they needed to rebuild the bullpen, and they needed a bat to help fill the hole left behind by outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker.

The Cubs nailed the bullpen early on and there were plenty of free agent candidates available to fulfill the other two needs on the wish list.

As things would turn out, they addressed the starting pitching issue via their trade for Cabrera.

That leaves behind one final piece of the puzzle– a bat– and they’ll have no choice but to dive into the free agent market for that. Or maybe they won’t.

With Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Tucker on the market, there’s a distinct possibility that the Cubs may be unable/unwilling to land any of them. And it won’t be for lack of money as the team’s payroll is still about $32 million under the luxury tax threshold and only two major salaries (Dansby Swanson and Phil Maton) will be on the books past 2026.

If Cubs ownership grabs at a budget buy for the final free agent acquisition as the team stands within reach of a championship run (or doesn’t grab at anyone), fans will rage. They will be able to (rightly) point out that the team is primarily focused on shoveling money into the Ricketts family coffers and not on winning.

Trade Nico Hoerner

Down the stretch of the 2025 campaign and into the playoffs, second baseman Nico Hoerner emerged as the heart and soul of a plucky Cubs team.

Not only did he continue his run as one of the elite contact hitters in the game and a clubhouse leader-by-example, he actually upped his offensive output with a .297 batting average. He also continued to play elite defense at second, winning his second career Gold Glove.

That’s why it’s beyond vexing to see Hoerner’s name pop up in offseason trade rumors.

Yes, he’s due to be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2026 season and the Cubs are perpetually looking to trim budget. Yes, he has some significant worth and could command a nice haul in return.

But no.

Hoerner is a crucial part of a winning Cubs team and the closest they have to a sure thing when it comes to productivity. In a sane world, Chicago should be talking extension and not trade.

If the trade talk is anything more the Cubs exploring value and poking at the market, it will be a huge mistake. The fans would hold onto their receipt for outrage and relentlessly smear the entire organization if the coming season plans go sideways.

Whiff (again) at the trade deadline

Last season, the prevailing thought was that the 2025 Cubs were a special bunch and maybe just a player or two from making a legitimate run at a World Series berth.

In the face of rumors naming the Cubs as aggressive buyers at the trade deadline, the actual haul after July 31 was underwhelming.

Instead of the front-of-rotation starting pitcher and co-closer they needed, Chicago only managed to acquire two middle relievers, a utility man, and swingman Michael Soroka, who had to be shipped off to the IL after just two innings in his Cubs debut outing.

Ownership and the front office took a hammering following that failure to make an impact move. The hammering continued after the Cubs’ deficiencies helped lead to their NLDS elimination.

This time around, they need to make things happen when/if they have that window of opportunity to win. Another cautious pullback at the trade deadline will result in fan mutiny.

There’s a lot of good on this 2026 Cubs squad and the fans definitely want to full-on believe in them. But there’s also several ways this team could fall off the rails. Fans will be watching.

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The Chicago Cubs went out and pulled the trigger on the long-rumored trade with the Miami Marlins for 27-year-old starter Edward Cabrera. Kudos to them for that.

More News: Chicago Cubs pressured to now focus on free agent bat, “no excuse” for coming up short

In exchange for the talented right-hander, the Cubs had to send off their top prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, as well as infield prospects Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon.

Despite the risks involved in acquiring an oft-injured Cabrera, most feel that the Cubs absolutely made the right decision in acquiring the coveted pitcher with the monstrous upside and three full years of team control ahead of him.

Cubs left with a roster hole after Cabrera trade

More News: Chicago Cubs add righty and lefty relievers in wake of Edward Cabrera trade

One of the negatives of the deal, however, is that the removal of Caissie from the picture now thins out the outfield depth considerably while also removing a bat from the lineup with plus-power potential.

It was believed that Caissie would help fill the void left by outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker. Along with Seiya Suzuki, the 23-year-old was expected to man the corner outfield spot and take some at bats as a designated hitter as well.

After Wednesday’s trade, the plan still seems to be Suzuki in right, but, now, without significant support or backup. The Japanese star, who had a career offensive year in 2025, performed well in right field late last season and into the playoffs as Tucker was hobbled by injury. His glove, though, has always been doubted and he’s already been bumped to DH twice as a Cub by right fielders with greater defensive prowess (Cody Bellinger in 2024 and Kyle Tucker in 2025).

So, while buzz circulates regarding Chicago’s pursuit of free agent infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, the more directly urgent need would appear to be an outfielder with a quality glove and an offensive upside.

Interest in Cody Bellinger?

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation, who broke the Cabrera trade story, recently reported that, per his sources, the Cubs are legitimately interested in acquiring former Cub Cody Bellinger:

“To be honest, I had a hard time believing it myself, but according to a source, the Cubs do have a legitimate interest in re-signing Cody Bellinger this offseason. And, hey, they’ve done it twice before! Perhaps they’ll go for the trifecta this winter.”

On paper, Bellinger back to the Cubs certainly wouldn’t be the dumbest of moves.

The 30-year-old could move right back to right field and provide an instant defensive upgrade over Suzuki. He can play all three outfield positions well, thereby allowing the team to actually rest Pete Crow-Armstrong (and Ian Happ) this coming season. He can also play first base, spelling Michael Busch, especially against lefties who he hits exceedingly well, despite him being a left-handed hitter. Bellinger was also a popular player in Chicago who has never stopped praising the fans and organization following his two years with the team.

It makes sense– on paper.

But, realistically, there’s not a lot there.

A realistic Cubs plan

Last offseason, the Cubs salary-dumped Bellinger in a trade with the Yankees for the since-released Cody Poteet. Contract projections currently put him at $140 million over 5 years, which would make him an uncomfortable purchase for the frugal Cubs ownership. He’s not likely to take a short-term deal like he did twice before with the Cubs and the asking price may actually go up as teams compete for his services.

The chance of re-acquiring Bellinger, though, may be greater than re-acquiring the more expensive Tucker, who appears to be completely off the board at this point.

The more likely– but infinitely less fan-friendly– move for the Cubs would be to sign a fourth outfielder-type to play backup to Suzuki and the other two outfield starters.

There are still lots of free agents on the market who might fit that bill. Names such as Harrison Bader, Max Kepler, Miguel Andujar, Starling Marte, and Randal Grichuk bring their own varying risk vs. reward dynamics– at a much lower price point than both Bellinger and Tucker.

Given the Cubs’ recent spending history and their current roster outlook, this fourth outfielder route may be much more realistic than them moving on a big-ticket, long-contract infielder for the third base gig.

Fans would love for the team to open up the bank book and spend freely in pursuit of a linchpin bat for the lineup, but that just may not be in the cards. So, expect the Cubs’ final noteworthy free agent acquisition to be frustratingly anticlimactic.

But, as is always the case, time will tell.

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The Chicago Cubs recently committed $13 million across three different pitchers, all of whom were arbitration eligible. Those three players, Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, and Javier Assad were the only arbitration eligible players remaining, after Eli Morgan and Reese McGuire were non-tendered earlier this off-season.

Chicago Cubs commit $13 million to arbitration eligible pitchers Justin Steele, Edward Cabrera, and Javier Assad

According to multiple reports, Steele will be receiving $6.775 million in 2026, Cabrera $4.45 million, and Assad $1.8 million. Steele and Cabrera both agreed to one year deals whereas Assad also received a team option for 2027.

The Cubs have avoided arbitration with RHP Edward Cabrera ($4.45 M), LHP Justin Steele ($6.775 M) and RHP Javier Assad ($1.8 M), sources confirmed.@JesseRogersESPN was first on Cabrera, @PJ_Mooney on Steele.

— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) January 9, 2026

For reference, Steele earned $6.55 million a season ago, Cabrera, who was just recently acquired via trade, $1.95 million with the Miami Marlins, and Assad under $1.0 million as this off-season is his first time being arbitration eligible. Cabrera’s salary as he moves through two more additional seasons of arbitration will be worth monitoring. If he performs well this year, another big pay jump could be in store.

All three pitchers are expected to play important roles in 2026. Steele is continuing his rehab from elbow surgery, but when healthy, he is a true top-of-the-rotation arm. Cabrera also brings considerable upside and is coming off an impressive season in which he posted a 3.53 ERA. Meanwhile, Assad has consistently delivered strong results when called upon, making him a dependable option in the Cubs’ pitching mix.

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The Chicago Cubs took a big swing on the trade market earlier this week, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins for 27-year-old starting pitcher Edward Cabrera.

Over the last couple of years, the Cubs have been connected to Cabrera on numerous occasions. It was clear that Jed Hoyer and the front office liked him and wanted to figure out a way to acquire him from the Marlins.

In order to get him, Chicago had to give up top prospect Owen Caissie. While it was a hefty price to pay, the Cubs are getting a talented young starter with three more years of team control. That alone made the deal too good to pass up.

During the 2025 MLB season with the Marlins, Cabrera put together another solid year. He made 26 starts for Miami, compiling an 8-7 record to go along with a 3.53 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, a 3.1 K/BB ratio, and 137.2 innings pitched.

Entering the offseason, Chicago was widely expected to pursue starting pitching. Cabrera is one of the best options that the team could have added.

Following the trade being completed, the Cubs have been hit with some ominous news regarding Cabrera. He has dealt with multiple different injuries throughout his young career and there is some concern about the elbow injury that he suffered towards the end of the 2025 campaign.

“I’ve talked to people in the league who were kind of surprised that he cleared medicals,” Lance Brozdowski of Marquee Sports said.

Hopefully, the injury isn’t something that causes Cabrera issues next season. Last year, Chicago dealt with multiple starting pitching injuries that hurt them down the stretch of the season and in the postseason. The Cubs can’t afford to have their new starter injured.

Making a big trade like this always comes with a lot of risk. It’s possible that Cabrera might not live up to the hype that has surrounded him. Caissie could turn into a superstar that Chicago gave up on too early.

However, the move has been made and it’s the kind of aggressive swing that the Cubs needed to take if they’re going to compete for a World Series. Only time will tell if the move works out for them or not.

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The Chicago Cubs finally made a splash this offseason by trading for right-handed starter Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

More News: Chicago Cubs ripped by MLB insider over failing Alex Bregman push

The 27-year-old is widely regarded as someone on the verge of a breakthrough to next-level success and he’s also under team control until 2028, at a projected price of $3.75 million after arbitration. Giving up top prospect Owen Caissie, no. 11 prospect Cristian Hernandez, and another young talent is a steep price to pay for three years of Cabrera, but for a team so close to winning now, picking up immediate impact players must be a priority.

But now, with the big trade in the rear view mirror, thoughts turn to the immediate future. Specifically, the team’s need for a big bat to replace the outgoing Kyle Tucker.

The Cubs must turn to offense now

More News: The Chicago Cubs are winning the offseason by dodging free agent bullets

Acquiring a legit, high-upside rotation piece for less than $4 million per season is a big deal. It also, however, spotlights the need for the Cubs to spend in pursuit of their next roster need.

According to Fangraphs’ projected payroll estimates, Chicago is currently $32 million under the luxury tax threshold for the 2026 season. The team also has very little money on the books beyond 2026. There’s no reason to NOT spend on a quality bat, beyond an ownership decision to prioritize saving money over winning games.

Sam Olbur of the Locked on Cubs podcast put it succinctly during Wednesday’s show:

“I just don’t want them to miss out or do anything now for financial reasons…Jed [Hoyer] did his job. He got the starting pitcher at a cheap price. Now it’s time for ownership to do theirs.”

Big-ticket free agents in the Cubs’ orbit

Still on the free agent board are Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Tucker– all legit impact-level talents who could fit in nicely with a Cub plan to make a run at a championship. They are affordable assets, as well, given the Cubs’ balance sheet. Unfortunately, they are also sought-after free agents, courted by teams with a much more extensive history of spending big money on top talent.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal laid out the situation in black and white in a recent piece for The Athletic:

“If recent history is any indication, the Cubs aren’t a good bet to outbid the other large-market teams linked to one or more of those players – the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

But when the game of free-agent musical chairs ends – and trust us it will, well before the first beer is sold at Wrigley Field – the Cubs will have no excuse to be caught empty-handed.

In a sport that conducts free agency without a deadline, teams love to play the, ‘let’s see if his price drops’ game with elite talents, angling for shorter commitments, even if they require the inclusion of opt-outs. Bellinger, lacking better options, accepted that kind of deal from the Cubs in 2024.

This time, the Cubs cannot get cute.”

Operating outside their comfort zone

There are arguments to be made, for and against all of the above free agent position players. Bregman’s age (32) and his desire for a long-term contract is an issue. Bichette’s positional fit in the Cubs roster is a question mark, given that he’s been a shortstop his entire career and would be asked to play a brand new position (third base) if he came to Chicago. Bellinger is a former Cub who was salary-dumped in a trade last offseason for less money than what he’s expecting on an extended deal this offseason. Tucker, meanwhile, is banking on a monster long-term contract after a shaky end to his run as a Cub in 2025.

No matter who is signed of that group of four, the Cubs will have to operate outside of their comfort zone, both in terms of money and logistics. But a big bet is needed for a big haul.

Shying away from a move to fortify an inconsistent offense already due to lose a key component of the lineup in Tucker would be tantamount to throwing in the towel and relying on crossed fingers and wishful thinking to get them through 2026. Cubs ownership needs to step up and grab the last piece of the puzzle.

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Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs finally pulled off their first major move of the MLB offseason on Wednesday, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins for young starting pitcher Edward Cabrera.

Over the last year, the Cubs have been connected as a potential suitor for Cabrera on multiple occasions. He is under team control for three more years and is just 27 years old. Those qualities are exactly what Hoyer and Chicago have consistently looked for over the years.

Entering the offseason, the Cubs were widely expected to pursue an upgrade for their starting rotation. Being able to acquire Cabrera was one of the best-case scenarios.

Despite the trade for Cabrera obviously making Chicago a better team, the Cubs are receiving criticism for the move. In order to get the deal done, the organization had to give up top-tier outfield prospect Owen Caissie. That hasn’t sat well with some.

Sam Phalen of Roundtable Sports has taken to social media to share criticism for Chicago. He thinks giving up Caissie made the trade an overpay for the Cubs.

“Owen Caissie in this deal is really bad value for the Cubs and a massive win for the Marlins,” Phalen wrote on X.

There is no way to acquire a talented player via a trade than by giving up talent. Caissie did not have a clear path to playing time in Chicago due to a stacked outfield. He could have been a key part of the team’s long-term future, but the Cubs want to win now.

Cabrera, on the other hand, will make the team a much more serious contender in 2026.

In 2025 with the Marlins, Cabrera made 26 starts. He compiled an 8-7 record with a 3.53 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, a 3.1 K/BB ratio, and 137.2 innings pitched. Add in the fact that he’s a starting pitcher who can consistently throw at 100 miles per hour and things look even more dynamic.

Granted, no trade is every a sure thing. This move could end up looking bad for Chicago down the road. However, for now, it appears that the Cubs got better today.

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The Chicago Cubs have been getting hammered lately as their name has become a mere whisper of a rumor when it comes to the pursuit of the top remaining free agent talent.

More News: Chicago Cubs’ practical fallback free agent signing would infuriate fans

As recently as a couple of weeks ago, the team was heavily linked to third baseman Alex Bregman, as well as to a small handful of top-tier starting pitchers. Right now, though, there’s been almost dead silence when it comes to their pursuit of those stars. As a matter of fact, the Cubs, by all accounts, have fallen well behind in the race to sign these impact players.

Case in point is their reported interest in Bregman.

Not too long ago, Chicago was regarded as one of the favorites to land the three-time All-Star. Now, they’re not even regarded as one of the top two teams in the chase. They may not even be a top three suitor for the veteran infielder.

The same (sad) Bregman story as last year

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This dynamic appears to be frustratingly similar to how their pursuit of a free agent Bregman last offseason turned out– lots of buzz and promise early on before the actual money talk sorted out the pretender suitors from the contender suitors. Bregman would eventually sign a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, with an opt-out after his first year leading to a second straight offseason of the star peddling himself on the open market.

Jesse Rogers, in a collaborative piece with Buster Olney for ESPN on Tuesday, quoted one unnamed MLB executive as saying: “If it was down to Toronto and Arizona before, maybe it’s now Boston or Arizona.”

Olney, in that same ESPN report, talked about Boston’s urgency in re-signing a player they saw as a team leader and a key component to their future success.

Per Olney:

“The Boston Red Sox want Bregman and have signaled a willingness to pay him big money — perhaps something in the range of what the Tigers offered him last spring, a six-year, $171.5 million deal.”

Anger and frustration

The buzz over Boston’s apparent urgency in signing Bregman, juxtaposed with the Cubs’ perceived lack of urgency and unwillingness to spend, has left many with some pretty unpleasant things to say.

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray summed up the general vibe in a recent edition of the Baseball Insiders podcast.

Per Murray:

“You need to make a splash because, I mean, you’re the Chicago Cubs…You’re a big market team. You shouldn’t be losing the division as big as they did to the Milwaukee Brewers. They should go out and spend, act like a big market team. And to me, that involves either signing Bregman, signing Bellinger, or just doing something big because they need to do something.”

The Cabrera trade vs. the free agent fails

Does the trade with the Miami Marlins for Edward Cabrera, which, as of this writing, has been reported by two well-respected insiders via Twitter/X, qualify as “something big?”

Maybe. You can give them that.

But, really, even a high-profile trade like that doesn’t absolve the Cubs of the sin of going cheap when they have the money to spend, the revenue to draw from, a clear set of needs, and a team that finished last year just one game away from making the NLCS.

At this point, it’s a tired refrain, but the Cubs are simply not spending like a major market team– at least not one truly serious about winning.

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The Chicago Cubs entered the postseason needing to fill many holes on their roster, but the most important of them all was to acquire a frontline starting pitcher.

More News: Former Chicago Cubs reliever reveals how he signed with NL foe

With left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez still on the free agent market, but demanding a hefty price tag, the Cubs opted to make a trade to acquire the starter they’ve coveted. According to Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami, the Cubs are finalizing a deal with the Miami Marlins to acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera.

Cabrera, 27, was among the top trade candidates this offseason and has the upside of being a No. 2 starter, which is exactly what the Cubs have been looking for. Cabrera was solid, pitching to an 8-7 record with a 3.53 ERA (26 starts), while striking out 150 batters in 137.2 innings.

BREAKING: Cubs are finalizing a deal to acquire SP Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) January 7, 2026

The finalized trade for Cabrera included the Cubs No. 1 prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Edward Cabrera will bolster the Chicago Cubs’ rotation

Sep 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesDespite not having a big name in their rotation like Cy Young award winner with divisional foe the Pittsburgh Pirates, Paul Skenes, the Cubs had the eighth-best starters’ ERA (3.83). Though he’s not a star, Cabrera will add depth to the Cubs’ rotation but also help it round out into one of the better rotations in the National League, joining All-Stars Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga.

Unlikely to re-sign outfielder Kyle Tucker, given his price tag, the Cubs are building a strong pitching staff, adding left-handers Holby Milner and Caleb Theilbar, and right-handers Hunter Harvey and Jacob Webb to one-year deals. With still a ways to go until Opening Day, the Cubs could add one or two more arms to their pitching staff to account for any potential injury that could occur.

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The Chicago Cubs have yet to strike this offseason, even though we have heard them mentioned in rumors for a bunch of big-name players over the last several weeks.

But could that be changing?

Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald has reported that the Cubs are one of several teams talking to the Miami Marlins about pitcher Edward Cabrera, who is one of the top pitchers potentially available on the trade market this winter.

This isn’t the first time we have heard of Chicago’s interest in Cabrera, as the Cubs were also tabbed as a possible destination earlier in the offseason.

Chicago is loaded with prospects in its farm system, and with the Marlins needing bats, the Cubs may be able to put together an enticing offer for Miami. However, there are definitely some risks involved for the Cubbies.

Edward Cabrera would be a major risk for the Chicago Cubs

No one will deny that Cabrera has great stuff. He touches 100 mph with his fastball and utilizes nasty breaking pitches, which has allowed him to average 10 strikeouts per nine innings over the course of his five-year big-league career.

But Cabrera also comes with some obvious red flags that should scare the Cubs.

The former top prospect entered the big leagues with the Marlins in 2021, but never pitched 100 innings until 2025. He has dealt with a litany of injury issues throughout his career, and while nothing has been serious enough to warrant surgery, his durability is a bit of a concern, nonetheless.

Even last season, when Cabrera tossed a career-high 137.2 innings, he missed some time due to an elbow issue.

The 27-year-old logged a 3.53 ERA while allowing 121 hits and registering 150 strikeouts. He also managed a career-best 3.1 BB/9, well below his lifetime average of 4.5 walks per nine innings.

Cabrera is under club control through 2028, so Chicago would almost certainly have to pay a substantial price to pry him away from South Beach. The benefit, though, is that Cabrera is slated to make just $3.7 million next season, so that would also leave the Cubs some money to sign a bat, as well.

The right-hander owns a career 4.07 ERA and 1.309 WHIP. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are also said to be in on Cabrera.

The post REPORT: Cubs pursuing trade for rising star with striking red flags appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have been labeled one of the most likely landing spots for Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, but based on the Cubs’ recent history when it comes to signing free agents, fans are understandably prepared for the worst.

Chicago hasn’t exactly been an aggressive free-agent spender over the last several years, which makes the idea of signing Imai to a $150-200 million contract seem a bit farfetched.

But is it possible the Cubs have had another plan all along?

MLB insider Bruce Levine feels it’s a possibility, reporting on 670 the Score that Chicago has been exploring trades for Miami Marlins pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera as an alternative to Imai, given that neither arm would cost nearly as much from a financial perspective.

Levine notes that the Cubs would then be able to use the money it they didn’t use to sign Imai to land someone like Alex Bregman.

Could the Chicago Cubs be planning a blockbuster trade?

Last winter, Chicago made one of the splashiest moves in baseball, acquiring Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros. While landing Alcantara or Cabrera wouldn’t be quite on that level, it would at least be a significant move that would bolster the Cubs’ World Series hopes in 2026.

That’s especially if the Cubbies coupled that with a Bregman signing.

Bregman is still out on the open market, and while most have expected him to re-sign with the Boston Red Sox, it’s looking more and more like the star third baseman is seriously considering bolting elsewhere.

Of course, Bregman is a Scott Boras client, and Boras is no stranger to allowing his clients to remain available for extended periods of time. Cubs fans know this better than anyone else, as Cody Bellinger re-signed with Chicago in February during his previous free agent journey back during the 2023-24 offseason.

The Cubs could certainly use another bat with the departure of Tucker, so Bregman definitely makes sense.

Now, it should be noted that the Marlins do not appear open to trading Alcantara, but they are listening on Cabrera. The price would be steep in terms of prospect capital, but a winter haul of Cabrera and Bregman would certainly be impressive for Chicago.

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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly in trade talks with the Miami Marlins to land starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, and on the surface, it seems like a fantastic deal.

Cabrera is a former top prospect with brilliant stuff. He finally came into his own this past season, logging a 3.53 ERA while allowing 121 hits and racking up 150 strikeouts over 137.2 innings of work. He also career-bests in FIP (3.83), WHIP (1.228) and K/BB ratio (3.13).

But while the 27-year-old is unquestionably an enticing potential addition for a Cubs team that has yet to make a big move this offseason, it also comes with its fair share of inherent risks. To be quite frank, the red flags are quite alarming.

Chicago Cubs must be very careful with Edward Cabrera

We know Cabrera is immensely talented. He throws hard, his stuff has excellent bite and he has averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings since entering the big leagues in 2021. So why, then, are the Marlins looking to move a pitcher with three years of club control remaining?

Well, up until 2025, Cabrera had never thrown 100 innings in a single season. He has never experienced a truly serious injury, but he has dealt with a variety of injury issues that have limited him to a grand total of 431.2 innings in five seasons. That’s concerning.

And even this past year when the Dominican native finally broke out, he still missed some time with an elbow injury. Perhaps the reason Miami appears so eager to move Cabrera now is because it does not trust that he will remain healthy long term?

Because Cabrera is not slated to hit free agency until 2029, the Marlins will surely ask for a king’s ransom in return for the hurler. Chicago definitely has the prospects to make such a move, but would it be worth it?

The Chicago Cubs should hold off on the Miami Marlins star

The Cubs already have impressive starting pitching depth as it is. What they need is an ace, and even in Cabrera’s best year in 2025, he was really more of a No. 2 than a top guy.

The risks seem to outweigh the rewards for Chicago here. The idea of Cabrera is tantalizing, for sure. If he ever completely puts it together and remains healthy, he could become one of the better pitchers in baseball. But that’s just the thing: it could be more of an “idea” than a reality.

The Cubs would probably be better off looking elsewhere.

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The Chicago Cubs came into this offseason with the very publicly-stated goal of focusing on pitching. Not long after their elimination from the NLDS, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and general Manager Carter Hawkins, in separate interviews, talked about their desire to build up the pitching staff.

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As clearly evident in their plucky, but ultimately doomed playoff run, the team had need for a true front-of-rotation starter as well as fortification in the bullpen, which would be emptied by mass free agency over the winter, anyway.

Winter meetings rumblings

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Now, as the Cubs front office dives into the winter meetings, where trades and deals are often batted about and frequently consummated, there appears to be some chatter regarding the pursuit of pitching.

Matthew Trueblood of Northside Baseball is reporting that, per his sources, the Cubs are discussing possible trades with a pair of NL East teams for preferred budget-friendly, team-controlled pitching.

Per Trueblood:

“The Chicago Cubs are among the teams ‘involved in the mix’ as the Miami Marlins entertain trade offers for Edward Cabrera, a source with knowledge of talks said early Wednesday…

Even as they remain engaged with Miami, the team has made inquiries with the Washington Nationals about MacKenzie Gore.”

Of course, being “in the mix” doesn’t necessarily translate to anything other than being one of many bidders. However, it does spotlight the intention to make something big happen. The public leaking of dueling NL East trade talk could also be an attempt to play both teams against each other to lower the asking price.

Chicago Cubs pursuing two big trades for pitching

Chicago was reportedly interested in both Cabrera and Gore at the trade deadline last season, but were reluctant to meet the steep asking price of both teams. The Marlins were said to want Cubs’ top prospect, and heir apparent to Kyle Tucker, Owen Caissie in a Cabrera deal while the Nationals were said to fancy rookie third baseman Matt Shaw as part of the Gore package.

What makes this particular turn of events interesting right now is that the Cubs are rumored to be interested in free agent third baseman Alex Bregman once again. If they could get Bregman, Shaw could be seen as expendable, thereby freeing him up as trade bait in a Gore deal. Similarly, if the Cubs are more “in” on re-signing Tucker than reported, Caissie would be expendable as part of a Cabrera deal.

The former scenario seems to be more likely than the latter right now, but nothing is ever guaranteed– especially with the famously frugal Cubs who could be internally stuck on the idea of keeping two cheap and team-controlled lineup pieces in two key positions.

Extra appealing to the Cubs when it comes to these rumored deals is that Cabrera is under team control until after the 2028 season and that Gore is similarly locked into his contract until the end of 2027.

Determined to land one of three key targets

Also according to Trueblood, the Cubs are looking at free agent Zac Gallen as their third option behind Cabrera and Gore, a fallback in case they can’t make a deal with the Marlins or National. No matter what, though, Trueblood’s source says that the team is looking to walk away with one of their three targeted starters.

All of that is good news for the Cubs, especially in the short term with a real shot at making a deep playoff run next season.

As is always the case, time will tell.

The post Chicago Cubs reportedly involved in dueling trade talks for high-end starting pitching appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs limped into the NLDS with a starting rotation limited to two reliable pitchers and a bullpen held together by hopes, wishes, and the managerial maneuverings of Craig Counsell.

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To their credit, though, they almost worked through their glaring weaknesses by taking the Milwaukee Brewers to Game 5 after falling behind 0-2 in the best of five series. But there was no way to walk away from the NLDS loss not recognizing that they needed to fortify their pitching across the board, starting with their rotation.

To the Cubs’ credit, they didn’t lean on the excuse that they were missing an injured Cade Horton and Justin Steele. It would’ve been easy to sit back and do nothing, depending on the return of Horton and Steele in 2026 to be the big offseason pitching additions for a second straight playoff push. The front office, however, has come right out and declared impact pitching to be their primary focus this winter.

The question, though, is where to find it and how far Cubs ownership is willing to go to get it.

Looking for high-end starting pitching

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There are several front-of-rotation starters currently on the free agent market and Chicago was reportedly in on Dylan Cease before the Blue Jays dug a little deeper into their pockets to snatch him up. Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Michael King, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and the Japanese import Tatsuya Imai are still available and the Cubs have had reported interest in several of them.

But would it be wise to bet on the Cubs laying out big money on a long contract for any pitcher? They haven’t done that since they signed Yu Darvish to a 6-year, $126 million contract back in 2018– and they ended up trading him just two years into that contract.

It’s much more likely that the Cubs will look for their impact arm via trade.

A trade is more likely

They tried to do that last winter before getting cold feet on a Jesus Luzardo deal with the Marlins. But this year might be different. They know (and everybody knows) that the team is really close to moving from a playoff contender to a World Series contender. Right fielder Kyle Tucker will be gone this winter and a good chunk of the roster is due to become free agents after next season. If some high-end talent is not acquired this winter, while there’s the best chance to win, the entire Cubs organization will be raked over the proverbial coals.

But what would a trade for high-end pitching cost, especially considering that the Cubs will be looking for a starter with years of team control ahead? It’ll be uncomfortably expensive.

The cost in trade capital

Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib recently proposed a trade for a young, front-of-rotation starting pitcher that seems pretty much right on the money.

In his proposal, the Cubs would get SP Edward Cabrera and RP Anthony Bender for an absolute haul of Cub prospects– OF Owen Caissie (no. 1 Cubs prospect), P Jaxon Wiggins (no. 3 Cubs prospect), IF James Triantos (no. 10 Cubs prospect), and P Ben Brown.

Giving up three top 10 prospects– including their no. 1 pitching prospect– along with a young arm with big potential up side is a high price to pay. But Cabrera, who many believe has turned the corner on his development, could be worth it. It also doesn’t hurt that the 27-year-old is under team control through the 2028 season and will be making less than $2 million in 2026 before becoming eligible for arbitration. Bender, meanwhile, would be a welcomed addition to a bullpen in need of a full-on rebuild.

Would the Cubs go for such a deal– or any deal that demands so much in trade capital?

They would, if they’re serious about adding a core component to their starting rotation. A budget-friendly, team-controlled starter won’t come cheap and there’s no way around having to trade away plenty of young talent to get one.

The post Chicago Cubs: Eyeballing the cost of a big pitching trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have long been hobbled by internal budget pressures that almost invariably butt heads with the desire to actually have the team succeed on the field. This has left Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer with the perpetually unenviable task of fielding premium performers who come at a bargain price.

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“We took it as a real challenge,” Hoyer told media last February as he was putting the finishing touches on the 2025 squad. “We knew we had certain constraints. How do we work within those constraints and continue to get better at the same time? Only time will tell if we were successful. But I feel good about what we accomplished this offseason, given that we had some constraints.”

All things considered, Hoyer did an outstanding job of getting the most bang for the buck provided to him. Last season was special in a lot of ways, as most everything clicked and played out to a best case scenario result. But what’s asked of the veteran exec is an unsustainable balancing act. Every team needs pleasant surprises and successful gambles, but you can’t build a consistent winner on lottery tickets and crossed fingers.

The Chicago Cubs do have the money

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However, what if the Cubs could get everything they need and want this offseason while still staying on budget and, possibly, even below the luxury tax threshold? There’s actually a path for doing just that.

It’s been estimated that Chicago could still have around $50-$60 million to spend this offseason. They’re also facing the possibility of around $115 million coming off the books after 2026, as a ton of established talent (Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Carson Kelly, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea) will be eligible for free agency.

The money’s there.

In a recent appearance on the MLB Network, insider Steve Phillips talked about his take on the Cubs’ winter pursuits and how spending beyond the luxury tax threshold would make sense this coming year.

Per Phillips:

“Here’s what, in the ideal world, I’d love to see for them (Chicago Cubs),” Phillips said. “They sign either (Kyle) Schwarber or (Pete) Alonso to DH. They sign (Alex) Bregman to play third, and they go get a quality starting pitcher. They can’t do it within $50 million, but they can do it within $70 million. It would take them over the luxury tax threshold, but you’re the Chicago Cubs!

“You’re the Chicago Cubs, why can’t you be $20 million over the luxury tax threshold and actually put the finishing pieces together on your team? You know what I mean? Go out and get the starter – (Ranger) Suarez or Framber Valdez, get Bregman and then get a slugger in your lineup and really go out there and win. If they want to go to the World Series, that’s what they need to do.”

Having their cake and eating it too

However, we ARE talking about the frugal Cubs ownership, frazzled by being one year away from a possible labor dispute/lockout. But, maybe, the Cubs can have their cake AND eat it, too, staying under the threshold while finding a way to build a World Series-viable roster. It would take some shuffling around and a few uncomfortable trades, but it can be done.

If the Cubs did bend reality by acquiring Alex Bregman (ESPN contract projection: 5 years, $160 million) and Kyle Schwarber (4 years, $128 million), that would put them right at the top of their self-imposed spending limit. It would more than make up for the loss of Kyle Tucker, though, and also establish two firm building blocks ahead of a likely mass exodus of talent after next season.

For the top-of-rotation starter they need, the Cubs could bite the bullet and trade some of the top prospects they’ve been hoarding the last couple of years. With Bregman at third and Schwarber at DH, guys like Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, and Moises Ballesteros would be expendable.

Picking up a top-tier budget-friendly starter could be done with the Cubs willing to spend their trade capital. They could target team-controlled guys like the Marlins’ Edward Cabrera, the Twins’ Joe Ryan, or the Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore (who are projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $3.7 million, $5.8 million, $4.7 million, respectively) without too much of a strain on the payroll.

But…

Obviously, this is a very simplistic strategy to a complex problem for the Cubs. You’d also have to take into account the need to add more bullpen and bench pieces (and maybe the reality that Bergman and/or Schwarber may not want to play for the Cubs). Whatever the case, spending above the luxury tax threshold may be necessary no matter what, if the goal is to secure a team capable of a World Series run (and to stock the team for a run beyond 2026).

The question is whether Cubs ownership is willing to get so close to their internal spending cap– and maybe surpass it– in pursuit of winning. They did it in 2016 and immediately after. They haven’t been inclined to do it since.

The post How the Chicago Cubs can get everything this winter (while staying on budget) appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Cubs fans can cross off one big name from their holiday wish list. Yesterday, it was announced that the Toronto Blue Jays had signed hard-throwing free agent righty (and former Cubs prospect) Dylan Cease to a 7-year, $210 million contract (with just under $30 million of that money coming via deferred payment).

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The strikeout specialist was a rumored target of the Cubs throughout the early offseason and would’ve fit in the rotation nicely as a much-needed power pitcher among general finesse starters.

The Cubs could’ve made the same deal as the Blue Jays. The money is there and the books are almost entirely clean after this upcoming season. However, the Ricketts family ownership, for some reason, doesn’t entertain deals with deferred money, despite it being an increasingly attractive contract stipulation for players looking for tax breaks and money beyond their playing days. Because of this steadfast refusal to work with these kinds of arrangement, the Cubs will find it more and more difficult to land big-ticket free agents.

That is assuming, of course, that the Cubs will EVER be in serious pursuit of a big-ticket free agent.

Chicago Cubs, not likely to be big spenders after all

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Losing out on Cease is really not much a surprise, but this first major free agent domino to fall may serve as the first reality check of many more to come for the Cubs and their fans. Despite all the rumors and the targeted leaks about the team being serious buyers this winter, it’s quite likely that they won’t be spenders at all.

Following that line of thought, a recent poll of anonymous MLB execs for ESPN reveals that most don’t fancy the Cubs’ chances of landing one of the big free agents at all.

Aside from minor acquisitions and the usual reclamation projects Cubs president Jed Hoyer loves to pick up on the cheap, there might be zero dipping of the proverbial big toe into the deep end of the 2026 free agent talent pool.

There’s buzz that Cubs ownership is legitimately spooked about the impending labor dispute and likely 2027 lockout. It’s probably not a coincidence that the team’s payroll has no contracts extending beyond 2026, other than Dansby Swanson and recently acquired reliever Phil Maton. It would be a real stretch to assume the Cubs would take on a big-money 5-7 year contract right now, with so much uncertainty tickling the brain stems of an already overly-cautious ownership.

Trade over free agency

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a major acquisition this winter. It’s just that the impact pickup will have to come via trade.

Actually, in this environment and with the uncertainty of the labor dispute on everyone’s mind, the Cubs may find an easier path to making a major trade. Teams looking to unload talent may opt to deal this offseason rather than wait for the trade deadline and what surely will be a diminished return due to the possible lockout.

Conveniently enough, the Cubs just happen to be loaded with young assets who either have their paths blocked at the major league level or are simply out of major league options.

Outfielder Kevin Alcantara is unlucky enough to fall into both of the above categories. With no options remaining, the Cubs will have to keep him in the majors if they bring him up or lose him entirely if they decide to later demote him. Lefty pitcher Jordan Wicks has fallen out of favor in Chicago and has reportedly been dangled as a trade piece. Second baseman James Triantos’ star has fallen a bit, but his path to the majors is blocked by Nico Hoerner, anyway. Jonathon Long was a revelation in 2025 and won Cubs minor league player of the year honors, but he’s a first baseman and, barring injury or odd decline, Michael Busch isn’t moving from first. It’s still even possible that Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros– two prospects tabbed to play big roles on the major league squad in 2026– could be moved under the right circumstances.

Trade targets

And who could the Cubs trade FOR?

27-year-old right-handed starter Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins has been mentioned a lot. The feeling that Cabrera has turned the right corner on his development could motor the Cubs’ pursuit. But his team-friendly contract, which extends through 2028, could cinch the deal. The Cubs might be willing to spend major trade capital in acquiring him.

There are other names out there, beyond Cabrera. The Twins’ Joe Ryan, the Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore, the Pirates’ Mitch Keller, and the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara all come to mind. All give Chicago team-controlled years and front-of-rotation potential.

The question will be whether the Cubs will be as stingy in handling their trade-attractive prospects as they are with their money.

The post Chicago Cubs to pursue trade over free agency in search of impact arm? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are going to be all about pitching this winter, at least that’s what Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is telling the baseball world.

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That really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however, for those who paid attention to the pitching staff’s collective failings in the playoffs and the precarious road that got the team to the postseason.

Aside from the need to rebuild almost the entire bullpen due to free agency, the starting rotation now suddenly seems in peril with the Cubs declining their option on Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele being out until about mid-season, still recovering from elbow surgery last April. There’s also the feeling that Matthew Boyd and rookie phenom Cade Horton, who both have long histories of injury, could fall short of their 2025 excellence in 2026.

Although rumors abound regarding Chicago’s willingness to be big spenders in pursuit of free agent starting pitching this offseason, reality tells us that the frugal Cubs ownership will only open up the pocket book so wide. If free agents are acquired, they’re more likely to be fringe arms or reclamation projects. It’s probably more likely that any impact pitcher would be acquired via trade.

And that brings us to a deal that would make so much sense for both teams that it almost has to be explored.

Chicago Cubs must resume pursuit of this burgeoning ace

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The Cubs need to huddle with the Miami Marlins once again and get a deal made for 27-year-old right-hander Edward Cabrera.

This is hardly an out-of-the-blue idea. Lots of insiders and analysts have been talking up Cabrera-to-the-Cubs since early last season and the Cubs even kicked the tires on a possible trade for Cabrera prior to the trade deadline. Reportedly, the front office is still interested in Cabrera, too.

Per Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic:

“It would be surprising if the Cubs didn’t rekindle trade talks with the Miami Marlins, an organization that’s flush with pitching talent and looking to turn the corner into playoff contention.

The Cubs spiked a deal for Jesús Luzardo during the medical review portion last winter, and then circled back to the Marlins at the trade deadline. Multiple names were discussed, but the Cubs showed the most interest in Edward Cabrera…

The Cubs envision another level Cabrera could reach, especially through multiple years of working together in the same system.”

Edward Cabrera is on the verge of big things

Last season, the native of the Dominican Republic posted a 3.53 ERA over 137.2 innings and 26 starts. Many feel that 2025 was the year he turned the corner in his development and began to turn into the pitcher many felt he would become. If the Cubs are truly interested in adding a power pitcher to their rotation, Cabrera would be an ideal acquisition. As things sit right now, he’s already averaging over one strikeout per inning and his best may be yet to come.

The Cubs are also surely lusting over the fact that Cabrera is under team control through the 2028 season and will be making less than $2 million this coming season before becoming eligible for arbitration at the end of the year.

So, why would the Marlins be willing to deal someone like Cabrera, who’s making small-time money and still has three years before being eligible for free agency?

That’s the big question. But, by all accounts, the Marlins have been open to offers, possibly working under the belief that their surplus of pitching can be used to fill numerous other gaping holes in their roster.

Who the Cubs would have to give up

In the case of the Cubs, a deal for Cabrera would have to involve some high-end prospects and/or major league-ready young assets. Given the Marlins’ needs and the fact that they’re in rebuild mode right now, it’s possible that they might go for a package including outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara and first base prospect Jonathon Long, along with a lower-level young talent.

Alcantara is currently ranked no. 5 in the Cubs’ system while Long is no. 7. Long, especially, was a revelation in 2025, hitting .305 with 20 home runs and 91 RBIs in Triple-A Iowa.

Best of all for the Cubs, the deal would be relatively painless for them as Long’s path to the majors is blocked by first baseman Michael Busch and Alcantara seems to be lost in the outfield mix. Losing both wouldn’t mean all that much to Chicago’s long-term plans.

The Marlins, meanwhile, have been scrambling to find outfield depth and someone who could be their every day first baseman. Early last season, they traded Vidal Brujan to the Cubs for first base prospect Matt Mervis, looking for a possible first base solution. That didn’t work out so well for them. Both 23-year-olds, Alcantara and Long, are regarded as possibly major league-ready right now and could be plugged into the Marlins lineup on opening day.

It should be noted, though, that lots of other teams are reportedly interested in Cabrera, so the Cubs will have some stiff competition in their pursuit. They’d likely have to add some more honey to the pot to get this deal made, maybe even going so far as to add another top 12-level prospect or maybe even a big league roster name such as Javier Assad.

This pickup would be worth it, though. Cabrera represents both a 2026 asset as well as a building block for the future.

The post This Chicago Cubs trade would change everything for 2026 and beyond appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs limped into the final games of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, carrying with them a strained, battered pitching staff held together by true grit and manager Craig Counsell’s savvy guidance.

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Right before their elimination in Game Five, the Cubs were down to two semi-reliable starters (Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd) and maybe three relievers worthy to be in Counsell’s circle of trust.

But there was a lesson to be learned at the end of the Cubs’ postseason run. They need pitching. They need the kind pitching that makes a good team into a credible championship team. They need the kind of pitching that can’t be built around coupon cutting, bargain bin shopping, and the cross-your-fingers hope of pitchers wildly overperforming.

The unbelievable World Series MVP performance of the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto should highlight just how much of an impact elite starting pitching can provide to a serious championship-level team.

Chicago Cubs starting pitching: Insurance needed

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The Cubs are also staring down the distinct possibility that there may be some regression from starters Boyd and rookie Cade Horton, who both have a history of injury and could be looking at some slippage from their 2025 showing. Shota Imanaga faded down the stretch and was horrible in the postseason. The fall from grace was so prodigious that there’s no guarantee Chicago will even pick up his option for next season. Justin Steele, meanwhile, is not a lock to return to form after elbow surgery last April.

With that in mind, the Cubs need to be focusing on acquiring some real pitching muscle this offseason. Media and fans are already looking ahead to how the team can do just that.

First, though, it would probably be wise to disregard any of the top free agent starting pitchers available. Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Zac Gallen and Shane Bieber will all be too rich for the tastes of Cubs ownership, which has not invested in a front-of-rotation free agent starter since Yu Darvish in 2018 (and then proceeded to trade him away, three years into a six-year deal). Despite the buzz regarding the team’s interest in Cease, it just doesn’t seem likely that they’ll be fishing in deep waters for the big pitching fish.

So, that leaves trade as the only way to add a high-end starter.

Trade targets?

The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, in a recent Boston Red Sox mailbag column, talked up the potential asking price for right-hander Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins. The info relayed to her suggests a very affordable deal for a front-two starter who still has two years before free agency.

Per McCaffrey:

“Dan Hayes, The Athletic’s Twins writer, suggested Minnesota would be seeking two top-50 prospects, one with a mid-ceiling and one more of a lottery ticket.”

The Cubs are not overstuffed with top prospects at this point. So, one can assume that approaching the Twins for Ryan would mean probably giving up someone like Owen Caissie or Moises Ballesteros and Jonathon Long/Jefferson Rojas/James Triantos.

Chicago’s willingness to make such a deal would hinge on their willingness to gamble on winning big these next two seasons.

Controllable arms

Ryan was a sought-after asset at the trade deadline last season, but the Twins opted to hold on to him. The Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore, the Pirates’ Mitch Keller, and the Florida Marlins duo of Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera were also tied to the Cubs at the deadline

Ryan, Gore and Alcantara will become free agents at the end of the 2027 season. Cabrera and Keller won’t become free agents until after the 2028 season.

If the goal is controllable pitching without the free agent mega-contracts, a trade will be the way to go, even if it costs a good chunk of prospect capital.

Another option is more Cubs-like, though– look for reclamation projects, gamble on pleasant surprises, and hope for the best.

The post Chicago Cubs’ target no. 1: Picking up an ace on the cheap appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are struggling and most definitely not looking like a team likely to make a deep playoff run.

These things come in waves, though. The baseball season is long and there are always ebbs and flows in momentum. However, the team;s recent run of losing four of their last five is coming at the absolute worst moment as the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers have overtaken them for first place in the NL Central Division.

Despite everything good and borderline magical the Cubs have going for them, their weaknesses and liabilities are screaming to be heard as the season advances.

By all accounts, those screaming foibles are currently being addressed by Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer via the trade market, prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

Multiple trade deadline pickups by the Chicago Cubs?

ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers, in a Friday appearance on the Waddle and Silvy Show, says that Hoyer has multiple irons in the fire when it comes to deadline deals to fill roster holes. He also asserts that the Cubs may end up with a haul of acquisitions beyond what many have anticipated.

Per Rogers:

“What I know is that Jed is trying hard…I think it’s all going to happen, or most of it, for the Cubs in the last 72 hours…I think they’re looking for a backup outfielder, especially in center, maybe that third baseman and a pitcher or two. So, I think there are still three or four additions, whether one of them goes to the minors or not remains to be seen, but I think all of that is going to happen late…I think he wants to try to get a pitcher before the week starts, it’s just been really difficult sledding so far. Tons of competition…Pitching is a priority, but [Eugenio] Suarez is definitely in the mix.”

Three or four pickups by the deadline would be tremendous, considering the team’s clearly established needs.

Rotation and bullpen needs

First and foremost among the Cubs’ needs, as Rogers affirmed, is pitching.

A starting pitcher is a must. Actually, two starting pitchers would be ideal as the team would do well to add a high-end rotation piece as well as a back-of-rotation inning eater. Rumored names have popped up all over the place, but a team-controlled Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and the rental ground ball specialist Adrian Houser from the White Sox (who befuddled the Cubs on Friday) would be outstanding acquisitions.

Over the last month or so, the relief corps has also become a Cubs pitching concern. The formerly overachieving bullpen, which once ranked among the very best, has come crashing hard down to earth. Since July 1, per Marquee Sports Network, the Cubs pen has ranked next to last in all of baseball with a 6.31 ERA. As a result, relief help also has to be put on Hoyer’s deadline shopping list.

The healthy, productive return of Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad should help the team’s pitching overall, but that help would come a little bit down the road. The Cubs need help right now and they need sure things (or as close to sure things as possible in baseball).

Outfield and third base

Outfield help is also a clear need as the season pushes on and the current three starters– Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker– start to show signs of wear and tear. A dedicated fourth outfielder should’ve been on the roster from day one.

At third base, there was persistent talk about Matt Shaw’s failures at the plate and the need for a replacement. Since coming back from the All-Star break, however, the rookie is batting .500 with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs. His defensive play has also been stellar. Unless they can get Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks on a sweetheart of a deal, the Cubs may be fine with letting Shaw stay put and maybe just adding a third base-capable bench upgrade.

Minnesota Twins switch-hitter Willi Castro, who can play all three outfield positions, as well as third base, second base, and shortstop, would be an ideal jack of all trades to cover all of the Cubs’ remaining position player needs.

Things should get interesting as the trade deadline approaches. The Cubs’ postseason viability may depend on the moves made.

The post Chicago Cubs could acquire “3 or 4” assets by trade deadline, per insider appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs lost to the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Wednesday, once again relinquishing full first place standing to the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division.

The most frustrating part of this slip to second place, however, may be the spotlight it focused on the Cubs’ weaknesses and liabilities everyone knew were already there.

In the series finale against the Royals, Colin Rea was touched up for 5 earned runs in 5 innings pitched. The performance tells the tale of a struggling back end of the starting rotation taking on more and more water as the Cubs ship heads further out to sea.

At this point, only games started by Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd are safe to be considered W-likely. Rea has been up and down, Cade Horton is a learning-on-the-job rookie, and Ben Brown has already fallen off the Cubs’ deck. Creatively-constructed bullpen games have not been productive.

So, Cubs fandom turns to the trade deadline for help in keeping the team’s deep-postseason hopes afloat.

“Desperate” Chicago Cubs pursue trade deadline starting pitching

Jesse Rogers of ESPN recently labeled the Cubs as “desperate” in their pursuit of rotation help, although the always-careful (sometimes frustratingly careful) front office is also keeping their eyes on the future, eschewing top prospects-for-a-rental deals.

Per Rogers:

“The Cubs are looking for a starting pitcher first and foremost, but won’t part with any top prospects for rentals. They would be willing to trade a young hitter for a cost-controlled pitcher or one already under contract past this season. They are desperate to add an arm who can help while Jameson Taillon recovers from a calf injury. Bullpen games in Taillon’s place haven’t gone well.”

Targets locked in?

Matthew Trueblood of Northside Baseball has identified Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins as one of the Cubs’ team-controlled targets. Per his sources, the Kansas City Royals’ Kris Bubic is on their radar as well, although concerns over his most recent start have made Cubs president Jed Hoyer pump the breaks a bit on pursuing him.

Per Trueblood:

“As recently as this weekend, sources close to the situation indicated that there was momentum between the Cubs and the Royals regarding lefty Kris Bubic. Right now, though, the team is doing more background work and waiting to see what Bubic’s next start looks like, after his velocity was down substantially in his first appearance of the second half. The Royals are another team who has been on the higher end with regard to Caissie, so if the Cubs want to make their dollar stretch on the trade market this summer, talking to both Kansas City and Miami about him makes sense.”

And out of nowhere…Dylan Cease?

And while the logical pursuit of young, team-controlled arms has filled up Chicago’s trade deadline rumor mill, this weird one was hurled in the online discourse– Dylan Cease, back to the Cubs?

Buster Olney of ESPN recently tweeted about the San Diego Padres, who have real postseason possibilities, making Cease available via trade for the right majors-ready assets to help fill their other roster holes.

Per Olney:

“A surprise name has emerged in the starting pitcher market: Dylan Cease, who will be eligible for free agency at year’s end. Perception of other teams is that the Padres are intent on making a push for the playoffs, and would use Cease to help fill other roster needs. Mets, AL East teams, Cubs among teams that have talked about him.”

The Cubs most definitely don’t have an impact position player to spare in such a deal with the Padres, but it IS well within the realm of crazy baseball possibility that Hoyer and company could offer up a package of prospects for a 3-way deal with the Padres and a third team. If the deal is sweet enough, maybe they’ll be okay with a rental in this particular case.

At this point, anything is worth considering because, at the risk of sounding like an alarmist, the Cubs need pitching help, fast.

The post Chicago Cubs: Help! “Desperate” Cubs pursuing new and old pitching targets appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have had an excellent 2025, but it’ll all be for naught if they can’t shake the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers and can’t head into the postseason without filling some key roster holes.

That’s why the run-up to this year’s trade deadline has been such a hot topic for discussion.

The Cubs have the prospects to barter for what they need by July 31. They have the money to pick up the cost of any stars they may add. Reportedly, they also have the aggressive mindset to pursue who they want.

But, realistically, people are who they are and, much more often then not, things play out as expected. In the case of the Cubs, that means president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer being crafty, creative, and a bit conservative, careful not to overpay for acquisitions. In the case of the Ricketts family ownership, that means being reluctant to pay top dollar for top-dollar acquisitions, necessitating Hoyer’s need to be crafty, creative, and conservative.

Chicago Cubs playing it safe with trade deadline deals?

This points to the incoming haul at the trade deadline this year not being filled with marquee names or all-stars and that most every deal may be cut with an eye on the Cubs future.

By all accounts, the team is focused on additions with years of team control, especially when it comes to urgently needed starting pitching. The philosophy being, of course, that if they have to give away some top prospects, like no. 1 Owen Caissie, they want more than rentals.

Recent reports suggest that they are especially interested in Miami Marlins righty Edward Cabrera, who is under team control until 2028.

Luckily for the Cubs, there may be several good, team-controlled first-half-of-rotation starters available this year. Aside from Cabrera, there is the Pirates’ Mitch Keller, the Twins’ Joe Ryan, the Nationals’ Mackenzie Gore, and the extreme longshot of the Royals’ Kris Bubic. The Rays’ Taj Bradley and Jeffrey Springs of the A’s may also be dangled out there, as well as the project of quick-fixing the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara.

Whatever the case, buzz definitely seems to be trending away from rentals and towards 2025 assets who can also serve as building blocks for the future.

Cold water on Eugenio Suarez rumors?

And, speaking of rentals, the biggest name among trade bait rental position players, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Eugenio Suarez, is looking less and less likely to be headed to Chicago.

ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, in a recent appearance on the Kap and J. Hood ESPN Radio show, threw cold water on the hot rumors of the Cubs possibly adding Suarez’s much sought-after elite power bat to an already potent lineup.

Third base is not the priority

Instead, Rogers talked up the likelihood of the team going one level below Suarez in their pursuit of help at third base.

“I don’t think they’re going to hit the home run at third base,” Rogers said. “I think they’re going to go secondary kind of available guy like a Ryan McMahon [from the Colorado Rockies]…replacing the number 9 hitter [isn’t a priority]. They are much more focused on starting pitching.”

The left-handed hitting McMahon, who is under team control through 2027, would be used in a platoon with Shaw at third. An elite defender with good pop, his batting average is down this season, but he would still represent an upgrade from the offense the Cubs are currently getting from third base.

If the Cubs were to “just” get Cabrera and McMahon by July 31, would that be considered a success? That would likely be the most conservative of possible deadline hauls, but it might be enough to get the team where it needs to go.

Fans, however, are hoping for more.

The post Chicago Cubs reportedly pursuing team controlled pitchers at deadline, drifting from Eugenio Suarez appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Leading up to the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs have been connected to nearly every starting pitcher expected to be available. But they won’t be alone in their quest to fortify their rotation.

Still, holding an NL Central leading 54-38 record, the Cubs know it’s time to step on the gas to bolster their playoff pursuit. Especially when the team has arguably the best offense in MLB. One more standout pitcher could make the Cubs one of the stronger contenders in the league.

There will be plenty of options for Chicago leading up to the deadline. But one of the pitchers intriguing the Cubs the most is Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, via independent journalist Francys Romero. The only problem – outside of actually pulling a trade off – is that the New York Mets and numerous other teams are hot on the Cubs’ trail.

The Cubs, Mets, and several other teams are among the most interested.

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) July 9, 2025

Chicago Cubs’ pitching need 

The Cubs’ starting pitchers rank 19th in MLB with their 4.19 ERA. While they’ve allowed the fewest amount of walks at 126, their .253 batting average against is 20th in the league. Point is, Chicago is in need of some desperate reinforcements to their pitching staff.

That was only made true by a rash of injuries the Cubs have suffered. Jameson Taillon became the latest to be placed on the injured list. But he is joined on the IL by Javier Assad and Justin Steele. Especially when the playoffs arrive, Chicago needs to know they have a healthy pitching rotation they can trust.

At least at the top end, the Cubs are confident in their one-two punch of Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd. The latter just earned the first All-Star nomination of his 11-year career by pitching to a 2.52 ERA and 96/23 K/BB ratio. Imanaga missed out on making the All-Star team, in part due to missing time with injury. However, he still holds an impressive 2.80 ERA and 42/15 K/BB ratio.

With those two in place, a healthy Taillon and one more standout pitcher, the Cubs would truly be a fearsome team throughout the playoffs. Holding the immense offensive power they do, Chicago just needs consistency from their rotation.

Edward Cabrera joins the mix 

The fact that Cabrera is under team control through 2026 is an added bonus. Chicago would have to pay up a little more, but they can at least be confident in their rotation beyond just 2025. While it’s unknown exactly what Cabrera would cost, the Marlins are undoubtedly looking for offensive help. The Cubs have eight hitters inside their top 10 prospects, via MLB Pipeline.

Over his 15 starts in 2025, Cabrera holds a 3.33 ERA and an 80/30 K/BB ratio. If he were on the Cubs, the right-hander would rank third in both ERA among pitchers with 50+ innings thrown and strikeouts. Furthermore, the right-hander has hit another gear over his most recent starts.

In his most recent outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, Cabrera threw seven innings of two-run baseball, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five. Against the Minnesota Twins a start prior, he pitched seven innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out six. Cabrera hasn’t allowed more than three runs in his last 11 starts.

The Cubs will be keeping their eye out for all the big name pitchers available at the deadline. But as it stands, Cabrera may be at the top of their list.

The post Chicago Cubs battling New York Mets for top Trade Deadline target: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The MLB Trade Deadline is now a little over four weeks away, and the Chicago Cubs should be one of the more aggressive teams to acquire the talent to push them over the edge. The Cubs’ most pressing need is a starting pitcher, but they have also indicated they could add a bat.

The Cubs have inquired about the Miami Marlins’ top two arms, Sandy Alcántara and Edward Cabrera, who, if they could add one or both, would bolster the starting rotation. The bullpen started the season off shaky, but has been one of the better aspects of the team as of late, with Daniel Palencia, Porter Hodge, and Ryan Pressly looking like solid late-inning options out of the pen.

With the Cubs already inquiring about arms and getting things in motion to outbid other teams, one ex-MLB executive thinks the Cubs will win the Trade Deadline in the National League Central.

Former MLB executive believes the Cubs will win the Trade Deadline in the NL Central

President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins’ contracts expire after this season, and they need a great Trade Deadline to get them into the postseason and to justify renewing their contracts. There could potentially be more sellers at the deadline as more teams drop out of contention, giving Hoyer and Hawkins options to get the deal they want.

Former MLB executive Jim Bowden, who was the Senior VP and general manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, said on a recent appearance on the popular baseball YouTube show, Foul Territory, that he thinks the Cubs will win the Trade Deadline for the Central, with his sources in the industry, saying Hoyer and Hawkins are “all-in.” Bowden also adds that the Cubs are willing to part with top outfield prospect Owen Caissie to get a deal done.

“The Cubs are going to win the trade deadline in the NL Central, says @JimBowdenGM.

“As I talk to people in the industry, they’re all-in.”

The Cubs are going to win the trade deadline in the NL Central, says @JimBowdenGM.

"As I talk to people in the industry, they're all-in." pic.twitter.com/h7cfaGTWJw

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 30, 2025

The Cubs need to go all-in if they’re to have a shot at winning

The Cubs have not made the playoffs for five seasons, with 2020 being the last season they made it, and 2017 being the last time they won a playoff game. Acquiring Kyle Tucker in the offseason was the first indication that the Cubs were making this season about getting into the playoffs, and adding another big name to better the roster should help get the fan base more excited than they are.

If the Cubs want to have any hope of re-signing Tucker past this season, they need to show Tucker they’re willing to go all-in to win it all.

The post The Chicago Cubs are predicted to do great at the Trade Deadline appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have shown the kind of magical spark that usually manifests itself in championship teams. Their placement atop the suddenly deep and competitive NL Central Division is a testament to that, as is the fact that they’re currently sporting the second best record in the National League.

They also, unfortunately, are wearing their glaring weakness like a scarlet letter for all to see.

The problem is pitching. Specifically, starting pitching.

Chicago Cubs, on the hunt for starting pitching

Even before ace Justin Steele was lost for the season due to elbow injury and Javier Assad was shut down because of oblique issues, there were some questions about the rotation. Then, Shota Imanaga was lost for about five weeks with a hamstring strain. Then, Ben Brown imploded. Then, Colin Rea, who started as a brilliant rotation sub in the wake of Steele’s injury, came down to earth.

What’s currently passing for a full five-man Cubs rotation is Imanaga, Matthew Boyd (who’s been brilliant, but hasn’t pitched over 100 innings since 2019), Jameson Taillon (who’s been up and down), Rea, and rookie Cade Horton.

That represents a lot of crossed fingers and wishful thinking when it comes to a starting corps that the team hopes will take them through a pennant race, as well as deep into the postseason.

So, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has reportedly been hot on the trail of available arms to pick up prior to the July 31 trade deadline.

And with these reports come the rumors and proposals from fans and media. The ultimate objective is clear– to round out a playoff-strong starting rotation. The big questions, though, remain– who to target and how much to give up in return.

A big, bold trade proposal

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently posted a trade proposal between the Cubs and the Miami Marlins so audacious that it deserves a platform.

Per Miller:

“Chicago Cubs Receive: RHP Sandy Alcántara and RHP Edward Cabrera. Miami Marlins Receive: OF Kevin Alcantara (Triple-A Prospect, No. 3 in CHC farm system), IF Jefferson Rojas (Single-A Prospect, No. 4 in CHC farm system), RHP Jaxon Wiggins (Double-A Prospect, No. 8 in CHC farm system), RHP Ryan Gallagher (Single-A Prospect, No. 17 in CHC farm system) and IF Yahil Melendez (Single-A Prospect, No. 24 in CHC farm system).

What Makes It Outrageous: The sheer magnitude of it. It’s not quite akin to Juan Soto and Josh Bell for what felt like the entire Padres farm system three years ago, but five prospects for two big league pitchers would certainly be a landscape shifter. But it ought to take a near king’s ransom to get arguably the two best Marlins, with Alcantara signed through 2027 while Cabrera will be arbitration-eligible through 2028. Why the Cubs would do it. Well, they need starting pitching. Of the six Cubs who have made at least five starts this season, only Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have a positive bWAR.”

So, yeah.

Why it actually, kind of, makes sense

But before throwing it into the bin of rejected fantasy proposals, like the recent crazy “Sandy Alcantara for Cade Horton, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, and Ronny Cruz” trade idea that elicited a public chuckle from Hoyer, this one is actually worth considering.

Alcantara and Cabrera would be two viable rotation pieces under team control, with Alcantara tied up through 2026 with a team option for 2027 and Cabrera under contract through 2028, who could not only help the team win this year, but for maybe three years to come. They could also provide some rotation security for when Boyd and Taillon become free agent eligible following the 2026 season.

Money-wise, both come at a comparatively reasonable price as Alcantara is pulling in $17.3 million currently and Cabrera is still making under $2 million (although that will change when he becomes arbitration eligible).

You never want to give up five top prospects in one deal, but snatching up two high-end starting pitchers (under team control) in one fell swoop could make such a trade well worth considering.

The post This Chicago Cubs crazy trade proposal might not be so crazy after all appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are supposed to be one of the more aggressive teams at next month’s Trade Deadline. The Cubs have a few holes that need to be filled to solidify the roster further, and the Cubs are likely to be aggressive to get what they’re after. Their most important need is a starting pitcher who can start either game one or two of a playoff series.

The Cubs will get their current Ace, Shota Imanaga, back tomorrow after a long stint on the injured list. Imanaga’s return, should be a big boost to team morale, and will hopefully get them out of this rut they’re in. Adding another top-of-the-rotation arm to pair with Imanaga will help, but the Cubs could benefit by adding two pitchers instead of one.

As the Trade Deadline looms, the Cubs have begun to inquire about the players they intend to target, with one insider reporting that they are “canvassing the market.”

The Chicago Cubs’ inquiry about two high-end starters

The Cubs failed to remedy their starting rotation in the offseason, when they could’ve signed a free agent and didn’t have to trade away any of their prospects, but will now have to pay a premium price for an arm. Starting pitching and bullpen help are likely to be the two main items traded at this year’s deadline, and the Cubs have decided to get a jump on things, with Baseball Insider Ken Rosenthal reporting that the Cubs have called the Miami Marlins about right-handers Sandy Alcántara and Edward Cabrera.

Rosenthal via Cubs Zone on X:

“The Cubs, according to sources briefed on their plans, already are canvassing the market, making inquiries on Miami Marlins right-handers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, among many others,” per @Ken_Rosenthal”

“The Cubs, according to sources briefed on their plans, already are canvassing the market, making inquiries on Miami Marlins right-handers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, among many others,” per @Ken_Rosenthal.

Full article here: https://t.co/usUYfn63hH pic.twitter.com/24PjeMvBqo

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) June 25, 2025

Alcántara is the hottest name on the market and is a year removed from having Tommy John surgery, which cost him all last season. The 29-year-old Alcántara has struggled in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, going 4-8 with an ERA of 6.69 in 15 starts (74.0 innings).

Cabrera, who is 27, enters his fifth season in the big leagues and is a high-quality arm who could be a solid number three in the Cubs’ rotation. In 12 starts this season (59.0), Cabrera is 2-2 with a 3.81 ERA, his second-best single-season ERA in his career, with 2022 being his best at 3.01.

Alcántara and Cabrera would be great additions to the rotation

Alcántara has been tied to the Cubs since the offseason and would give the Cubs that game one or two starter for a playoff game they have been looking for. Cabrera would be a great addition as well, with an electric fastball that can get up to triple digits, and a wicked changeup to work off his fastball.

The Trade Deadline is a little over five weeks away, and the Cubs may need to strike early before the bidding war officially starts, which is why it’s great to see them getting off to an early start.

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