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 came up short against the Los Angeles Angels Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, but there was some good news mixed into the bad of a 2-0 loss.

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The biggest piece of positivity was the performance of Ben Brown, who came into the game in the top of the sixth inning with two outs and a pair of runners on base. The 26-year-old proceeded to cook through his appearance.

Overall, the lanky right-hander pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out 5 against 1 hit and 1 walk. The impressive box score numbers, alone, don’t even tell the full story of Brown’s performance, though.

Brown dazzles, Taillon hangs tough:

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The young arm dazzled with a mix of overpowering stuff and outstanding placement. He was also sporting supreme control with 39 strikes in 50 pitches thrown.

This was his second appearance of the season and he delivered much better results this time out, although he did notch 3 strikeouts against the Nationals in relief on Opening Day. Overall this early season, he’s sporting a 2.70 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 6.2 innings pitched.

Brown fought his way this spring to the last bullpen spot on the roster and he’s quickly making a case for staying in the majors. If he keeps up the long-relief brilliance, he could also force himself back into the running for a rotation spot.

Starter Jameson Taillon didn’t quite dazzle Tuesday night, but he showed that he could perform well, even when he doesn’t have his A+ stuff. On the evening, the veteran struck out 3 over 4.2 innings while giving up 2 hits and 4 walks.

The reality is that he looked to be on the verge of allowing a big inning on a couple of occasions this outing, but he managed to maneuver out of trouble. Regardless, the scoreless appearance was a relief after a horrendous spring where he posted a 17.55 ERA over 5 games and experienced a significant dip in velocity. That velocity dip (the four-seamer was down to 90-91 mph on Tuesday) is still there, however, and that is definitely something to watch.

“I thought Jameson pitched well,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “I thought he navigated it and there was really very little hard contact…They drove the pitch count up on him a little bit, but he did a really nice job.”

After the game, the 34-year-old said he felt good and expressed his relief with being able to get to Chicago and restart his pitching a bit.

A swap of roles?

But the tremendous Brown outing and Taillon’s lower-velocity outing happening on the same day kind of introduces the possibility that, maybe, there could be a swap of roles between the two before the end of the season.

The Cubs believe that Brown’s ultimate place will be as a starter and Taillon is working on the last year of his contract before becoming a free agent. If the younger, cheaper Brown can establish himself as a consistent presence over multiple innings, there could be a push to get him into the rotation and move Taillon into a swing man role, especially if there are no significant injuries in the rotation necessitating the use of both as starters.

That’s a big “if,” of course. Brown has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, before much longer stretches of struggle. Taillon, meanwhile, has shown the veteran ability to stabilize and solidify his game after a rough stretch of outings.

For now, the Cubs will let the season play on and make decisions further down the road.

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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 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.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs get interesting lineup ranking from former MLB executive
• Cubs latest first round pick already facing injury setback
• Cubs shed 2 pitchers, 1 infielder, from roster

For More Chicago Sports

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The post Chicago Cubs 2026 Opening Day 5-man starting rotation appears set appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are moving through their last week of spring training, fine tuning some things, and hoping for the best as they head into a 2026 season where big results are expected. Things, however, haven’t gone exactly as expected.

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The Cubs’ run of bad luck may have continued on Friday night in a split squad 6-2 loss to the Athletics at Hohokam Park in Mesa, Arizona.

Javier Assad pulled from game

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Starter/swingman Javier Assad had to be pulled from the game by manager Craig Counsell in the bottom of the eighth inning, 50 pitches into a relief appearance, with an apparent finger injury. Video replays subsequently showed that injury to likely be a blister-related issue.

Assad, who recently turned 28, had been having a very good spring, along with a very solid run in the World Baseball Classic as part of Team Mexico. His work this offseason seemed to bolster the case for him making the Opening Day roster, despite chatter that being one of the few Cubs pitchers with minor league options could have him opening the year at Triple-A Iowa.

As of this writing, there’s been no update on the injury or on what, exactly, it was, although it pretty clearly shows it to be a blister. The timing of this setback, though, will have big implications on whether Assad breaks spring training with the big league Cubs or finds himself starting the regular season in the minors.

This latest bit of bad news shows one more crack in the foundation of what many saw as a pretty deep and solid starting rotation. While Assad wasn’t expected to make the starting five, he was expected to be a valuable swingman and one of the key backups in case of injury or poor performance.

Taillon’s struggles continue

One of the biggest rotation concerns this spring is Jameson Taillon, who has been getting bashed around during Cactus League play to an alarming extent. The veteran starter, who will be eligible for free agency at the end of this coming season, started Friday’s game with the Athletics and delivered another disappointing outing. Despite four initial shutout innings, 2 home runs in the fifth accounted for 3 earned runs in those 4 innings pitched (although his 6 strikeouts were a nice sidebar). The 34-year-old ends the spring with a 0-4 record and a 17.55 ERA in 5 games and 13.1 innings pitched.

Needless to say, this is not the lead-in to 2026 that Taillon or the Cubs wanted.

An Assad injury just complicated issues further as it possibly takes one of the key backup options off the table for an undisclosed period of time.

As of right now, the Cubs 5-man rotation still seems to be locked in with Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Shota Imanaga, and Taillon. Colin Rea and Assad stand as swingmen who can step in as starters. Justin Steele, meanwhile, is due back around May-June after season ending elbow surgery last April.

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The Chicago Cubs have the team in place to make a big push to a championship. On the flip side of that big opportunity, though, is the reality that much of this current roster will not be back to make a second run at a title.

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A good portion of this team’s roster– including several core members– will either be eligible for free agency at the end of the coming season or staring down options for 2027. Atop the list of possible outgoing Cubs is Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and Carson Kelly.

Anyone facing that kind of uncertainty could be forgiven for suffering through at least a bit of distraction. But with a real possibility of making some waves this offseason, manager Craig Counsell has the task of keeping his guys’ eyes on the prize.

“We certainly feel very confident in our team going forward, but it’s going to look different in ‘27 than this,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told MLB.com. “There is going to be change. Craig has talked to the players about trying to embrace that.”

Counsell addresses 2026 elephant in the room

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And Counsell has, indeed, already addressed the gigantic elephant in the room called ‘uncertainty.’

“[Boston Celtics head coach] Joe Mazzulla, who is one of my favorite coaches, said, ‘I go to bed questionable and wake up probable.’ None of us are guaranteed anything, and that’s really a great way to put it,” Counsell told media. “Like, why am I worried about what’s going to happen? I have to make sure I wake up the next day, so let’s just worry about what’s going on right now.

“The whole point of this is to be where your feet are, so I don’t think you worry about it. Everybody thinks about what’s next for them; that’s a natural thought for people to do. But when you have an opportunity like we have, it’s also easier to be where your feet are every day, be present, enjoy it and cherish it. That’s what we’ve talked about our goal being every single day: to enjoy what you have right in front of you.”

Focusing on the here and now

That focus on the here and now will be crucial to a successful 2026. It just takes a small handful of distracted or overly-strained players to ruin a vibe and bring a team down.

There’s hope that at least two or three of these possibly outgoing Cubs could be retained. Ideally, second baseman Nico Hoerner would be one of them. It would also be nice to see at least one of the corner outfielders– Happ or Suzuki– extended, just because of how hard it would be to sign two starter-level corner outfielders in one free agent class. People would also probably not balk at the Cubs doing everything they can to hold on to Boyd.

Ultimately, though, business is business and the Cubs will make the decisions that go best with their business plan. Hopefully, those decisions are made after a very successful 2026.

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The Chicago Cubs appeared to have things pretty much hashed out when it came to their starting rotation. The offseason acquisition of emerging powerhouse Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins seemed to fill the last spot of a rotation that was already pretty packed before the trade.

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But things can change in a heartbeat in baseball– both for the better and for the worse.

Some of that “worst” is coming from Jameson Taillon. The veteran starter, who was so clutch last season for the Cubs down the stretch and through the playoffs, has been getting absolutely shellacked this spring. In Sunday’s 14-8 loss to the Dodgers, the 34-year-old gave up 10 runs on 8 hits, with 4 walks, over 3.2 innings, bringing his Cactus League ERA to a whopping 22.18. Perhaps more importantly, his velocity is down significantly, as is the movement on his pitches.

But with the bad news, there’s also some good news.

Brown’s rise paired with Taillon’s fall

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The 26-year-old Ben Brown has been looking like he’s finally turned a corner in his development.

The Cubs have always eyed the tall righty as a potential rotation piece, but, despite flashes of brilliance, his performances have been too inconsistent to really consider him in that role. That may be changing.

Coming into the third year of his young major league career, Brown has added a sinker to his repertoire and is also sporting a fortified mindset.

“I feel like I’m in a much better spot than I was last year,” Brown told the Chicago Tribune. “The resilience and the ability to pitch in different situations is something that I need to add to my repertoire and to be confident in. And that doesn’t mean I can’t stop dreaming of what my career could be like, but for right now, what can my day look like? That’s the focus…Wherever I am right now is where I have to be and be my best because I didn’t really do a good job of that last year.”

Being focused on the present and on growing as a pitcher has yielded solid results this spring. In 10.2 innings of spring training play, Brown has a 3.38 ERA and 15 strikeouts against only 3 walks.

Swapping of roles?

So, the rise of Brown and the apparent fall of Taillon have to bring up the possibility that Chicago might be forced into making a major decision soon. Could they consider a swapping of roles, with Brown taking a spot in the rotation and Taillon moving to long relief duties in the bullpen?

Taillon, set to become a free agent at the end of next season, has been an important starting pitching asset for the Cubs over the last three years, but they can’t go too long with him every fifth day if he’s just not up to the task.

The team has been clear that they hope for Brown to become the rotation stud his raw ability always suggested he could be. But will 2026 be that year where he establishes himself in that regard?

The Cubs have a deep enough starting pitching pool to absorb the loss of a guy like Taillon. If Brown’s not the man to fill the job, there’s Javier Assad, who’s done very well this spring, as well as the reliable Colin Rea. Then, of course, ace Justin Steele is moving towards his comeback, which is projected to happen in May or June. A little bit down the road, top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins will also be knocking on the door.

For now, though, the Cubs will surely give Taillon every possible chance to figure things out and get back on track. If he can’t, though, there are options.

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Jameson Taillon hasn’t exactly set the world on fire during Spring Training during his time with the Chicago Cubs. Last year the veteran had a 6.75 ERA over three starts, but this year the results have even worse. After giving up 10 earned runs during an outing on March 15, his ERA sky rocketed to 22.18, but also has outings of four, three, and six earned runs.

Perhaps the only real bright spot for Taillon this spring came during his appearance in the World Baseball Classic. Pitching for Team Canada, he tossed 3.2 innings and allowed just one earned run. Still, the overall results this spring have been troubling enough to give the Cubs legitimate reason for concern.

Jameson Taillon is giving the Chicago Cubs a growing reason to worry

Against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 15, Taillon surrendered a pair of home runs on his cutter. He told the Chicago Sun-Times the pitch had “not a ton of deception there,” calling it “a disappointing setback.”

Interestingly, Statcast showed the pitch’s vertical and horizontal break were roughly in line with last year’s averages, but his sweeper, changeup, and sinker all showed noticeably less movement. Velocity wise, his heater was down almost a whole one mile per hour compared to normal.

With decreased velocity and a lack of deception and movement on several pitches, particularly in terms of horizontal break, the Cubs have reason to be concerned about their projected No. 5 starter. At 34, a dip in velocity wouldn’t be unusual, but it’s clear he’s still searching for a consistent feel for his pitches. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, minor mechanical tweaks are already in the works as he tries to get back on track.

The good news? If Taillon falters, the Cubs have other options to turn to in Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and Ben Brown, all of whom could step in if Taillon needs more time to sort things out. Whether that means an IL stint or a move to the bullpen, something uncommon for him, the reality is that if these results continue over the next two weeks, the Cubs may need to pivot from their projected starting rotation plans.

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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 walked into spring training confident about their starting rotation and enjoying the kind of depth that lets a team focus more closely on other issues.

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That sense of security, however, may be slipping away as the team gets closer to their March 26 Opening Day.

Shota Imanaga has been getting touched up this spring, despite a boost in velocity and general good health. Swingman Jordan Wicks, who some projected to have a backup role on the staff, is now on the shelf with nerve irritation in his throwing arm.

Add Jameson Taillon’s state of being to those concerns.

Taillon’s stats in his start for Team Canada on Sunday looked decent. He allowed one run in 3.2 innings pitched while striking out three. But he appeared to be fortunate to get out of jams against Panama and his 90.8 mph fastball average was concerning.

Jameson Taillon’s alarmingly bad spring

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All of this is especially troubling when this spring is assessed in its totality. So far, in three Cactus League appearances, the veteran, who will become a free agent at the end of this 2026 season, has allowed 13 earned runs, 6 home runs, and 13 hits in 6 innings.

“He’s not pitching well right now,” Counsell told media after the 34-year-old’s March 2 outing. “But it’s also his third start of the spring.”

“A fly-ball pitcher is going to be a fly-ball pitcher; we’re not going to change that,” Counsell added. “This is spring training. Taillon’s going to start games for us. We’re always working with every guy to get better and improve. We do have to accept that these games are a different status than the games of the regular season and just move forward.”

And, yes, it IS just spring training. But there always has to be concern when a veteran, headed into his tenth year as a major-leaguer, starts losing velocity and begins to get hit hard (and frequently).

Cubs rotation depth tested

Combined with Imanaga’s struggles and Wicks’ injury, there now seems to be some very early strain on the Cubs’ rotation depth, a little more than two weeks away from the start of the season.

Barring injury, Chicago will still make Opening Day with the same projected 5-man rotation of Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, Taillon, and Imanaga and with the same rotation reserves (Colin Rea, Javier Assad, and Ben Brown). Justin Steele is also due back from elbow surgery by mid-season.

But with two of the core veterans– Taillon and Imanaga– struggling and injury/durability issues sprinkled throughout the rotation, the Cubs’ starting pitching depth suddenly doesn’t seem to offer that much of a cushion.

Taillon will get every chance to turn things around. He was a key component to the Cubs’ rotation last year, especially in the postseason, and his steady veteran presence will be needed this season as well.

For now, the Cubs move forward and hope for the best.

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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.

The post Chicago Cubs: A trade deadline shocker could become reality, per analyst 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.

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The Chicago Cubs are just days away from opening Cactus League play against the Chicago White Sox. Friday’s matchup will serve as their first spring training contest of the year, with the Texas Rangers scheduled for the following day.

While starting assignments in exhibition games don’t carry much weight, especially with pitchers typically limited to an inning or two early in camp, it’s notable that manager Craig Counsell is tabbing starters who are set to participate in the World Baseball Classic. That commitment played a role in how he structured the opening weekend rotation.

Chicago Cubs announce starting pitchers for their first two spring training games

According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Jameson Taillon will take the ball Friday, with Matthew Boyd slated to start the following day. Taillon is set to represent Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, while Boyd will suit up for Team USA, making it a priority for Counsell to get both pitchers on the mound early in camp.

“We’re kind of individualizing that (WBC players) a little bit at the beginning,” Counsell said. “Some guys won’t start for a couple days, because I don’t think they need to. But the WBC guys all definitely have more urgency to getting started.”

That added urgency makes sense given the condensed ramp-up period WBC participants face. Unlike pitchers staying in big-league camp all spring, Taillon and Boyd will soon transition into a more competitive environment. Getting them into game action early allows the Cubs to carefully build their workloads while ensuring they’re properly prepared for meaningful innings on an international stage.

It also reflects Counsell’s broader approach to spring training, balancing team needs with individualized plans. While Cactus League results are secondary, establishing rhythm and routine is not. For Taillon and Boyd, that process starts now, with an eye not only on the Cubs’ season but also on representing their respective countries in the weeks ahead.

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The Chicago Cubs, along with teams across Major League Baseball, are grappling with the unexpected resignation of MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark. Reports indicate his departure stemmed from a mix of issues, including an investigation into alleged financial improprieties and an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was also affiliated with the union.

The timing is particularly striking, coming with less than a year remaining on the current collective bargaining agreement as crucial labor negotiations approach. Here’s a look at how two Cubs players have responded to this sudden and untimely development.

Ian Happ and Jameson Taillon speak on untimely Tony Clark resignation from MLB Players Association

The post 2 Chicago Cubs speak on untimely Tony Clark resignation 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, in a lot of ways, are facing somewhat of a “win now” situation in 2026. Looking up and down the roster, one realizes just how much of the team’s core talent could be leaving after the coming season.

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Literally, half the 26-man roster could be departing Chicago after the 2026 campaign:

Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
Nico Hoerner
Matthew Boyd
Jameson Taillon
Shota Imanaga
Carson Kelly
Colin Rea
Caleb Thielbar
Hoby Milner
Jacon Webb
Hunter Harvey
Tyler Austin

Now, to paint a clearer picture, it should be noted that the Cubs hold club options on Rea and Webb for 2027 and that a mutual option is on the books for Boyd, Kelly, Thielbar, and Harvey (although, seriously, could Boyd be expected to take his one-year $15 million option for 2027 if he has another great season in 2026?).

Still, there’s no arguing that there will be major turnover in 2027 and that big decisions will have to be made, especially regarding the most senior veterans on the above list– Happ, Suzuki, Hoerner, Taillon, and Imanaga.

Will the Cubs opt to extend any of the above? Who will they let drift away into free agency, with everyone knowing full well that, realistically, the team won’t get into a bidding war for any of them once they’re on the open market?

Here’s a look at who the Cubs could likely extend and who will be saying goodbye to Chicago after next year.

Extending Nico Hoerner should be a no-brainer

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Nico Hoerner is the best Cubs second baseman since Ryne Sandberg. Period.

Aside from becoming one of baseball’s most consistent contact hitters over the last few seasons and establishing himself as a two-time Gold Glove winner, he’s also become a valuable team leader with the Cubs. Last season, as the offense slumped en masse, he practically carried the team through the latter part of the season and through the playoffs.

CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa estimates that a Hoerner extension might be had for about $120 million over 6 years. That’s a reasonable price for what the soon-to-be 29-year-old brings to the table, given his ability and his importance to the team. He’s already shown himself willing to sign a contract extension, going for a 3-year, $35 million deal prior to the 2024 season, so he could be open to another offer, with a fair and reasonable raise attached.

The Cubs front office should be tarred and feathered if they don’t try to make this happen.

Ian Happ might “steady” his way into a new deal

Left fielder Ian Happ is not the flashiest of talents or the most obvious of stars, but the Cubs’ decision on extending him may come down to the fact that they don’t want to head into 2027 needing replacements for both corner outfielders. If the choice comes down to extending the steady and consistent 4-time Gold Glove Happ or the more mercurial but higher offensive upside Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs’ preferred option may be Happ.

MLB writer Eric Cross recently pointed out just how steadily capable Happ has been, noting that the switch-hitter is the only major leaguer over the last three years to deliver “30+ Doubles, 20+ Home Runs, 75+ RBI, 85+ Runs Scored, and 80+ Walks.”

In 2024, Happ signed a 3-year, $61 million extension and, at 31 years of age, a similar deal would be reasonable for both parties, although Happ may push for more years.

So long to Chicago, welcome back for one last year?

Regardless of how well he performs in 2026, catcher Carson Kelly might be a necessary keep for 2027 (if he doesn’t choose to take his services elsewhere via his option). With the frequently-injured Miguel Amaya behind him and nobody close to major league-ready in the minors, the Cubs may need to keep Kelly around.

Relievers Rea, Thielbar, Webb, and Harvey could be back if they perform well in 2026, just because dependable bullpen arms are always a valuable commodity.

Boyd, as mentioned earlier, will likely opt to enter free agency and move on from his guaranteed $15 million in search of more money and more years if his 2026 season is anywhere as good as his 2025 run. If he fizzles in 2026, the Cubs may decline their part of the mutual option. Either way, Boyd may be pitching elsewhere in 2027.

Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga, meanwhile, are almost guaranteed goners as their price doesn’t match their expected performance. Given the Cubs’ starting pitching depth, the team could stand to lose both and use that combined $40 million saved to pursue a front-of-rotation replacement.

Suzuki will also likely be gone as he’ll definitely be looking for more than his current $19 million salary and the Cubs may be wary of keeping him onboard for another 5 years at well over $100 million.

So, yes, there will be some big chances coming for 2027. The hope, however, is that at least a couple recognizable names can be brought back.

The post Who the Chicago Cubs might extend and who they definitely will not 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 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.

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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

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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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The Chicago Cubs went out and got their man. Finally. The signing of third baseman Alex Bregman, announced on Saturday night in the heat of a historically awesome Bears-Packers playoff game, was equal parts shocking and tremendously well-received.

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In the Bregman deal, the Cubs signed off on a 5-year, $175 million contract which, in and of itself, is pretty surprising given the team’s recent spending trajectory. Especially surprising was the fact that the Ricketts family ownership agreed on a contract using deferred money, something which they had steadfastly refused to do in the past (including in their failed bid to sign Bregman last offseason).

By all accounts, Chicago was uncharacteristically aggressive in getting the three-time All-Star on board, reportedly swooping in from the back of the “interested” line, behind the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks, to get their man.

Why the Cubs were “all in” on Bregman

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Part of that, of course, is due to the fact that Bregman is a really good, multi-faceted player. An elite contact hitter who averages 28 home runs per 162 games, he matches the career offensive stats of outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker and will fill the lineup hole created by his departure. He’s also a top-notch defender at third, with a Gold Glove award in 2024 to prove it.

However, a big motivating factor in the Cubs going “all in” on Bregman (and bucking standard business operating procedure to do so), may lie in what the team sees in their immediate future.

Chicago is facing an absolute tidal wave of departures after the 2026 season as multiple contracts are set to expire. Barring extensions signed during the season or activated options, here are the players headed toward free agency:

Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
Nico Hoerner
Matthew Boyd
Jameson Taillon
Shota Imanaga
Carson Kelly
Colin Rea
Caleb Thielbar
Hoby Milner
Jacon Webb
Hunter Harvey
Tyler Austin

The mass exodus of talent after 2026

That’s thirteen players– half of their 2026 projected 26-man roster. Any way you look at it, this represents a huge degree of uncertainty as the veteran core of the team may be gone after next season. The loss of Hoerner, Happ, Suzuki, Boyd, and Taillon will hit especially hard as they make up a good part of the team’s heart-and-soul nucleus.

Fears of that kind of loss are probably what compelled the Cubs to get very un-Cubs-like in going after Bregman.

The 10-year MLB veteran is known for his leadership qualities and character, doused in praise by both teammates and coaching during his time with the Houston Astros as well as his one-year 2025 run with the Red Sox. One couldn’t find better cornerstone leadership for a soft rebuild.

The Cubs, realistically, may lose all thirteen of their free agent-bound veterans. Even in a best case scenario, they stand to lose at least ten of the thirteen.

That’s why securing Bregman was approached with such urgency. Nobody in the deep end of this year’s free agent talent pool provides the intangibles that Bregman does.

The impending mass exodus after 2026 is also also likely why the Cubs were okay with spending so freely.

Laying the foundation for a new Cubs team

With the potential departures, about $130 million could also be coming off the books. Signing a proven asset to what amounts to a $30 million-per-season deal (after deferrals) is not so mind-boggling when one looks at the Cubs’ big picture.

After the coming season, the core of the team will skew young– and cheap– with Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, Daniel Palencia, Moises Ballesteros, Miguel Amaya, and possibly top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins earning at or near league minimum. Even veteran holdovers Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and now Edward Cabrera or on relative cheapo deals.

Chicago will have a huge opportunity to reshape their major league roster after next season– and lots of money with which to do it. But they need a sound, steady foundation laid before that.

Alex Bregman stands to be a key part of that foundation. And the Cubs were willing to spend handsomely to make that happen.

The post Chicago Cubs: Why Bregman signing is harbinger of big changes ahead appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs went into the NLDS with only two starting pitchers in manager Craig Counsell’s circle of confidence– Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd (and Boyd started off the series with a rocky performance). Predictably, that lack of pitching dominance and depth helped lead to the team’s exit from the postseason.

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And even though blame could be heaped on Cade Horton’s late season injury and the absence of Justin Steele due to elbow surgery, everyone knows that the Cubs were pulling into the playoffs, all along, at least one big arm short of being true contenders for a championship.

Chicago Cubs focused on pitching?

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The team has reportedly acknowledged that as well, starting the offseason with a dedicated focus on pitching and, supposedly, a desire to acquire a front-of-rotation starter to facilitate a deep playoff run.

Confidence in actions over words is hard to come by, however, when it comes to the frugal and budget-minded Cubs ownership and their front office, led by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, perpetually tasked with finding overachieving assets at a bargain price.

But, for what it’s worth, the buzz about the Cubs spending on pitching this winter has been intense and non-stop. And even after reportedly bowing out of the Dylan Cease hunt when numbers started going too high, insiders are still talking up Chicago’s desire to go after a top starter.

Linked to Ranger Suarez

The name of Ranger Suarez, who is one of many remaining free agent pitching options still on the market, has recently been brought up several times by several different media voices in connection with the Cubs.

With the Philadelphia Phillies last season, the 30-year-old notched a 12-8 record with a 3.20 ERA over 26 starts. Over the course of his 8-year major league career, the left-hander has posted a 3.38 ERA. In his last four seasons as a full-time starting pitcher, Suarez has established himself as one of the top tier starters in the game.

It’s questionable whether he can be called an “ace,” especially with his velocity having dipped in each of the previous three seasons. But the loss of speed has been accompanied by an increased understanding of location and a feel for throwing the right pitches at the right time. The complete package ranks him as, easily, a front-of-rotation starter who may downgrade to a mid or back-of-rotation asset by the end of his career run.

Tori Sheffer of the Phillies blog, That Ball’s Outta Here, has named the Cubs as one of the top landing spots for Suarez.

Per Sheffer:

“Even with Chicago Cubs Japanese southpaw Shota Imanaga surprisingly accepting the club’s qualifying offer, they’re still reportedly looking for pitching. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said that acquiring additional pitching help is a main priority this offseason.

They need another established veteran to throw opposite their ace, righty Justin Steele when he returns. With three of their projected starters already over 34, Suárez would help secure their starting five for the long term, with youngster Cade Horton. Who better to fill the void as a No. 2 than Ranger Danger himself?”

MLB insider Ben Verlander has also issued his prediction of a Cubs-Suarez union.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report went so far as to include Suarez on his projected Cubs start-of-season starting rotation.

Per Reuter:

“With a 52.0 percent career groundball rate, Ranger Suárez looks like the ideal target to pitch in front of a strong defensive infield anchored by Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson up the middle. The Cubs will also get Justin Steele back at some point in 2026, though he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.”

Cubs-Suarez union is actually doable

ESPN is projecting Suarez to get a 4-year, $92 million contract, a price that would put him just a notch below the elite tier free agents like Cease and Framber Valdez. But for the Cubs, who’ve shied away from spending big on pitchers since signing Yu Darvish in 2018, Suarez’s projected price may actually be doable– especially considering that the contracts of Taillon, Boyd, and Imanaga will all be up at the end of the 2026 season.

Seriously, though, what’s not to love about a savvy sinker ball pitcher working in front of, arguably, the league’s best infield defense? The question will be whether the Cubs will be able to outbid several other teams who are similarly hungry for starting pitching and, historically, more willing to spend to get it.

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The Chicago Cubs are definitely okay with Shota Imanaga being back in the starting rotation for 2026. They wouldn’t have extended him the $22 million qualifying offer if they weren’t.

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The problem all along seemed to be investing in a third year when it comes to a 32-year-old whose home run issues started becoming a genuine problem, with 12 home runs given up in his last six regular season starts and two horrendous playoff outings. That’s why they declined their 3-year, $57 million option on the Japanese star. The feeling is that Imanaga is more than capable of turning things around in 2026, but that it would be too much of a gamble to bank on him staying on track for 2027 and 2028 as well.

In turn, Imanaga did his part and turned away his 2-year, $30 million player option. The Cubs then followed up with the qualifying offer, which was a win-win of sorts as they still had a chance of retaining the lefty’s services for one season, but also stood to gain draft pick compensation should he be lost in free agency.

As things would turn out, Imanaga accepted the Cubs’ offer on Tuesday, postponing a free agent run until after next season. He rejoins a starting rotation also featuring Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, and a returning (at some point) Justin Steele, along with backups Javier Assad and Colin Rea.

Hello again, Shota Imanaga; Goodbye free agent studs?

More News: Chicago Cubs urged to reconsider possible interest in Dylan Cease

The big question for fans, though, is whether Imanaga’s return will impact the Cubs’ publicly declared pursuit of pitching this winter.

According to a payroll projection from FanGraphs, the Cubs’ payroll now sits at just over $191 million after counting in Imanaga return (also counting arbitration-related salary increases). That places the team about $53 million under the first luxury tax threshold of $244 million.

Assuming the Cubs will want a buffer for in-season acquisitions, a safe assumption would be that the team will have about $35-40 million to play with this offseason– if Cubs ownership allows the front offices to spend up to the threshold.

Would it also be a safe assumption that this might take the Cubs out of the running for a high-end free agent starting pitcher?

Money, money, money

ESPN is projecting top-of-the-mark free agents Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez to pull in multi-year contracts making $29 million and $28 million, respectively. If those projections prove to be accurate, that would leave the Cubs with just about $11-$12 million with which to rebuild their bullpen and acquire at least two reliable bench assets. This also means, by the way, that Kyle Tucker is a goner– if this hasn’t been made obvious already.

It most definitely doesn’t seem in character for the Cubs to overshoot budget markers, even though they could justify it this offseason with so many contracts potentially going off the books at the end of 2026 (Imanaga, Boyd, Taillon, Rea, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly).

Chicago Cubs, once again bargain hunters?

So, this means Chicago will, again, most likely do their free agent shopping in the bargain bin. Using the justification that they will have five strong starting pitchers and two capable backups, they will likely aim low when it comes to starters, maybe opting for reclamation projects on a one-year deal.
Their bullpen approach will be similar, as they search for under-the-radar assets at a bargain price.

The biggest chance at adding an impact arm will be via trade, as the Cubs are rumored to be interested in the Marlins’ Edward Cabrera and loosely tied to pitchers such as the Twins’ Joe Ryan and the Royals’ Kris Bubic. Cabrera would be especially appealing to Chicago as he’s under contract through 2028, making club-friendly money.

Barring a big trade, though, this winter may turn out to be a dud of an offseason as ownership braces itself for a bad blood labor dispute in 2027 and a likely lockout.

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The Chicago Cubs, per very early reports, are targeting front-of-rotation pitching this offseason. Specifically, they have their eyes on the San Diego Padres’ hard-throwing right-hander Dylan Cease, according to various media reports.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Will Japan loom large in Cubs’ 2026 plans?

Cease, who turns 30 on December 28, will officially become a free agent shortly after the World Series and is expected to move on from the Padres in search of greener pastures and a more lucrative contract.

The question is whether the Cubs would be that team to provide the payday he’s expected to command (estimated at $158 million over six years by Spotrac), especially with plenty of other teams also looking to add a high-end starter heading into 2026.

Chicago Cubs have legit interest in Dylan Cease

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MLB insider Bruce Levin feels that, at the very least, the Cubs are in the running and considered a top contender for the services of their former top prospect, who they traded to the White Sox back in 2017.

“According to MLB insiders I know, people in the know in other organizations, they feel the Cubs will be there among the top suitors (for Dylan Cease),” Levine said during an interview with 670 the Score. “I would say it’s highly likely – like for sure – that he’s going to be looked at by the Cubs and be continued to be pursued.”

On the surface, this reported interest in Cease flies in the face of what would normally be expected of Cubs ownership and the front office. Chicago has shied away from big-ticket free agent starting pitching since signing Yu Darvish to a multi-year contract in 2018.

The Cubs’ current rotation seems already set from one to five, with Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and a returning Justin Steele. Colin Rea and Javier Assad will also be around as backup.

But, realistically, there’s a great deal of uncertainty when it comes their starting five.

Starting pitching concerns

The Cubs still have to decide whether to pick up their option on Imanaga, who faded considerably as last season progressed and collapsed completely in the postseason. Boyd had a remarkable bounce back season after a long stretch of injury, but he also began to fade late in the season. There’s considerable concern that he’ll experience some degree of regression this coming season. Horton was a surprise breakthrough asset and, arguably, the best pitcher in all of baseball through the second half of 2025. However, the rookie has a history of injury and missed the final days of the regular season, along with the entire postseason, due to another physical setback. And when it comes to Steele, there’s no guarantee when, exactly, he’ll come back from his elbow surgery and whether he’ll be as dependable as he’s been in previous years.

Chicago also needs to take into consideration that Taillon and Boyd will become free agents at the end of the 2026 season, along with Rea.

So, it does make sense for the team to lock in an elite-tier starting pitcher who will be a guaranteed presence for this coming season and beyond.

But will Cease be that guy?

Bringing Cease aboard?

That depends on a lot of things. Money will be an issue, even though Chicago is in a good position to be buyers this offseason. But a power-throwing righty would sure look good sandwiched between softer-throwing, more nuanced pitchers like Boyd and Imanaga. It would also be nice to carry an elite arm into postseason play when/if the Cubs make the playoffs again.

Cease is due for a better season this year after posting a 4.55 ERA in 2025. His velocity hasn’t dipped and his stuff remains solid. He also has the odd quirk of delivering better results in even-numbered years, which shouldn’t mean much of anything to the analytics-driven Cubs, anyway (Cease posted an average ERA of 4.53 ERA in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 while notching an average ERA of 3.00 in 2020, 2022, and 2024).

But, most of all, adding Cease would mean adding another top arm to the front of the Cubs rotation. And, as we’ve all learned, a playoff-serious team can never have too much pitching.

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The Chicago Cubs have a pitching problem– and it’s a pretty considerable one.

More News: Chicago Cubs president non-committal on 2026 budget-related issues

Looking back at the end of their 2025 playoff run, it was almost a face-saving thing that they got eliminated in Game Five of the NLDS by the Milwaukee Brewers. There would’ve been a blood bath in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers if the Cubs’ pitching staff, such as it was at the end of the divisional series, had rolled up against Ohtani and company.

By the end of the five-game series against the Brewers, the Cubs had decided to shy away from using starter Shota Imanaga and were down to a two-man rotation of Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd (who, himself, was one start removed from a terrible postseason outing).

Chicago Cubs pitching limped to the 2025 finish line

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They could’ve used Colin Rea as a rotation piece and probably would’ve given Imanaga another start, just out of necessity. There were also rumblings over rookie phenom Cade Horton coming back from a fractured rib for the NLCS, but that had to be considered the longest of long shots.

There were some issues in the bullpen, also, as high-leverage guy Daniel Palencia had looked relatively pedestrian while Andrew Kittredge and Michael Soroka got touched up a bit.

So, yeah, things would’ve gotten pretty ugly as the Cubs’ pitching came limping into the NLCS.

However, as much as fans would like to think otherwise, it’s not likely that the Cubs are going to do a whole lot this offseason to make themselves significantly deeper and better in the pitching department.

Don’t expect an ace free agent acquisition

First, remove the notion that Chicago is digging deep into their pockets to pull a stud starting pitcher from the top of the free agency pool. The Cubs aren’t spending monster money on Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, or even Zac Gallen. There’s also little possibility of a monster trade to bring someone like Sandy Alcantara aboard.

Most likely, ownership and the front office will count on a returning Justin Steele (who could be back from his elbow surgery by opening day or late-spring) as their top 2026 starting rotation addition and the picking up of Imanaga’s option as their top financial maneuver. In doing so, they’ll also be crossing their fingers that Boyd doesn’t regress, that Horton stays healthy and dominant, and that Imanaga finds his form again.

The conservative-minded Cubs will be content with a front five of Steele, Boyd, Imanaga, Horton, and Taillon with Colin Rea, Ben Brown, and Javier Assad as the fall-backs. On the surface, that IS a pretty solid rotation, but there’s also a lot of history of injury and inconsistency in that group as well.

Bullpen business as usual

In the bullpen, there will be massive turnover as five of the eight relievers on the NLDS roster are eligible for free agency and one (Kittredge) has a big $9 million team option over his head. Given the team’s history on such matters, it appears unlikely that bullpen standouts Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar will be brought back on a significantly beefed-up contract.

This means that the Cubs could very well see Palencia and Brown as the only holdover bullpen pieces from the end of 2025. The team will count greatly on the healthy return of Eli Morgan and the rebound of guys like Porter Hodge and Jordan Wicks. They’ll also look to once again piece together a solid bullpen with reclamation projects and strategic bargain bin one-year free agent pickups.

There could be a plethora of late-inning, closer-capable arms available this offseason— like Edwin Diaz, Robert Suarez, Ryan Helsley, Devin Williams, and Kyle Finnegan– but the Cubs will likely once again err on the side of frugality and roll the dice on Palencia, hoping that he doesn’t experience significant regression from his first year as a closer at the major league level.

If there are any deals or free agent pickups this offseason, expect them to be relatively minor. Barring unexpected injury, they’ll be fine with their starting rotation and insistent on their ability to build a competent bullpen on the cheap.

Unfortunately, this mindset could see the Cubs suffering through the same kind of postseason dilemmas they saw this season.

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The Chicago Cubs, after dropping the first two games of the best-of-five NLDS, will be playing with their backs against the proverbial wall for the rest of the way against the division rival Milwaukee Brewers. They will take the field at Wrigley on Thursday night facing the same do-or-die scenario they overcame in Wednesday’s 4-3 victory.

The team just announced that Matthew Boyd will be starting the crucial encounter, matched against Brewers ace Freddy Peralta.

Although there was some discussion and debate regarding the starting pitcher for Game Four, Boyd was really the only choice to make. Given the limited starting pitching options available to the team on Thursday, it was either going to be Boyd or a bullpen game that would further tax a significantly taxed relief corps.

Matthew Boyd was the only Game Four option

Despite the realities of the situation, many will rightfully wince at the idea of hinging the entire season on a Matthew Boyd who, on just three days’ rest, looked absolutely flat in a Game One drubbing on Saturday. In that high-stakes outing, he got the hook with just two outs in the first inning after giving up 6 runs on 4 hits and a walk.

But, again, what else can the Cubs do? The “only Boyd” Game Four option reflects the misfortune of injury (Cade Horton, Justin Steele) and the inability/unwillingness of the Cubs front office to acquire another high-end starter over the course of the season.

And now we’re here.

Chicago Cubs have some reason for optimism

Boyd has been an outstanding addition to the Cubs rotation, ending the regular season with a 14-8 record and a 3.21 ERA in 179.2 innings. Late season struggles and his disastrous last postseason start suggest, though, that the previously injury-plagued lefty’s endurance has reached its limit in his first season of full activity since 2019.

The 34-year-old, however, is looking to prove that he still has enough in the tank to get the team another “W.”

“I know what I’m going to do when the ball is in my hand,” Boyd said on Wednesday night, before officially getting the nod for Thursday’s game. “And when that time comes tomorrow, I’ll be ready. I know what I’m going to do. I’m going to go compete and leave it all out there on the field.

“It takes all of us to go where we want to go. I’ll do my role. When that time comes, I’ll be ready to do exactly what I know I can do.”

Boyd’s 2025 excellence at home offers some reason for optimism, even as his overall year record against the Brewers suggests otherwise. At Wrigley Field this season, he is 12-1 with a 2.51 ERA. In Game One of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres in Chicago, he pitched 4.1 solid innings, allowing only one earned run.

Boyd wants another crack at the Brewers

The veteran says that he had been itching to get another crack at the Brewers ever since Saturday’s poor outing.

“About five minutes after you come out of that outing,” Boyd said, referring to how long it took for him to want the ball again. “You take what you can do better, and then you go out and prepare for the next one.”

Boyd’s teammates are also eager for him to get his shot at redemption.

“After he had that Game 1 outing,” Jameson Taillon, the Cubs’ Game 3 starter, told media, “I was thinking to myself, ‘If we could find a way to get him the ball again…’ He’s too smart. He’s too disciplined and motivated and sharp to not find a way to have success and go out there and have a big game.”

People will know soon enough whether Boyd is able to keep the Cubs’ hopes alive or if the 2025 wild ride ends tonight.

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The Chicago Cubs’ season may be over on Wednesday afternoon. The North Siders are down 0-2 in the best-of-five NLDS against the division rival Milwaukee Brewers and will be taking the field at Wrigley facing the harsh reality that their season is over if they can’t come up with a win.

Judging by how the first two games played out, the Cubs have an uphill battle ahead of them.

In games one and two of the series, the Brewers out-played, out-fought, and out-executed Chicago in just about every area. At times, the Cubs simply looked overmatched.

A rebound in this series will not only buck historical precedence (only 10 teams have come back from a 0-2 deficit to win a 5-game Division Series in 90 series since the revised playoff format in 1995), but also fly in the face of what everyone has seen of both teams so far this postseason.

Chicago Cubs establishing the right mindset

But the game will go ahead and the Cubs need to find the motivation and the strategy to stay alive.

“Part of being great at this is responding to the bad stuff and running towards it, man,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said during Tuesday’s team workout at Wrigley Field. “That’s part of this. And you can’t be afraid of it. You got to look forward to it.

“It happens sometimes. We put ourselves in a hole this series, no question about it. We get to decide how the story ends.”

Taillon takes the mound

Jameson Taillon will be taking the mound for this crucial game and will be looking to turn in the same kind of masterful performance he delivered last Thursday when the Cubs were also facing elimination in Game Three of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. In that do-or-die outing, the veteran right-hander delivered 4 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

Taillon understands the importance of this game, but is assuming the ‘let’s take this game-by-game’ mental approach of Counsell and the team as a whole.

“Games 1 and 2 didn’t go the way we wanted,” Taillon told media on Tuesday. “That being said, all we can focus on is tomorrow. If we want to make a run at this thing and try to come back, we have to win tomorrow. You can’t look too far ahead…It starts tomorrow and obviously being a starting pitcher, hopefully I can do my job and set the tone. And see where that can take us.”

Taillon is 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA in a season affected by two separate stints on the IL, although he’s been brilliant since his September return to the roster. Against the Brewers this season, he’s notched a 4.50 ERA in three starts, with two excellent performances and one disastrous outing.

The Brewers’ Game Three starter, Quinn Priester, meanwhile, has a 6.28 ERA in three starts versus the Cubs, also boasting two excellent starts against one terrible showing.

Taillon’s challenge will be one of several in Wednesday’s game as the team also looks to re-energize a stagnant offense and stave off general frustrations.

Counsell counts on Wrigley Field energy

Counsell is hoping that the raucous Wrigley atmosphere, bolstered by the emotion of rabid Cubs fans, will provide the right jolt.

“Wrigley is a special place,” Counsell said. “Your moments here are remembered, and that’s the biggest thing. What I’ve learned is that this place — when you think it can’t provide more, it provides more.

“I think it did it for us last week…But I think it’s just the place. The place has a wonderful way of doing it.”

If Chicago does manage to win on Wednesday, the uphill battle of staying afloat will continue on Thursday as they face a huge issue regarding the game’s starter. A taxed and flat Matthew Boyd, who was battered in Saturday’s series opener and pulled after just two-thirds of an inning, will be the only option.

But that’s a worry for another day. For the Cubs, right now, there’s only today.

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The Chicago Cubs have passed their first postseason hurdle, getting by the San Diego Padres in the best-of-three Wild Card series to make their way to the Milwaukee Brewers in the next round.

In the series-clinching 3-1 win, the Cubs also showed why they can be a special team.

Sure, they have some bona fide stars and superstars-in-the-making on the roster who can do some spectacular headline-grabbing things. But what really makes this 2025 squad special is their cohesion as a fully functioning team. They play like a unit and don’t exhibit any ego posturing, with each member happy to admit that when/if they falter, someone else can step up and bail them out.

The quiet Cubs confidence is most definitely on full display when it comes to defense.

Chicago Cubs defense set the tone

The mindset involved in quality glove work is the same needed for team cohesion– be aggressive, be mindful of team needs, and work in service to the team as a whole. You don’t see that aspect of the game reflected in the box score, but teams that have it tend to be winners.

On Thursday, shortstop Dansby Swanson exemplified the importance of a strong defense.

“I don’t think they give an MVP for this round, [but] I’d give it to Swanson,” Padres manager Mike Shildt told media after the game. “Dansby played his tail off and almost single-handedly beat us with his glove. We talk in the modern game about pitching and we talk about the offense…and all the things that are appropriate to talk about in our game, but the one thing we don’t talk about as much anymore is your defense…We play great defense, but Dansby Swanson absolutely beat us with his glove this series.”

Swanson may have gone 0-for-3 with the bat, but his work at shortstop helped establish the fact that this Cubs team was focused on winning and would absolutely not be ceding any ground.

Dansby Swanson and the give-no-ground mindset

The Cubs, as a whole, gave off that winning, give-no-ground vibe in the series-deciding game. Whether hitting or not, the defense was beyond rock solid and pushing right past spectacular. Defensive wiz Pete Crow-Armstrong, second baseman Nico Hoerner, first baseman Michael Busch, and others produced highlight-reel glove moments.

“Our defense up the middle, Carson behind the plate, those guys want the plays,” said starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, whose stellar four-inning outing was also recognized by coaches and teammates as a tone-setter. “They want to make the plays. They want the ball. That’s what makes great defenders.”

For Swanson, his kind of ball is just common sense.

“When you can limit their chances because you catch the ball, it makes a difference,” Swanson told reporters, “and I think that that was on display the last three days.”

Built like this…

On a team with as many as eight Gold Glove-caliber defenders taking the field on any given day, the Cubs exemplify this very basic but effective philosophy. They were assembled with this dynamic in mind.

“It’s kind of been a staple of our group all year,” Swanson added. “We have so many talented defenders and guys that can prevent runs being scored. We talk about it all the time. Winning baseball is a race to 27 outs. The quicker you can get there, obviously, the more games that you’re going to win.”

Now, however, things will get harder and harder as postseason rivals share the Cubs’ commitment to defense and all the little things a team needs to win over the long haul. Some big, loud headline-grabbing explosions will be needed.

In the meantime, there’s nothing but good feelings before the hard work renews on Saturday against the Brewers.

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It all comes down to Thursday for the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.

After the Cubs won Tuesday’s opener in the NL Wild Card series, the Padres answered right back with a big win on Wednesday as the bats went cold for Chicago. The Chicago Cubs couldn’t manage a run, getting just one hit total against Dylan Cease and the Padres’ bullpen. And a Manny Machado two-run home run sealed the 3-0 win for San Diego.

Now, the teams will push all of their chips into the center of the table for Thursday’s do-or-die Game 3.

Chicago Cubs turn to Jameson Taillon

Following Wednesday’s loss, manager Craig Counsell revealed that the Cubs would be turning to veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon for the start. Taillon will oppose former Cubs pitcher, Yu Darvish, in the critical game at Wrigley Field.

With Chicago opting to go with a opener and then Shota Imanaga after one inning, it left Taillon to go in Game 3 on normal rest.

Collin Rea was also considered going into Wednesday’s game but the Cubs used him in relief. That burned any chance he would have to be the starter in Game 3 and the Cubs can now use him in relief if needed again.

The Cubs will start Jameson Taillon in Game 3. The Padres will counter with former Cub Yu Darvish.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 1, 2025

For Taillon, he’s coming off a win in his last start, beating the Cardinals over the weekend in the final series of the year. In that game, he gave up three hits and two walks over six innings. The 33-year-old finished the season with a 3.68 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 129.2 frames in the regular season.

He faced the Padres earlier this season, allowing two earned runs in 5.1 innings in a 10-4 loss.

The veteran spoke after the 3-0 loss on Wednesday and is ready for the moment.

“You do a lot of work throughout the years and throughout the season to be ready for big moments,” Taillon said via the Chicago Sun-Times. “And I’m looking forward to it.”

“Every start has its own life,” Taillon said. “They don’t care how I’ve been feeling, I have to go out there and execute pitches. But that being said, you obviously want to go in with some momentum and some confidence. So, I feel good about where I’m at, I feel good about the work we’ve done between starts, and I’ll be ready to go.”

The Chicago Cubs are going to have to hit better on Thursday as well. They had just the four hits in Wednesday’s loss and watched as the Padres’ pitching staff led by Cease and Mason Miller dominated them.

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The Chicago Cubs looked like the worst version of themselves on Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, just 24 hours after looking really solid.

With their 3-0 loss to the San Diego Padres, the best-of-three Wild Card Series now stands at an even 1-1 with Thursday’s game left to determine whether 2025 was an excellent year or a whole lot of false hope ending with an anticlimactic fizzle.

The Cubs just never got off the ground on Wednesday. Their offense was stymied by starter Dylan Cease and fully nullified by relievers Adrian Morejon, Mason Miller, and Robert Suarez. And while their pitching was mostly solid, it also faltered at key times in a game where there was zero margin for error.

Craig Counsell on the hot seat

For all the accolades that Cubs manager Craig Counsell rightfully received for his handling of the pitching staff on Tuesday, there will be just as many criticisms lobbed his way for his decisions in Wednesday’s game.

Right off the bat, Counsell’s decision to start righty reliever Andrew Kittredge backfired when the veteran gave up back-to-back singles to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez to start the game, something which would result in the Padres getting the only run they needed to win.

Shota Imanaga, who took the mound in the second inning, pitched two solid innings and a somewhat shaky third, before the wheels fell off the cart a bit in the fifth inning, something which is being at least partially blamed on Counsell.

With one out in the fifth, Imanaga walked Tatis, who mas moved over to second by Arraez on a sacrifice bunt. With an open base at first and righty Michael Soroka warmed up in the bullpen, Counsell faced the decision of either walking the right-handed Manny Machado to face the left-handed Jackson Merrill or pulling the southpaw Imanaga in favor of a righty vs. righty Soroka-Machado matchup.

Counsell did neither and the end result was Machado smacking Imanaga’s first pitch into the left field bleachers to put the Padres up 3-0.

Facing fierce criticism

The Counsell non-decision generated an instant wave of criticism among fans and media.

“I cannot believe they let Shota Imanaga face Manny Machado with first base open. But they did,” tweeted Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell. “And Machado made the Cubs pay on Imanaga’s first pitch. It’s a two-run homer, and the Padres lead 3-0.”

“Still don’t get it,” Cassavell continued. “Like, the whole point of using an opener in the first place was basically to avoid Machado-Imanaga, right? Welp, them’s the breaks, and the Padres sure capitalized.”

The Chicago Cubs had one of those days

The only real positive to be found after Wednesday’s game was that Mason Miller, who has looked absolutely dominant in the first two games of the series and set a postseason velocity record with his 104.5 mph strikeout pitch to Carson Kelly, will probably not see action for a third straight game.

And that is really scraping the bottom of the barrel in looking for any sort of silver lining in this game two dark cloud. It was just one of those days.

After the game, the Cubs announced that veteran Jameson Taillon would get the start on Thursday, which really wasn’t much of surprise. In his final six starts of the season, after coming back from his second stint on the IL, Taillon registered a 1.59 ERA and looked at his absolute very best.

He’ll need that positive mojo heading into this all-important must-win game three.

On Thursday, the bats need to return and every pitcher must be ready to dive in and contribute or the season is over.

The post Chicago Cubs: Counsell takes heat after feeble Wild Card Game Two loss, makes plans for Game Three appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs finally clinched home field advantage for the upcoming three-game Wild Card Series on Saturday with a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

It wasn’t the divisional title they would’ve liked earlier on in the season, but all things considered, it was the best case scenario for what they could reasonably hope for right now.

But the celebrations after Saturday’s win were nowhere near as joyous as those on September 17, when they clinched a guaranteed playoff berth. Part of the reason for that was the simple fact that there will be a quick turnaround to Tuesday’s Wild Card Series opener against the San Diego Padres. The other reason may be related to the horrible news they got earlier in the day.

Before the game, the team announced that pitcher Cade Horton had been placed on the 15-day IL with a right rib fracture.

A good news/bad news day for the Chicago Cubs

The 24-year-old, who had become the Cubs’ most effective starting pitcher over the last half of the season, was pulled from his last start on Tuesday after just three innings and 29 pitches due to back stiffness. At the time, the quick exit was talked up as a purely cautionary measure and that the Rookie of the Year candidate would be “a go” to pitch in the Wild Card series, according to Cubs manager Craig Counsell.

Counsell would reveal on Saturday, however, that the Cubs knew of the rib fracture and had wanted to see if Horton could pitch through the injury, as the young star had hoped to do.

By late Saturday morning, though, it became apparent that the righty could not pitch through the pain and discomfort. So, the call was made to put him on the IL, retroactive to Thursday.

Cade Horton goes on the IL after all

“It’s a blow. There’s no question about it,” Counsell told media after the Cubs’ win over the Cardinals. “Losing players to injury at this time of year — it’s not fun. Everybody knows that. And it hurts.”

“It means that other guys are going to get an opportunity,” Counsell continued. “To have a chance to impact the game, have success and control what happens.”

The impact of losing Horton, who had notched an 8-1 record with a 1.03 ERA since the All-Star break, will be felt. Technically, he’ll be eligible to return on October 10, a day before game 5 of The NL Division Series, if necessary. Realistically, though, a return this year is highly doubtful.

In Horton’s place

In his place, the Cubs will have to go with Jameson Taillon or Colin Rea in Horton’s place, alongside lefties Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. The veterans Taillon and Rea have been outstanding in recent performances, with Taillon notching a 1.59 ERA in 5 starts since a return from the IL while Rea has posted a 2.63 ERA in his five September starts. Taillon got the win on Saturday, moved up a day on the pitching schedule, to accommodate a possible start in game two or three of the Wild Card Series.

On the bright side, the Cubs HAVE looked spectacular these last couple games, very similar to the powerhouse offensive days of earlier on the season. And, of course, at least the team is in the playoffs.

But that’s, apparently, where the good news may end. The anticipated struggle to achieve an extended postseason run just got infinitely more difficult with the loss of Cade Horton.

The post Chicago Cubs clinch and lose ace in sweet and sour day appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have clinched their first playoff berth since the abbreviated 2020 season. They’re also close to clinching top Wild Card seed status, which will grant them home field advantage throughout the three-game Wild Card series.

Now, with just a handful of games left in the regular season, the attention has to shift to fielding the best possible team in the postseason.

There are concerns, though.

Right fielder Kyle Tucker’s lingering calf injury is a very big deal and puts into question the strength of the Cubs’ outfield. Similarly, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s extended slump brings another huge question mark to the postseason.

There are a few other concerns, too. Like, for instance, the playoff viability of the bullpen and the overall strength of the bench.

The Chicago Cubs’ playoff starting rotation

The starting pitching, meanwhile, has its own questions marks, with the order of the three-man Wild Card rotation being the biggest topic for debate right now.

Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Shota Imanaga seem to be the designated front three for the series (although Jameson Taillon and Colin Rea are making strong cases for themselves with recent performances).

A few weeks ago, Boyd as the no. 1 would’ve been a foregone conclusion. That’s definitely not the case anymore as he’s struggled of late, posting a 5.34 ERA over his last 10 starts. Even Imanaga has faltered a bit lately, delivering a 4.76 ERA in his last 3 starts.

That leaves the Rookie of the Year-favorite Horton as the statistically best option for game one of the Wild Card series, although conventional baseball wisdom might steer one away from using a 24-year-old rookie in such a high-pressure postseason game.

Cade Horton favored for game one?

However, judging by the announced probable Cubs starters over the weekend and the overall layout of the likely pitching schedule, manager Craig Counsell may actually be leaning towards Horton for the big playoff assignment.

This Friday, Shota Imanaga is scheduled to start. On Saturday and Sunday, Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon, respectively, will get the starts.

That will leave Horton to likely take the mound on Tuesday against the Mets in Wrigley Field for the next-to-last series of the regular season. That will also give him a full week to rest before game one of the Wild Card series.

Boyd and Imanaga will also likely have one more start apiece over the final week of the season, but they will be afforded less rest time leading into the postseason than Horton.

At this point, though, the playoff rotation order is pure conjecture, maybe even to Counsell, himself.

No seniority, no favoritism

“We’re at a point where we’ve created a game plan to be able to be flexible,” Counsell told media before Thursday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Counsell also doesn’t seem at all concerned over seniority or player pride when it comes to staffing a postseason run.

“Look, I think when you get to the playoffs, when you get to this time of year, guys understand,” Counsell said. “And you work really hard to get to these spots, and the game changes. Not tonight, necessarily. But when you get to October, the game changes.

“And the game changes, because [in Game 1 of a Wild Card Series], we’re two games from elimination. It changes your decisions. It just does.”

Time will tell who takes the mound first in which game. One thing is for certain, though, everyone will have a short leash.

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The Chicago Cubs have an elite-level asset in Cade Horton and the young pitcher has not only worked his way to betting-favorite status in the Rookie of the Year race, but is also busting out historical feats along the way.

Over his last 11 starts, the 24-year-old is 8-1, with just 6 earned runs allowed– an achievement that has him rubbing elbows with the elite in MLB history.

Per OptaSTATS:

“In the modern era, the only other MLB pitcher to have 8+ wins & 6 or fewer runs allowed over an 11-start span in a single season was Bob Gibson [of the St. Louis Cardinals] in 1968.”

Rookie of the Year?

When it comes to Rookie of the Year honors, he appears to be leading the pack this year, ahead of Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin and putting up the kind of numbers that would affirm his favorite status.

Back in 2014, for example, Jacob deGrom had a 9-6 record in 22 games with a 2.69 ERA and took the award with 95% of the vote.

Overall this season, Horton is 11-4 in 22 games so far with a 2.66 ERA. Since the All-Star break, though, he’s been insanely good, logging a 0.93 ERA.

“Look, Cade, he deserves that recognition,” manager Craig Counsell recently told MLB.com. “And he absolutely should be in that conversation. And he’s absolutely deserving. That’s what he’s earned. And there’s no question about it — he’s earned it.”

Steadying the Chicago Cubs’ ship

ROY or not, his second-half success story, in many ways, has helped steady a Cubs team that had been brimming with inconsistencies and uncertainties leading into the final half of the season.

Chicago has now clinched a playoff berth for the first time since the abbreviated 2020 season and they seem to be on their way to taking the top seed among Wild Card teams. But this team easily could’ve folded early on after some legit bad luck.

Things actually looked quite bleak very early in the 2025 campaign. Ace starter Justin Steele went down for the season with an elbow injury after just his fourth start of the year and, just about a month later, co-ace Shota Imanaga was forced on to the IL with a hamstring injury. Starter Javier Assad had also been injured in spring training and didn’t seem anywhere close to a return.

Ironically enough, however, the Imanaga injury would end up opening the door for what has been a saving grace for the team in general and for the starting rotation, specifically.

The story so far

Horton came to the big leagues sporting the tag of a top prospect rushed along by necessity. There were caveats everywhere about the Cubs’ 2022 no. 1 draft pick, who had missed most of 2024 in Iowa due to injury. The belief was that he was still a work in progress and that 2025 may eventually see him return to Triple-A for further seasoning before a serious run at major league success next year.

At the All-Star break, the caveats seemed to on the money.

While Horton had shown himself to have mound maturity beyond his years and high-end stuff, there were still some inexperience-related inconsistencies. At the All-Star break, he was 3-3 with a 4.45 ERA in 11 games.

Things have certainly changed since then. Although the Cubs have been careful to take care of his young arm by watching his pitch count, Horton has become the team’s key starting rotation piece as Matthew Boyd runs through a series of subpar outings and Jameson Taillon looks to put his two IL stints behind him.

As the playoffs approach, the rookie will be asked to take on an even greater role of importance as one of the featured starters in the upcoming three-game Wild Card series.

Characteristically, Horton wants all the smoke.

“I love pitching in high-stakes moments,” Horton recently told MLB. “I feel like it’s something I’ve loved my whole career. It’s a lot of fun to go out there and compete when you’re in the thick of it.”

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The Chicago Cubs are, at this late stage of the season, being given a 100% likelihood of making the playoffs. They are also 3.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres when it comes to taking the Wild Card top seed, which would give them home field advantage through the three-game Wild Card series.

That doesn’t mean, however, that the front office isn’t eyeing next season and beyond.

Given the quality of this Cubs team and the holes that it needs to address, free agency will loom large in their future.

Free agency looms large in Chicago Cubs’ future

On the minus side, it’s looking more and more likely that four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker might be a one season-and-done asset after coming from the Houston Astros in a 3-for-1 trade this past offseason. With heavy-spending teams such as the Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox, among others, possibly in on the bidding, it seems that the frugal Cubs ownership may be outbid for the right fielder’s services.

On the plus side, though, there’s an opportunity for the under-budget Cubs to add some truly impactful free agent assets for the 2026 campaign.

Jackson Roberts of SI.com recently wrote a piece spotlighting the top 2026 free agents and where he believes they may be headed. He tied two quality starters to the Cubs (while also predicting that Tucker will sign with the Dodgers).

Two pitchers tied to the Cubs

The first name Roberts mentioned is former Cubs prospect and current San Diego Padre Dylan Cease.

Per Roberts:

“Don’t sleep on Cease’s potential to shift the power dynamics of the league next season. He may not have an impressive ERA this season (4.59 after Saturday’s start), but he’s the only pitcher in all of baseball to tally at least 200 strikeouts in each of the last five seasons.

It doesn’t seem likely that the Padres’ financial situation will allow them to retain the 29-year-old righty, but there’s a National League rival with money to spend who could really use a right-handed starter.”

Cease was curiously dangled over the trade market near this year’s trade deadline, but the trigger on a deal was never pulled. The 7-year veteran was also rumored to be on the trade market in the offseason.

Cease, who has a 3.88 ERA in 7 big league season, has spent a career going up and down when it comes to performance, alternating from elite-level to mid-tier performance in alternating years. This season has been one of the mid-tier years.

Also mentioned in connection with the Cubs was Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers, who has a $20 million player option for the coming season and a 3.80 ERA over 9 seasons to certify his worth. The thought is that the 29-year-old may opt out of his contract and test the free agent market in search of a multi-year contract.

If he does that, Roberts feels that the Cubs could swoop in to sign him up:

“Flaherty hasn’t had his best season, posting a 4.69 ERA through 29 starts. The strikeouts are still there, though, and with only $20 million on the table if he accepts his player option, it feels more likely that he’ll bank on the market valuing him enough to squeeze out a multi-year deal.”

Logical or not?

The two right-handers, Cease and Flaherty, would be welcomed assets to any team, really.

The question with the Cubs is whether they’ll spend the money and commit to the contract years when they currently have Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad on staff as starters, with Justin Steele coming back from elbow surgery at some point next season.

On the other hand, though, Boyd, Taillon, and Rea are due to be free agents after the 2026 season and there’s no guarantee on Steele being the same after his injury. Adding at least one more quality starter to the rotation wouldn’t be unwise.

For now, 2026 is speculation as this 2025 team attempts to make a deep playoff run.

The post Chicago Cubs linked to two high-end free agent starting pitchers by analyst appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs pulled off a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at Wrigley Field to take the three-game series before a road trip that starts Monday. Second baseman Nico Hoerner was a big reason the team walked away with the “W.”

That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise if you’ve been following the team closely, especially in this latter half of the season. Since the All-Star break, the 28-year-old has hit .328 with an OPS of .822. In his last 18 games, he’s been on a fierce tear, batting .366 with 10 RBIs and 12 extra base hits. With runners in scoring position, he’s registered an NL-leading 50 hits while logging a .362 batting average.

From trade bait to MVP

Not bad at all for a player widely rumored to be on the trading black this past offseason and one who many viewed as a dispensable part of this Cubs team.

During this latest stretch, it seems as though a good part of Cubs offense has somehow involved Hoerner.

On Sunday, his presence was felt once again as he went 2-for-4, while driving in 3 of the Cubs’ 4 runs. His seventh-inning double, which drove in Willi Castro and Matt Shaw to put Chicago on top, was the key moment in the game.

“Big moment,” Hoerner told reporters after the game. “Flip a game the other direction. Definitely one of the bigger swings of the year for me personally. Felt like it was a moment to seize. Win the final game of a series and happy flight, all that good stuff. It matters.

“This group has done a lot throughout the year to put us in a strong place. And I think, regardless of standings, finishing with positive energy and excitement and doing that at home is a big deal.”

With Sunday’s showing, Hoerner passed team leader in WAR Pete Crow-Armstrong (6.0 to 5.8), He also upped his batting average on the year to .299, inching up on NL batting leader Trea Turner’s .305.

Nico Hoerner has been really, really good

“I don’t know what he’s hitting this month, but it’s felt like a lot,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told media on Sunday. “There’s a lot of base hits in there. He had two big hits today. Drove in three of the runs today. And just a big swing. A big swing when we needed one.”

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com has crunched the numbers on Hoerner’s excellence and consistency this season:

“That has been a theme for Hoerner, who has a slash line of .362/.418/.457 in 158 plate appearances this season with runners in scoring position. His elite contact rate (89.9% overall and 96.8% on pitches in the zone) and peskiness at the plate play into his success in those moments. (Hoerner’s 14.0 plate appearances per strikeout rank second to Luis Arraez in the Majors.).”

The Chicago Cubs’ unsung hero

All in all, on a team plagued with offensive inconsistency and stalled by hitters languishing through extended slumps, the young veteran has been his usual reliable self while showcasing some real team leadership chops. Eligible for free agency at the end of next season, there’s now some buzz about the Cubs possibly extending him right now rather than risk losing him.

“He makes so much contact, he’s such a good base runner, he’s so good at second,” Pitcher Jameson Taillon said back in June.

“He’s a really smart baseball player. He understands how guys are going to attack him. He understands if (a pitcher) needs a swing-and-miss, where they may go against him and where he should look. He’s got a really good understanding of the situation.

“He’s a great defender, he has great hands, a great internal clock and he understands the game. But a lot of his really nice defense comes from some want-to. He loves taking hits and runs away. You can feel it. He gets after it. He’s attacking the baseball. It’s an edgy defense.”

The plucky, old-school Hoerner, on a team full of star-level talent, may have worked himself into being the Cubs’ 2025 MVP.

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The Chicago Cubs got some more bad news on Saturday when star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong fouled a ball off his knee and eventually removed himself from the game.

The “oh no” moment came just days after star right fielder Kyle Tucker was removed from Tuesday’s game with left calf discomfort.

To make matters worse, both suffered their injuries just as they seemed to be crawling their way out of extended slumps. Tucker hasn’t played since Tuesday. Crow-Armstrong isn’t in Sunday’s lineup and is also listed as day-to-day, likely to sit out several games.

Tucker and PCA sidelined

“It’s new pain,” Crow-Armstrong told reporters after the frustrating 2-1 loss to the Nationals at Wrigley Field. “There’s definitely [stuff] that’s hurt worse, but this hurts. And the legs are just funny. That’s kind of how I help the cause on a daily basis, is with my legs. It was a good stinger, for sure.”

When it comes to Tucker, manager Craig Counsell is reporting some progress on the calf injury and feels that a stint on the IL wouldn’t be necessary.

“That’s what we’re dealing with is we think we have time to let this heal without putting him on the injured list,” Counsell said. “We think he’ll be ready before what an injured list [stint] would cost him. And we also, with having the extra player in September, feel like we’re not playing short, really. Don’t feel like, from a roster perspective, it hurts us at all.”

In the meantime, though, the Cubs will have to make do without two of their starting outfielders and, arguably, their two primary offensive assets.

The bad luck Chicago Cubs

If you’ve been following Chicago’s season even semi-closely, this latest double dose of bad news falls right into the pattern of Cubs 2025 bad luck.

Here are just some of the lowlights:

• They lost their ace Justin Steele in early April with an elbow injury, just four starts into his season. He’ll be out of commission until about mid-2026 at the absolute earliest.
• About a month later, they lost co-ace Shota Imanaga to a hamstring injury for close to two months.
• Workhorse starter Jameson Taillon has now had two separate stints on the IL, missing more than two months of the season.
• Starter Javier Assad suffered two oblique injuries in spring training that kept him down until August 12.
• Trade deadline pitching acquisition Michael Soroka only managed to last two innings in his first start as a Cub before going down with a shoulder strain.
• Kyle Tucker suffered a hairline fracture in his hand in June, which spiraled into a mechanical hiccup and led to a career-worst extended slump that lasted nearly two months.
• Tucker’s decline coincided with an almost team-wide slump that saw Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Michael Busch all settle into a funk.
• Catcher Miguel Amaya, after having a breakthrough first half of the season, went down with an oblique injury that cost him almost three months. One game into his return, he suffered a freak accident hustling to first base and may be out for the rest of the season with a severe ankle sprain.

A team of destiny or despair?

It’s just been one of those seasons. And the recent Tucker and PCA setbacks fall right into that pattern of tough luck.

But, even with all the bad mojo floating around, the Cubs have still have the fifth best record in all the majors and are a lock to make the playoffs, likely as the NL Wild Card top seed.

So, what does that say about this 2025 team? Are they a potentially great team hobbled by misfortune or are they a very good team rising above the bad luck?

If you ask the Cubs, themselves, they’ll proudly talk up their resilience as a unit and their confidence in the team as a whole.

“We all go through hard times,” pitcher Matthew Boyd said, back when Tucker was at the height of his offensive struggles. “But that’s why there’s 26 of us in there. We pick each other up.”

The post The bad luck Chicago Cubs: A team of destiny or victims of circumstance? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are inching their way to the playoffs, every day getting a bit closer to making postseason play for the first time since the abbreviated 2020 season. Current projections give them right around a 99.8% chance of getting there.

Their placement as the no. 1 Wild Card seed also seems secure at the moment.

But what about once IN postseason play? How do the Cubs match up with their playoff rivals?

That’s the big question and one which gives plenty of cause for concern considering the team’s second-half inconsistencies.

The offense, which is greatly responsible for getting them to their current standing, needs to get fully back on track. That’s a given. But what about everything else?

Chicago Cubs get low ranking in starting pitching

MLB analyst Eno Sarris, in a recent piece for The Athletic, spotlighted one area of concern for the Cubs that may eventually be their downfall. In assessing the projected top 3 starters of all presumed playoff teams, Sarris ranks the Cubs a lowly no. 10 among the 12 teams.

Per Sarris:

“The projections say the Cubs should be last on this list. The Cubs’ top trio of Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd have the second-best ERA to date of any playoff trio. A bit of a conundrum.

ERA is not predictive, so this ranking hews closer to those projected numbers than the ones the Cubs’ starters have put up so far this year. We care more about what they will do than what they have done, after all. So why aren’t they last? Only a handful of playoff teams have seen Horton, who throws a unique fastball that could defy projections. The rookie seems to be coming into his own. Their X-factor.”

The rotation question marks

That’s a pretty harsh assessment, but it’s hard to argue with it, especially considering the insecurity the team is facing when it comes to their playoff rotation.

Matthew Boyd, who performed his way to ace status after Chicago’s offseason gamble on signing him to a 2-year contract, has been stellar up until recently. As of this writing, Boyd has posted a dismal 5.09 ERA over his last 7 outings. His 2.94 ERA this season is deceiving given his recent form and it would be crazy to discard fatigue as a possible cause for his decline. Suffering through Tommy John surgery and assorted other injuries over the last several seasons, Boyd hadn’t pitched over 100 innings in a season since 2019. Could further fatigue or even injury be in his immediate future?

Shota Imanaga should have the freshest arm of the rotation, given that he missed about seven weeks earlier in the season with a hamstring issue. He also has ace-level acumen. But he’s never pitched in an MLB postseason game before.

Cade Horton has been an absolute revelation this season after the injury to Imanaga forced a call-up from the minors much earlier than expected. Except for a couple of hiccups along the way, the 23-year-old has shined, posting a 2.78 ERA for the season so far. His 1.23 ERA since July 3 may end up winning him a Rookie of the Year honor.

But with 132.2 innings logged, between the minors and the majors, so far this season, he’s far surpassed any previous innings tally. Combining the workload with his recent history of injury, Horton presents a lot of question marks from here until the postseason. Manager Craig Counsell is already monitoring his workload and has him working under a loose pitch count.

Close your eyes and cross your fingers

The Cubs will also have Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad to throw into the playoff rotation mix if necessary. Trade deadline acquisition Michael Soroka will also be a wild card in this equation if/when he gets healthy enough to take the mound.

But, overall, Sarris’ ranking rings true-ish. There’s just a lot of “close your eyes and cross your fingers” when it comes to the Cubs starting pitching the rest of the way.

The post Chicago Cubs get bottom-barrel ranking among playoff teams in one key category appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs still have almost a month of the regular season left, but they’re already gearing up for the playoffs.

With over a 99% probability of making postseason play, Cubs coaching is taking steps to assure that the best possible team hits the playoffs. That’s one of the reasons the decision was made to put Jameson Taillon on the 15-day IL on August 27 (retroactive to August 25) with groin discomfort that Taillon, himself, says he probably could’ve worked through.

On Thursday, the 33-year-old veteran took the mound for the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines for what was probably his last rehab outing before heading back to the major league squad.

It wasn’t a great performance when it comes to box score stats. In 3.2 innings against the Omaha Storm Chasers, Taillon allowed 3 earned runs on 6 hits, while walking 1. He also struck out 6.

The good news on Jameson Taillon

But none of this is about beefing up Triple-A stats. The overwhelming good news was that the Cubs rotation workhorse felt good and in top shape.

“Yeah, I feel 100%,” Taillon told the Des Moines Register, before digging a bit deeper into his overall story. “This is one of those things where it was, like, I felt like I probably could’ve thrown through it if I was pushed to do it. I had the decision kind of taken out of my hands. It was, like, ‘let’s do it smart, let’s do what’s right. Let’s not turn something minor into major’

….I agreed with that and we were able to get some great treatment on it, trust the trainers on what they wanted to do. And then it felt, like after five or six days, we knocked all the soreness out of there. We were able to have a consistent, good program. So, it really doesn’t feel like I even missed that much time.”

Chicago Cubs erred on the side of caution

The 9-year major leaguer had been on the shelf for over a month-and-a-half with a strained right calf, from late July to mid-August. He was only two appearances into his return from the IL when this current setback occurred.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell made the call to err on the side of caution and in the hopes of ensuring a fully healthy Taillon for the first round of playoff play.

“I think (Taillon) could go out there and pitch,” Counsell told reporters at the time. “I just don’t think it’s the smart thing to do. We all agree on that. In a different situation, maybe we push this. I don’t think this is the right time to push that.”

Taillon, admittedly, wasn’t all that pleased with the decision and would’ve preferred to play. But he eventually came around to Counsell’s point of view.

“I don’t think this will be a problem at all,” Taillon told the Des Moines Register, referring to his ability to get right back where he left off in Chicago. “I think we’ll be sharp for the playoff push.”

The playoff plan for Taillon

The apparent plan, right now, is to get Taillon at least a couple of starts before the postseason and then have him serve as a veteran anchor in the Cubs’ rotation. Working behind Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and rookie revelation Cade Horton, he’ll serve as a veteran insurance policy and the likely fourth starter if Chicago advances to the later playoff rounds.

Any way you slice it, though, Taillon will be a key presence as the Cubs enter into postseason play for the first time since the abbreviated 2020 season.

The post Chicago Cubs’ injured starter delivers good news after bad rehab outing appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are playoff-bound. Well, to be precise, the odds-making experts give them over a 99% chance of making the postseason.

The team is acting accordingly, erring on the side of caution when it comes to their top playoff assets– that includes rising star/slumping star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

On most teams, it would be a no-brainer to bench a guy hitting .160 in a crucial late-season month, with a MLB-worst OPS and wRC+ among qualified hitters. When it comes to PCA, though, the issue becomes more complex as his value to the Cubs comes in his glove and speed, almost as much as with his bat.

PCA pushed into a “reset”

The struggling 23-year-old had been given two full days off prior to Thursday’s off day, giving him a total of three rest days to get his mind and body back into gear. This “reset” is similar to the one given to a slumping Kyle Tucker, near the end of August, after almost two months of struggles at the plate. In the case of Tucker, the pull-back seemed to work as he has batted .400 since his mental/physical reset.

Kevin Alcantara was brought up from Triple-A to provide some support in center and utility man Willi Castro can also step in to cover the position, as he did in Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field.

The objective is to get the young talent’s head back into the game and to allow him some physical rest after playing nearly every inning at the taxing outfield position for the first 5+ months of the season.

“A real break”

“We’re just given a chance with the off day here to give him a real break,” manager Craig Counsell told media before Wednesday’s game. “So just to get him a physical and mental break and then go into the last, essentially, 3 1/2 weeks of the season, hopefully a little bit refreshed…

“I think Pete wanted to play. I thought it was the best idea to — I looked at this frankly early in the [last] road trip. ‘Where could we get Pete a break?’ As the road trip went on, it became obvious to me that we should use this opportunity to give him a little break.

“Pete’s been out there a whole bunch. It’s because of his defense, he’s so valuable on defense, no matter what’s going on at the plate. So for that reason, he’s had very few off days.”

Chicago Cubs in full prep mode for playoffs

The move corresponds with Counsell’s decision to sit Tucker after concerns over a tight calf muscle in Tuesday’s game and the unpopular decision to pull rookie Cade Horton from Wednesday’s game in the fifth inning, after throwing 75 pitches, despite working on a no-hitter. Prior to all of that, Counsell and company made the cautionary move to place pitcher Jameson Taillon on the IL with a groin strain that Taillon, himself, says he might’ve been able to work through.

All of this has been done with the goal of fielding the best and healthiest possible team in the playoffs.

“None of it’s black and white,” Counsell told reporters. “I think you do what’s best for the player first. Always, always do what’s best for the player. And then you have other considerations. You learn lessons in doing this…The benefit outweighs it sometimes as much as you want your best players out there. There’s many examples that I’ve learned from the past. You do what’s right for the player, and you’re not making a mistake.”

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The Chicago Cubs, with a probability of making the playoffs estimated at over 99%, have all but guaranteed postseason entry.

The real struggle right now is in keeping their Wild Card top seed, which gives them home field advantage in their first playoff series, and in adding depth for their actual postseason run.

At this point, the only way to acquire impact talent is through a minor league call-up or by signing a player released by another team. The Cubs have already dipped into the latter with the reported acquisition of veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, formerly of the Cleveland Guardians.

However, there is another name out there that may be a good fit —Walker Buehler.

Walker Buehler to the Chicago Cubs?

The Boston Red Sox released the two-time All-Star pitcher on Friday after a poor season that saw him recently moved to the bullpen. With a 5.45 ERA in 112.1 innings, the veteran 31-year-old righty, who was acquired on a one-year/$21 million contract in the offseason, was deemed to be taking up a roster spot better used on a young, rising talent.

“It’s tough, but this is where we’re at,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “I know it didn’t go his way, or our way right? He expected more, and we expected more, but the player, the individual, the baseball knowledge, and I still think he has stuff in the tank…He’s close to get rolling, I guess, it just happens that we ran out of time here.”

The rise and fall

Buehler had been with the Los Angeles Dodgers for his entire career prior to 2025 and was regarded as one of the elite pitchers in baseball. However, season-killing Tommy John surgery in 2023 and a hip injury the following season stalled his career, and he has yet to get back on track.

The Cubs were reportedly interested in signing him this past offseason, but abandoned the pursuit when the asking price got too high.

Even with two consecutive terrible seasons and an injury-abbreviated 2022, Buehler’s career ERA is a respectable 3.56. In 2021, he posted a 16-4 record with a 2.47 ERA over 207.2 innings. He also turned heads in the 2024 World Series as a Dodger, when he pitched 6 shutout innings over two appearances and notched the series-ending strikeout of Alex Verdugo.

The pursuit of late-season arms

The former ace has already been mentioned as a potential fit for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Astros, as well as for his old team, the Dodgers. But he also may fit in quite well for the Cubs, given their particular needs.

When it comes to starting pitching, Chicago currently has Jameson Taillon and trade deadline acquisition Michael Soroka on the IL. Matthew Boyd, who is coming off Tommy John surgery and other physical issues, is working on his first full season since 2019. Rookie Cade Horton has already logged more innings this season, between the majors and the minors, than over the course of his entire young professional career.

Adding another arm to spot start and/or work long relief could be a big help to a tired and strained staff. Buehler’s experience would also give him a huge edge over younger, less experienced swing men like Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks. And suppose the Cubs were able to sign him before midnight Monday morning. In that case, he’d also be eligible for the playoff roster, giving them a veteran presence with a lifetime 3.04 ERA in the postseason.

Adding Buehler would cost the Cubs next to nothing– just a tiny sliver of the league minimum salary. Still, the benefits could be big, especially considering the Cubs’ knack for rehabilitating struggling pitchers. At worst, he eats some innings before being cut loose. It’s something to consider, anyway.

The post Chicago Cubs urged to pursue castoff World Series pitching hero appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs need to have a Nico Hoerner discussion.

Amid all the talk of locking up Kyle Tucker before he hits the free agency market and extending 23-year-old burgeoning superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong, there has to be some serious talk about keeping Hoerner a Cub.

The 28-year-old has quietly worked his way into being the team’s best second baseman since Ryne Sandberg, but he seems to be perpetually overlooked by those focused on bigger, flashier players with more home run power and more press-friendly flair.

But Hoerner is a real asset and has worked his way into becoming a linchpin for both the team’s offense and defense…and he’s due to become a free agent at the end of next season.

Nico Hoerner’s excellence

Offensively, it’s hard to find a more consistent presence. Although lacking in high-end power, he constantly ranks among baseball’s best contact hitters. Hoerner has batted between .273 and .290 in each of his four major league seasons as a starter, with an On Base Percentage between .327 and .346. This season, he’s hitting .290 and has been consistent throughout the year, with no slumps or extended dips in productivity.

Defensively, Hoerner is the very definition of elite. The former Gold Glove winner is in line for his second honor this season. He leads all MLB second basemen in defensive WAR by a wide margin, credited for 19 runs saved (The Brewers’ Brice Turang and the Marlins’ Xavier Edwards are tied for second place with 9 runs saved). He’s also a high-quality shortstop who many feel could be starting in that position for many other teams.

Chicago Cubs sing Nico’s praises

Those who’ve played alongside Hoerner will quickly acknowledge his value as a teammate and his status as a spark plug for the team as a whole.

“He makes so much contact, he’s such a good base runner, he’s so good at second,” Pitcher Jameson Taillon said back in June.

“He’s a really smart baseball player. He understands how guys are going to attack him. He understands if (a pitcher) needs a swing-and-miss, where they may go against him and where he should look. He’s got a really good understanding of the situation.

“He’s a great defender, he has great hands, a great internal clock and he understands the game. But a lot of his really nice defense comes from some want-to. He loves taking hits and runs away. You can feel it. He gets after it. He’s attacking the baseball. It’s an edgy defense.”

“If you’re in the industry, you know the value he brings to the table,” catcher Carson Kelly said. “The defense, the professional at-bat, the intangibles, being in the right position, being a great teammate. Word travels around the league. He’s always putting a great at-bat together. It never seems like he’s out of control. He’s embraced and knows what type of player he is, and I think he still is getting better.”

“It’s a toughness, grit, resiliency,” manager Craig Counsell commented. “Those are traits Nico certainly has. I think we throw those words around a lot, but there’s a scale for that. Nico goes to the top of that with what he provides.”

Extending the grateful unsung asset

Hoerner gives credit to the team and to the atmosphere afforded by the organization for allowing him to blossom as his own kind of player, performing to the best of his abilities.

“It’s a sign of a good team when players are able to be themselves,” Hoerner said. “I definitely feel like I can be myself and be a part of a winning team. There are better versions of me that I can put forward, but at the same time, I know I’ve been part of some of the winning we’ve done so far. I don’t feel like I have to do too much.”

Hoerner is making $11.5 million this year and is due to make $12 million next season. Oddly enough, he was also the subject of a lot of trade rumors this past offseason– a testament to just how overlooked his contributions really are.

But locking him up with a 6-7 year extension worth about $100-$115 million would appear to be a no-brainer. He’s someone you can plug and play and never have to worry about a thing– a reliable, team-oriented anchor. Nico Hoerner is THAT kind of player and the Cubs need to hold on to him.

The post The Chicago Cubs need to extend this unsung asset right now appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ primary objective this past offseason was the playoffs. That’s really no different than every other team. Everyone WANTS to make the postseason.

But the Cubs had made a point of declaring themselves “all-in” when it came to making the playoffs, their first time since the abbreviated 2020 season, hoping to actually get some playoff wins for the first time since 2017.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer made the team’s intentions clear by pulling the trigger on a 3-for-1 trade with the Houston Astros for multi-tool right fielder Kyle Tucker, who was in his last contract year before becoming a free agent.

The Chicago Cubs were “all-in”

The Tucker trade, specifically, told the team that the higher-ups were serious about winning this year.

And the team responded to the vote of confidence by playing like a serious postseason team. They bludgeoned their way into having the best record in baseball at one point. A recent slump, however, has brought the Cubs down to earth a bit and it cost them their first place standing in the NL Central Division.

But their eyes are still on the postseason, even though the route there may have to lead through a Wild Card spot at this point.

That’s why starting pitcher Jameson Taillon now finds himself on the 15-day IL.

Keeping an eye on playoff needs

Taillon, who had just come back from an extended stint on the IL with a right calf strain, experienced some tightness in his left hamstring during his last start on Sunday against the Angels, where he was pulled after just 5 innings and 62 pitches. Even after a subsequent bullpen session produced no extreme discomfort, manager Craig Counsell made the call to place the veteran righty on the IL.

Counsell was not shy about saying that the move was made with an eye on the playoffs.

“I think (Taillon) could go out there and pitch,” Counsell told reporters. “I just don’t think it’s the smart thing to do. We all agree on that. In a different situation, maybe we push this. I don’t think this is the right time to push that.”

Key rotation piece Matthew Boyd has been struggling of late and it has to be noted that he’s working to complete his first full, healthy season on the mound since 2019. Rookie Cade Horton, meanwhile, is at 122.2 innings this year, between Chicago and Iowa, far surpassing his previous season high 88.1 innings. Concern over his arm health already has him working under a loose pitch count.

Even with the previously injured Javier Assad coming up and injured trade deadline acquisition Michael Soroka aiming for a return before too long, the Cubs will need the experienced Taillon in the playoffs.

“In my mind, being a good teammate means taking the ball,” Taillon told media after the move to place him on the IL. “That’s really important to me. I hate going on the IL. But that being said, the way I had this presented to me was: ‘We’re playing for the long haul here. You’d be a bad teammate if you really pound the table and push through this and screw the team for what’s really important here.’

“If I made something worse, and I missed the last couple weeks of September or the playoffs, that’s not the right thing to do. Trying to have that longer-term view and that big-picture view is important.

“We have bigger goals in mind than the next two weeks. “Every game’s extremely important, which is why I have a hard time just accepting it. But hopefully we’re playing deep into October, and hopefully I’m a really big part of that. It’s important to get this right.”

The danger of looking too far ahead

However, while the Cubs seem to be playing it relatively safe in hopes of a deep playoff run, there’s still some concern about the regular season.

Chicago is only 1.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres in the important first Wild Card spot, which would guarantee them home field advantage in the first round. They are only 4 games ahead of the New York Mets, who currently hold the third Wild Card spot in the National League. The Cincinnati Reds, meanwhile, are just 4.5 games behind the Cubs.

The Cubs are not yet guaranteed top seed in the Wild Card series and another prodigious slump could see them slip to third seed or, even worse, out of the playoffs altogether.

It’s hard to question Counsell’s decision to place Taillon on the IL. All things considered, it was the right move to make. But it was also a hefty gamble, considering all of the question marks following the team right now.

The post Could the Chicago Cubs’ eye on the playoffs lead to regular season disaster? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have bad news for their starting rotation as they continue to fight for a position in the postseason. One day after Matthew Boyd had his second consecutive frustrating outing in a row, Chicago revealed another starting pitcher was going on the 15-day injured list.

Per Taylor McGregor with the MLB Network, the Cubs placed Jameson Taillon on the 15-day IL for a left groin injury. Chicago is recalling right-handed pitcher Javier Assad to start against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

“Cubs place Jameson Taillon on the 15-day IL with a left groin injury,” McGregor posted on X. “Javier Assad has been recalled. He will start Saturday in Colorado.”

The Chicago Cubs are losing a key starting pitcher

Taillon last pitched for Chicago on Sunday when he gave up one run in 5.0 innings pitched in a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels. He had a strong outing last week in the Cubs’ 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers when he gave up one run in 6.0 innings pitched.

Taillon has a 9-6 record on the season with an ERA of 4.15 and 81 strikeouts this season. The Cubs need to make sure not to push Taillon too hard in the regular season so he can be fresh for the postseason.

Assad has made three starts this season. He has a 0-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and nine strikeouts. Assad last pitched in the Cubs’ 3-2 win over the Angels, giving up one run in 6.0 innings pitched.

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On Sunday, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon was cruising through five innings, having allowed just one run on 62 pitches thrown. This was just his second start since coming back from the injured list with a calf strain, but when he didn’t come out for the sixth inning, concerns and questions started to rise.

Since his puzzling removal, manager Craig Counsell and Taillon himself have shed light on the situation, indicating that his removal was precautionary.

Jameson Taillon was removed from his last Chicago Cubs start out of caution

During warm ups, Taillon indicated that he felt something in his left groin, that eventually led to his removal. “Just warming up for that last inning, I felt a little crampy sensation in my left groin,” Taillon told The Marquee Network, Hopefully, we caught it kind of early,  hard to really tell this close to the game. I’m curious how (it will feel) when I wake up tomorrow and going forward.”

Counsell re-echoed those thoughts during his post game press conference, but also added that taking him out was precautionary. “He had a little groin tightness, left groin tightness, so it was kind of precautionary,” Counsell told reporters. That was why I took him out.”

The post Chicago Cubs puzzling removal of Jameson Taillon was precautionary appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have just been a .500 team since the All-Star break. Actually, they’ve been around that 50-50 mark for the last couple months.

Blame that on the Cubs’ offense, which went from an elite-scoring powerhouse to a bottom tier player.

But considering just how awful the offense has been in recent weeks/months, it’s actually a bit surprising that the team is doing as well as .500.

Credit that to the Cubs’ starting pitching.

An under-the-radar story over this latter part of the season is the Cubs’ rotation and just how tremendous it has been.

On Thursday, Shota Imanaga delivered another solid performance, despite the team coming up short in a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. In a start where things didn’t quite click at first, he righted his ship, allowing 2 earned runs on three hits over 7 innings while striking out 5.

“I thought Shota got better as the game went on,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “Little bit of command issues early in the game, and as he settled in, he pitched really, really well. In a week like this, where you’re trying to get relievers rest, seven innings will help us moving forward.”

The excelling Chicago Cubs starting rotation

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic spotlighted the Cubs starting pitching awesomeness in a Thursday evening piece.

Per Sharma:

“Since June 25, Cubs starters have a 3.02 ERA, best in baseball. The next closest staff, the Boston Red Sox, is at 3.31. These pitchers aren’t elite at getting groundballs or strikeouts. But they limit walks and hard contact and have an entire defense that helps them limit damage.”

Since the All-Star break: Matthew Boyd has a 3.47 ERA, Shota Imanaga has a 3.64 ERA, Cade Horton has a 0.58 ERA, and Colin Rea has a 4.08 ERA. Jameson Taillon, meanwhile, just came back from the IL, allowing 1 earned run in 6 innings in his first start since June 29.

That’s a tremendous overall post All-Star run for a staff pushing itself through the second half of the season and, frankly, burdened by a flat-lining offense that’s allowing them almost zero margin for error.

Cade Horton in the spotlight

The rookie Horton, who just turned 24 this week, is obviously the biggest revelation of the bunch. His recent dominant run has brought up a lot of Rookie of the Year chatter, even considering the loaded rookie class this season.

The Cubs’ 2022 first-round draft pick was brought up from Triple-A much earlier than anticipated, following the Imanaga hamstring injury in early May. There were thoughts that maybe he wouldn’t be ready for a full-time stint in the majors, but despite the occasional hiccup, Horton held strong. And then he went from holding strong to excelling. A blister issue in his last start put some question marks in his future, but the latest news on that setback is positive. As things look, he may not even miss a start.

Things could’ve gone horribly

Overall, the Cubs’ starting rotation has been a surprise success story the whole season. Things, though, could’ve definitely gone off the rails very early in the season.

In spring training, they lost projected fifth starter Javier Assad to an oblique injury. They just recently got him back. Early in April, they lost ace Justin Steele with an elbow injury that required surgery. About a month after losing Steele, Imanaga went down for several weeks with his hamstring issue. Then, in very early July, Jameson Taillon was lost for over a month with a right calf strain.

Through the stress and the strain, however, the starting corps has held together better than expected, showing grit and execution beyond what most expected.

If/when the Cubs push their way into the postseason, the rotation is showing that what may have been considered a weakness at one point is now a strength.

The post Chicago Cubs: The starting rotation is the unsung hero of 2025 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs front office has taken a lot of heat in recent days for failing to acquire a much-needed front-of-rotation starter before the July 31 trade deadline. And there is definitely a point behind the criticism.

Almost from the very beginning of the season, with the loss of ace Justin Steele and projected fifth starter Javier Assad, the Cubs’ starting pitching sparked concern. Along the way, they lost Shota Imanaga to injury for several weeks and then Jameson Taillon. As the team headed into the most stressful and demanding part of what they hoped to be a run at the postseason, their rotation was looking strained and at the point of collapse.

Chicago Cubs banking on return of injured starters?

As things turned out, however, Cubs president Jed Hoyer and his crew didn’t end up acquiring that high-end starter to fortify their rotation. Instead, the only starting option they picked up was the oft-injured Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals, a back-of-rotation/swing man who would subsequently be sent to the IL after just two innings pitched for the team.

Many believe that the imminent returns of the rehabbing Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad played a big part in the Cubs’ decision to play things conservatively at the trade deadline.

Well, it looks as though Assad, specifically, is very close to joining the major league squad once again.

Javier Assad’s latest rehab appearance

On Wednesday, the 28-year-old Assad made his latest rehab start for the Iowa Cubs, pitching 4.1 innings, striking out 4, walking 2, and allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits against the St. Paul Saints.

Reports have circulated that the righty, who has yet to make a single appearance in the majors due to struggles with an oblique injury, could be activated by the big league Cubs as soon as this weekend.

If he can stay healthy and return sharp, Assad should definitely provide a boost to the rotation as well as to the bullpen, depending on where the Cubs decide to use him. Last season, he logged a solid 3.79 ERA over 29 appearances in his first full season as a starter. In 294 career innings, he has a 3.40 ERA.

Assad could be penciled in behind Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Colin Rea or he could be packaged with Ben Brown as a co-fifth starter option. He could also be used in the bullpen as a long reliever, to help eat some innings for a stressed relief corps.

Taillon’s comeback

The return of Jameson Taillon, who will make his second rehab start for the Iowa Cubs this Friday, is slated to happen after Assad and it should have even more of an impact on the pitching staff.

The Cubs’ veteran workhorse gave up 7 earned runs on 7 hits, with 2 home runs, over 3 innings pitched against the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in his first rehab appearance. The good news, though, was that he reported no discomfort from the right calf strain that had kept him on the shelf since his last major league start on June 29.

The 33-year-old will definitely be given back his spot in the rotation, creating a bit of a logjam and forcing manager Craig Counsell to make some tough decision regarding the back-end of the rotation.

There is also the possibility that the Cubs could go to a 6-man starting rotation down the stretch to preserve arms for their expected playoff run. Workload concerns have arisen, especially when it comes to Boyd, who is coming off Tommy John surgery and hadn’t thrown more than 100 innings since 2019, and with rookie Cade Horton, who has been brilliant of late, but is coming off a season-ending injury last year and has already well surpassed his total innings pitched as a pro.

The Cubs are hoping that depth and flexibility will get them into the playoffs and deep into the playoffs. Right now, two pieces of the puzzle look to be close to their return.

The post Chicago Cubs: Assad looks good in rehab start, may come back this weekend; Taillon is next appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are battling for the lead in the NL Central Division, but the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers don’t ever seem to lose. As things sit right now, the Cubs are two games behind the first place slot as they work their way through the crucial month of August.

Many believe that the team will only go as far as its pitching takes it. And that’s a somewhat troubling thought given the insecurities the Cubs have within their pitching staff.

Their chief concern is with starting pitching as the rotation has already been hobbled by injury with the loss of ace Justin Steele and the extended IL stints of Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon.

Good news and bad news in Jameson Taillon’s first rehab assignment

On Sunday, the Cubs got some good news mixed with some bad as veteran right-hander, Taillon, made his first rehab start on Sunday for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

The good news, of course, was that Taillon was well enough to get to that rehab assignment after a calf injury sidelined him following his June 29 start with the major league Cubs.

The bad news was that the 33-year-old got absolutely lit up.

Taillon gave up 7 earned runs on 7 hits, with 2 home runs, over 3 innings pitched against the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. He also hit 2 batters in the 64-pitch outing.

Poor performance jars frustrated Chicago Cubs fandom

It was the kind of wild, rusty start to be expected from someone who hadn’t pitched in over a month and had no time to construct a game plan with advanced scouting info. But it was a jarring appearance nonetheless for Cubs fans still concerned about a strained starting rotation and still griping over the team’s inability to land a high-end starter at the trade deadline last Thursday.

After weeks of hearing about the front office’s aggressive mindset heading into the July 31 trade deadline and their “all-in” attitude about picking up the talent they need for a deep playoff run, the deadline haul was underwhelming. When the dust settled, the Cubs acquired back-of-rotation starter Michael Soroka, relievers Taylor Rogers and Andrew Kittredge, and infielder/outfielder Willi Castro.

Cubs post-deadline talking points have centered around the high price for available starters and the impending return of Taillon and Javier Assad, who would both be beginning rehab assignments in the minors.

That’s why a poor outing in Triple-A is sounding off so many alarms among fandom.

Taillon’s take

For Taillon, though, this first rehab outing was entirely about health and getting the feel for pitching to live hitters again.

“Obviously I would love to get results,” Taillon told the Des Moines Register. “The first one, I’m just glad to get it out of the way. You never want to get hit around, but first and foremost it’s health and then it’s getting back the routine…

“Being healthy and getting a pitch count in, going through the routine and getting the workload in, all that, I thought it was productive…I felt healthy. Now it’s just about getting back a routine, into the swing of things. But the calf is good…

“We’ll just see how the next one goes. Hopefully it’s better than this.”

The Cubs will start newcomer Michael Soroka on Monday night against the division rival Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. The oft-injured righty takes a spot in a rotation already filled with pitchers dealing with limitations (or potential limitations) due to past injuries.

Taillon’s previous role as the rotation inning-eater and workhorse take on an exaggerated level of importance in a 5-man staff consisting of starters where pitch count is a very real concern.

Taillon is expected to make at least one more rehab appearance before joining the big league team.

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The Chicago Cubs were reported to be aggressive buyers prior to the July 31 trade deadline this year, focused on the fact that the team desperately needed high-end starting pitching if they were to be serious candidates for a deep playoff run. Names such as Mitch Keller, Edward Cabrera, Sandy Alcantara, Mackenzie Gore, Merrill Kelly, and Zac Gallen were said to be targets.

Instead, they ended up with Michael Soroka…only.

Of the team’s four trade deadline acquisitions, two were relievers, one was an infielder/outfielder, and the other was the Washington Nationals starter.

It was a disappointing haul for a team with clearly defined needs and, seemingly, the prospect capital and budget to pick up who they needed for their playoff run.

Soroka adds concerns to an already-strained Chicago Cubs rotation

Soroka’s 4.87 ERA in 16 appearances this season doesn’t inspire confidence. Neither does a history of injury that had kept him under 80 innings pitched since 2019 until this year’s 81.1 innings so far.

The righty will be wedged into the strained Cubs rotation, beginning this Monday, on his 28th birthday. It’ll give the team one more starter with concerns, constraints, limitations, and/or question marks heading into the heat of the postseason push.

Rookie Cade Horton is another starter with doubt attached. The 23-year-old has been brilliant of late, delivering 5 shutout innings in the Cubs’ 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Over his last five starts, he’s sporting a stellar 1.25 ERA, with all four earned runs during that stretch coming in one outing.

But Horton is at 102.2 innings pitched on the season, between the minors and the majors. In last year’s injury-shortened season, he only registered 34.1 innings. In his previous three minor league seasons, he’s never pitched more than 88.1 innings. There is legitimate concern over his durability over this long 2025 haul, something which was evident with the quick hook he got on Friday after five innings and just 71 pitches.

“It’s just something that we’re going to keep an eye on with Cade for sure,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters after this last game. “And when there’s opportunities and moments to [pull him early], we’re going to do it.

“He got to start on normal rest here and we got five innings from him. So yeah, we’re gonna pick some spots here [to] just lessen the innings.”

Matthew Boyd is also a concern

The same durability concerns applying to Soroka and Horton also apply to Matthew Boyd, who’s been brilliant this year.

Boyd, coming off Tommy John surgery last year and other injuries prior to that, hadn’t logged more than 100 innings since 2019. He has 123.2 so far this year.

The difference between Boyd and Soroka and Horton, however, is that the Cubs can’t really afford to meter and restrict Boyd’s usage since he’s become the rotation ace and an absolutely crucial component to the team’s success.

For now, the Cubs’ only strategy with the 34-year-old is to cross their fingers and hope for continued good health.

The rest of the rotation

Chicago’s other top pitcher, Shota Imanaga, has already been out of commission for several weeks with a hamstring strain, although he has emerged as, perhaps, the sturdiest of the rotation pieces.

Also in the starting rotation mix is Jameson Taillon, who is currently on the IL, coming back from a right calf strain. Javier Assad, who has missed the entire season with oblique issues, is beginning a rehab assignment in Triple-A and could be back, along with Taillon, in mid-August. Another starter, veteran swing man Colin Rea, has been up and down all season. Then, there’s sophomore Ben Brown, who, despite solid potential, has been mostly down.

So, in summary, the Cubs are rolling into the month of August and into the deep end of the pennant race with eight potential starters in a 5-man rotation– five of them with injury or durability issues and two with performance issues.

Not getting at least one more sure-thing starter at the trade deadline has put the Cubs in a tough spot. They’re going to need a whole lot of savvy managerial maneuvering and a great amount of good luck when it comes to a starting rotation already ranked in the bottom half of baseball.

However, at this point, one can only hope for the best.

The post Chicago Cubs’ post-deadline starting rotation: Hopes, prayers, and pitch counts appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs come back from the All-Star break just one game ahead of the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central Division and with some roster holes they’d like to fill before the July 31 trade deadline.

Chief among those roster holes is in the pitching department, where the starting rotation has been battered and strained due to injury and the bullpen could be fortified by the addition of at least one more impact arm.

But could the answer to at least some of the team’s needs come from within, in the form of assets returning from injury?

Chicago Cubs GM updates injury status of four key players

In a recent appearance on 670 The Score, Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins talked about the injury status of three key pitching assets– Javier Assad, Jameson Taillon, and Porter Hodge– as well as the status of catcher Miguel Amaya and a possible time frame for the return of all four.

Hodge, who went down with shoulder issues on July 9, may be ready for a return before everyone. He’s due to have a bullpen session tomorrow. Injuries have hampered the 24-year-old reliever’s 2025, which was expected to be big one after a stellar second half of 2024.

Per Hawkins, Assad and Amaya may be the next to return, with mid-August being a reasonable target date.

The 27-year-old Assad, who has missed all season with an oblique injury, is set to have his first rehab game next Thursday. Originally projected to be the fifth starter in the Cubs’ rotation, a return to anything resembling peak form will help the rotation tremendously during the upcoming dog days of summer.

The 26-year-old Amaya, who also went down with oblique issues, would be a welcomed return, both offensively and defensively, despite some quality fill-in work in his absence by Reese McGuire. He is currently taking live at bats and should probably get back into the mix before Assad.

“I think we’re looking at August for both of those guys,” Hawkins said of Assad and Amaya. “It would be really, really nice to have them back. Our catching group has done great since Miggy has been out, obviously Reese McGuire has been outstanding in terms of his ability to be our second catcher and Carson [Kelly] has had just a heck of a year.

“Obviously, the more starting pitching you can have, the better. And certainly, a guy like Javi that’s done it before and pitched in multiple roles will be great to have. We will get those guys back in rehab games soon and hopefully have them here in August.”

Bad news on Taillon?

The news on Taillon, however, seems to be less cheery.

The 33-year-old veteran, who played a huge role in eating innings in the middle of the Cubs rotation, suffered a right calf strain in early July and may be out of commission until September. He’s slated to begin throwing off a mound by the end of the next road trip.

Hoping on the returns

If Assad and Taillon can make successful comebacks from injury, the debate over acquiring a second starting pitcher for a pennant run at the trade deadline may be null and void. However, it’s a big gamble to fully count on the return of either and it would be wise to pursue additional starting pitching depth anyway.

Having Amaya back would represent an upgrade over McGuire in all areas and it would be a helpful addition for the Cubs down the stretch.

The post Chicago Cubs: Injury updates on three key pitchers and catcher Miguel Amaya appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have been propelled along by the incredible surge their potent and versatile offense has provided. Friday’s historic 8-home run 11-3 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals highlighted just how incredible this team has been when it comes to battering opposing pitchers.

On the flipside of things, though, the Cubs’ own pitching staff has been pretty battered.

On Friday, it was announced that veteran starter Jameson Taillon would be headed to the 15-day IL with a right calf strain.

The news hit fans like a foul ball off the shin.

Chicago Cubs see Jameson Taillon fall to injury

The team had already suffered massive starting rotation losses prior to the Taillon injury. Ace Justin Steele was lost for the season back in early April with an elbow injury that required surgery. Then, a month later, Shota Imanaga went down with a hamstring strain that put him on the shelf for about five weeks. Before all of that, projected fifth starter Javier Assad was shutdown in spring training with an oblique issue that has kept him out of commission this entire 2025 season so far.

Losing Taillon means losing a big inning-eater in the middle of a rotation that is already taxed and full of question marks from the no. 3 slot onward. Although he’s been touched up on occasion and has notched a pretty unspectacular 4.44 ERA so far this season, the right-hander has been a welcomed veteran presence every fifth day.

The initial dismal report

Cubs manager Craig Counsell added to the dread fans were feeling with a pretty dismal initial update on the injury.

“This was unfortunately an injury during training,” Counsell told reporters on Friday. “He was running, and felt a grab after his bullpen [session]. He’s going to miss a pretty significant amount of time, more than a month. He’s got a muscle strain in his calf.”

The news on Saturday, however, was not quite as dark.

A more positive update on Saturday

Results from Taillon’s MRI showed a “moderate strain” of the right calf, which was a best case scenario for the injury.

“I think all in all, I’m pretty encouraged by knowing what it could have been,” Taillon told reporters Saturday morning. “It was the best case of what we (thought) it had the possibility of being.

“We’re going to try to try to keep my arm conditioned, do some throwing off my knees. Like stationary bike, upper body workouts, arm care. I think we’ll be able to stay pretty conditioned.”

The 9-year pro also talked about how the injury occurred, affirming Counsell’s earlier account.

“Unfortunately, I was on my last rep, and was literally almost done for the day,” Taillon told media. “I felt it kind of grab on me…It just came out of nowhere.”

“It’s been tough,” Taillon added, talking about the rocky road of the Cubs pitching staff so far this season. “We’ve been carried by the offense a lot this year– that helps. And then obviously, guys have stepped up and shown that they’re capable.”

With Taillon down for an unknown period of time, the sense of urgency in acquiring starting pitching prior to the July 31 MLB trade deadline has augmented considerably.

Already reported to be an aggressive presence in pursuing acquisitions, the Cubs front office, headed by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, now faces the reality that they may need at least two starting pitchers by the deadline to turn a battered and depleted rotation into one that is postseason-viable.

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The Chicago Cubs have enjoyed an outstanding year so far, with lots of memorable moments already accounted for in a campaign just a little more than halfway through.

With Wednesday’s extra-innings win over the Cleveland Guardians, the Cubs have also extended their lead in the NL Central Division to 4 games over the Milwaukee Brewers (as of this writing) and 5.5 games over the St. Louis Cardinals (also, as of this writing), who now come to Chicago for a key weekend series.

Most of the outstanding Cubs memories in 2025 have centered around the team’s offensive prowess, which ranks among baseball’s very best. Pitching, meanwhile, has not been as much of a good news source.

The bad news Chicago Cubs pitching

Ace Justin Steele went down with an elbow injury in early April and won’t be back until some time in mid-2026 at the earliest. Projected fifth starter Javier Assad has been out of commission since spring training with an oblique issue and may or may not be able to contribute this season. Shota Imanaga missed about five weeks with a hamstring strain.

Porter Hodge also missed some time with injury and has generally under-performed this season. Ben Brown didn’t pan out as a viable rotation piece and has been sent to the minors. And now, the news broke that starter Jameson Taillon will be placed on the IL, likely to miss a key month of the season, with a right calf strain.

But it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for Cubs pitching– and Wednesday’s game highlighted that fact.

But, some good news

Starter Cade Horton had the best outing of his young career, pitching 7 scoreless innings and striking out 5 against 5 hits and 2 walks, generating a 50% ground ball rate. The gem for the rookie and top Cubs pitching prospect comes directly after, arguably, his worst outing on June 27 against the Houston Astros where he gave up 7 earned runs in 4 innings pitched.

Horton has a 4.15 ERA for the season, but Wednesday’s outing showcased his true potential and proved that he has the grit and resolve to come back from adversity. In a strained starting rotation, the 23-year-old coming into his own right now would be a godsend.

A fairy tale bullpen

On the bullpen side of things, surprise asset Drew Pomeranz pitched a scoreless two-thirds of an inning. The appearance is the righty’s 26th straight appearance without allowing an earned run and it was a bit of a history maker.

Per the Just Baseball social media account:

“Drew Pomeranz has now thrown 26 straight scoreless appearances to start the season.

That’s the longest such streak in MLB history by a player age 36 or older.”

Pomeranz was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, for “cash considerations,” in late April and hadn’t previously pitched in the majors since 2021.

The feel-good Pomeranz story syncs up with a Cubs bullpen tale that has so far been a surprising success story overall.

Comprised mostly of castoffs, reclamation projects, and previously unproven young pitchers, the Cubs relief corps has come together under the guidance of manager Craig Counsell and staff as, currently, one of the best bullpens in the league and, arguably, the absolute best in all of baseball since late April.

Some would argue that the bullpen, along with starter Matthew Boyd and random assorted high-end performances here and there, have kept the Cubs steady and postseason-viable.

With the July 31 trade deadline approaching and Chicago’s front office focused on pitching, reinforcements may be on the way for the strained Cubs staff. But this crew has already shown itself capable of resilience and sparks of magic.

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The Chicago Cubs enter the holiday weekend riding a nice little winning streak after sweeping the Cleveland Guardians in a three-game series before welcoming their divisional rival, the St. Louis Cardinals, to town for a three-game series, which should be interesting. This series could affect the Cubs’ lead in the Central, as the Cardinals sit 5.5 games back from the Cubs, but are in contention for a Wild Card spot.

The Cubs have been playing like one of the top teams in the National League and are also one of the best teams in baseball. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has put together a competitive roster and will need a solid Trade Deadline to justify staying. Hoyer will have his work cut out for him, as the latest injury news will affect his plans at the deadline.

The Chicago Cubs get dealt another blow to their starting rotation

The Cubs have been one of the better teams this season at handling injuries, with only a handful of their players sustaining significant injuries. The one spot on the roster that has suffered the most in the injury department has been the starting rotation, which has seen Justin Steele miss the entire season due to Tommy John surgery and Shota Imanaga recently return from a hamstring injury.

Sadly, the Cubs have been dealt another blow to their starting rotation, with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reporting that right-hander Jameson Taillon had been placed on the injured list with a right calf strain. According to manager Craig Counsell, Rogers reports that Taillon is expected to miss more than a month, which affects their plans for the Trade Deadline.

“Jameson Taillon going on the IL with a right calf strain. Cubs recall Jordan Wicks to replace him.

Counsell says he’s going to miss more than a month.”

Counsell says he’s going to miss more than a month. https://t.co/BCMLqTK0Dv

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 4, 2025

Wicks, 25, has spent most of this season down at Triple-A, where he has a 1-3 record with a 4.06 ERA in 12 games (11 starts) in 44.1 innings.

How Taillon’s injury affects the Cubs’ plans for the Trade Deadline

Taillon getting hurt and missing significant time couldn’t come at a worse time, as the Trade Deadline is only a few weeks away. The Cubs needed at least one starting pitcher, a bullpen arm, and even another bat, but now they could be in the market for two starting pitchers after Taillon’s injury.

The Cubs had hoped that someone like Ben Brown would have stepped up and be someone they could turn to, but he has not taken that step forward and has been trying to find himself down at Triple-A. Taillon had gone 7-6 with a 4.44 ERA in 17 starts (95.1 innings). He had also been leading the National League in home runs allowed, with 22.

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The Chicago Cubs are at a pivotal point in not only this 2025 season, but in their chances of success in the following years.

For that reason, their movements before the July 31 trade deadline will be especially important.

Some are saying that Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is a victim of his own success. Compelled by the need to make the playoffs for the first time in his reign as top exec and by his own expiring contract (two intertwined pressures), he built a team that has the grit, gumption, defense, and offensive prowess to be a World Series-viable team when the goal for this year was, maybe, just to make a postseason-viable team.

Chicago Cubs: Ahead of the curve, against the wall

What this means is that this 2025 product wasn’t meant to be the fully-actualized Cubs/Hoyer product just yet. It was meant to be the 2015 learning-curve campaign that seasoned the crew before the 2016 World Series victory.

But this year’s squad has been so good and has bubbled over with so much magical winner’s chemistry that there’s now a palpable pressure to skip the learning curve and jump right to the World Series.

Realistically, though, the Cubs are lacking some key pieces to make that jump.

And that’s why there’s so much pressure focused on Chicago’s moves prior to the trade deadline.

Starting pitching woes

The starting rotation, specifically, is a major concern. As it stands now, Shota Imanaga is at the top, one start into his return from hamstring injury. Below him is Matthew Boyd, who has pitched extremely well, but who also has an extensive history of injury and hasn’t logged over 100 innings pitched since 2019. Then there’s Jameson Taillon, who has pitched solidly at times, but has recently been swatted around.

Beyond that, the starting corps is all crossed fingers and wishful thinking with rookie Cade Horton and veteran swing man Colin Rea currently manning back-of-rotation duties– and taking on water while trying. Wildly inconsistent sophomore Ben Brown has been sent to Triple-A alongside once-upon-a-time rotation hopeful Jordan Wicks, who is returning from injury. Then, there’s projected fifth starter Javier Assad, who’s been battling an oblique issue all season and has yet to throw one competitive big league pitch this year.

This spells big trouble if the 2025 Cubs want to have a serious shot at going deep into the postseason. It could even be argued that they’re one starting pitching injury away from possibly being out of the playoff picture entirely

More than just one rental pitcher away

Lindsey Willhite of Deadspin recently opined that the team will need to target two quality starters prior to the deadline to have a serious shot at doing something big this postseason.

Per Willhite:

“To solve this shortcoming, Cubs GM Jed Hoyer and his cabinet need to be even bolder than they were when they acquired [Kyle] Tucker in the offseason.

They have maneuvered themselves into a place where they’re closer to the Dodgers and Mets than they could have realistically projected. But if they’re going to wait to be equals before they strike, then they might as well sell the team.

The Dodgers, with their billions of dollars and their brilliant front office, are never going away. Mets owner Steve Cohen’s wallet will be wide open every offseason and every trade deadline.

That means now’s the time to peel a prospect or five off their thick stack of youngsters and acquire two legitimate starters — guys who can get the Cubs through five innings in an October setting.

And don’t just focus on the rentals.”

Willhite mentions checking in on Tanner Bibee of the Cleveland Guardians, Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers, and Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates, among others. All of them under contract beyond 2025.

The strategy is clear, though. And it’s not incorrect.

Picking up two high-end starters would turn this Cubs team into a real big-prize contender and not just a feel-good fairy tale hopeful. But to add two high-end starters who are team controlled beyond this season would provide a huge boost to the franchise over the next several years. That’s why the idea of a trade with the Miami Marlins for Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera has gotten so much attention.

But would it be worth emptying out their farm system to pull the trigger on two major pitching acquisitions? That’s the question Jed Hoyer must ponder.

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Frustrations are, well, brewing for Chicago Cubs fans as they watched the Milwaukee Brewers pull within 1.5 games of first place in the NL Central on Sunday. The Cubs’ bats were silent in a 2-0 loss to the Houston Astros in front of 37,319 fans at Daikin Park.

Following the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters (via Marquee Sports Network) that he thought starting pitcher Jameson Taillon had a strong fifth inning until he left a slider up and over that Jose Altuve put into the bleachers for a two-run home run, the only runs of the game.

Following the home run, Counsell replaced Taillon with right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier to get the final out of the inning.

Taillon left the game after giving up five hits and recording four strikeouts on 107 pitches.

Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell called out for a controversial decision

ESPN writer and reporter Adam Rittenberg called out Counsell for leaving Taillon in the game so long, calling his decision to wait until the home run “idiotic managing.”

“Absolutely idiotic managing by Craig Counsell,” Rittenberg posted on X.

In response to a poster saying the Cubs’ offense was the main problem, Rittenberg argued that a reliever should have been in before the 105-pitch count.

“Of course he has, and the offense must deliver, but leaving him in with 105+ pitches to face Altuve again? Why don’t you have a reliever ready”,” he posted.

Rittenberg went as far as to argue that Counsell doesn’t bring value to the Cubs.

“I don’t see his value whatsoever in Chicago,” Rittenberg posted. “He was a good manager in Milwaukee, clearly, but not seeing what he brings here.”

I don't see his value whatsoever in Chicago. He was a good manager in Milwaukee, clearly, but not seeing what he brings here.

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) June 29, 2025

Jameson Taillon believed he had control until the end

 

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The Chicago Cubs’ woes continued on Tuesday night in St. Louis in an 8-7 loss to the division rival Cardinals in what was their fifth defeat in six games. With the setback, their lead in the NL Central Division falls to 2.5 games over both the Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers.

To make matters even more frustrating, even the team’s strengths seem to be faltering right now.

Specifically, the deciding flub of the evening came via defensive lapse by the team’s highly-touted elite defender and burgeoning superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong.

In the fourth inning, after the Cubs had taken the lead with a 5-run third and the Cards had re-taken the lead, the Cardinals’ Alec Burleson flied out to deep center field with one out and the speedy Masyn Winn on second base.

PCA loses track of outs, makes game-deciding flub

Crow-Armstrong made a routine catch of the fly ball, but thought it was the third out of the inning. He nonchalantly took in the ball and began to jog back to the dugout as Winn hustled around the bases to score the run in a rare two-base sacrifice fly advance.

PCA loses track of how many outs there are, and Masyn Winn scores from second on a flyout to center field. pic.twitter.com/vkCtZhDu1P

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 25, 2025

The eighth run scored because of the gaffe would turn out to be the winning run of the ball game.

After the game, when asked to confirm that he had lost track of the number of outs, the young star was direct and to the point.

“Simple as that,” Crow-Armstrong affirmed.

Chicago Cubs come to PCA’s defense

PCA’s manager and teammates were quick to jump to the defense of an asset who’s played spectacularly all season and who is especially adept with the glove, currently leading all National League outfielders in Outs Above Average (10).

“He lost track of the outs. It’s just a mistake,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told media.

“He’s been so good for us this year,” said losing pitcher Jameson Taillon, who gave up all eight runs over four innings pitched in Tuesday’s loss. “Obviously, he’s one of the best defenders in baseball. That’s just a freak thing. He takes a lot of pride in his defense, takes a lot of pride in being a great teammate, so I’m not too worried about it. I was more mad at myself for giving up the homers and giving up a lot of hard contact.

“I’m not too concerned with the eighth run I gave up. I’m concerned with all eight. I’m sure it won’t happen again. He’s been so good for us.”

A failed chance at redemption

Three innings after the mistake, Crow-Armstrong had a chance to play the hero role, but flubbed for a second time. With runners on the corners and one out, down by a run, an attempted bunt for a hit missed its mark and became just a simple sacrifice. The next batter, Dansby Swanson, would make the final out of the inning.

“That was an attempt for a little push bunt, trying to bunt for a base hit,” Crow-Armstrong told reporters. “But I didn’t do a good job of playing the game of baseball today.”

The 23-year-old, however, seemed to keep things in perspective following the tough loss.

“We got a very capable group, a lot of good leadership in this clubhouse,” Crow-Armstrong said. “This clubhouse has every ability to keep playing the way we were playing. Things haven’t gone our way, and we haven’t played the best baseball over the last couple weeks, but it’s just a two-week stretch that I’m positive we’re going to get past.”

As for how to come back from a bad, embarrassing day like Tuesday?

“Go to sleep and wake up,” he said.

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The Chicago Cubs have had a pretty charmed 2025 so far. They’re in first place atop the NL Central Division. They possess one of the most potent and versatile offenses in the game. They’ve even managed to jerry-rig a ragtag group of castoff arms into one of the best bullpens in the league.

Where they’ve taken it on the chin, though, is with their starting pitching.

Losing ace Justin Steele for the season with an elbow injury in early April was followed by losing co-ace Shota Imanaga in early May due to hamstring injury. And all of that was preceded by losing projected fifth starter Javier Assad due to an oblique issue. As of this writing, Imanaga has begun his rehab assignment while Assad is set to just begin throwing off a mound again.

So, with 60% of their starting rotation down, Jameson Taillon’s emergence as a steady, consistent starting rotation piece has been beyond well-received.

Taillon Steps Up

Taillon’s 6.2 inning, 2-earned run performance Thursday night in the Cubs’ 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates spotlights the veteran’s importance on a staff that might otherwise be limping its way to the hopes of a trade deadline rotation acquisition to save them.

In his last five outings, the 33-year-old has delivered 5 straight quality starts, brought home 5 wins, and has posted a 1.90 ERA. All of this has come at the exact perfect time for a staff starting to show the realities of a rotation manned by a sophomore (Ben Brown), a rookie (Cade Horton), and a veteran swing man (Colin Rea).

Along with free agent acquisition Matthew Boyd, Taillon has been the anchor of a decimated starting rotation, working his way to a 3.48 ERA and, at the very least, providing innings when his stuff has been less than stellar.

“Words like ‘consistent’ and ‘reliable’ sometimes don’t feel like they do Jameson enough justice,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told media. “But it’s so valuable in the starting pitcher world because those two attributes affect the eight guys in the bullpen tomorrow or yesterday or Saturday.

“The innings he delivers is another big piece. It doesn’t seem like the most exciting thing. But for a starting pitcher, it’s a really important part of helping everybody else around you, and he consistently does it.”

Assuming a Leadership Role

According to Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, Taillon’s leadership by example goes hand in hand with the role he’s taken as a team mentor.

“The definition of a leader, for me, is someone who can connect with various people, not just people in your group or your clique,” Hottovy told The Athletic. “He’s got the ability to connect with rookies, with position players, with bench players, with veterans because he asks questions.

“He’ll ask real questions of young players: ‘What were you thinking there?’ Very much how a coach would because he wants to hear you talk about it. That’s why guys gravitate toward him. Most people, when they need something, they come to you. Not many guys are coming to you asking what you need: ‘What can I help you with?’

Chicago Cubs’ Jon Lester of 2025?

More and more, it’s looking as though Taillon is assuming the role Jon Lester played on the world champion Cubs of 2016– a clubhouse leader as well as an on-field positive presence.

“I take a lot of pride in being out there, being available,” Taillon told media, “because I’ve been the hurt guy before, and I feel like I kind of reinvented myself a little bit. I’ve been able to — knock on wood — stay on the field and be a guy that our position players can look forward to seeing on the mound every fifth day.

“I’ve invested a lot in myself and been disciplined to get to this point where I can be a little more consistent, understand my strengths, understand my routine, who I am as a person and how that translates to the game. It’s being someone that your manager and teammates can just kind of hand the ball to and say, ‘We know he’s got it. He’s under control. He knows what he’s doing.’”

If Taillon continues his good work, Imanaga comes back, Boyd stays his course, and the Cubs front office can make that big starting rotation trade everyone is hoping for, things look extremely bright for a deep and productive postseason run.

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The Chicago Cubs have been showing signs of being something special this season.

As of this writing, the team sits atop the NL Central Division, with a comfortable-ish 5-game lead over the second place St. Louis Cardinals.

Their versatile and potent offense has been elite-tier throughout the year, consistently ranking high in runs, batting average, stolen bases, and run differential.

Their bullpen, once though to be the team’s biggest weakness, has turned around nicely and currently ranks among the best in baseball. Since May 14, it has posted a ridiculously tight 0.82 ERA.

The starting rotation needs a big-time addition or two, but it has held together relatively well considering that the Cubs have lost 60% of their projected front 5 (Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Javier Assad) for either most or all of the season thus far.

The Time To Win Is Now (And Maybe Next Year)

It would appear that the time is now to win. And that would mean going out and making some trades before the July 31st deadline to make that happen.

Digging deeper into the realities of this roster, though, it would appear that this Cubs team, as it stands now, really has just a two-year window to make something big happen.

And why is that?

The contract status of key members of this squad may indicate that a major turnover is on the precipice of happening by the end of the 2026 season.

Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Jameson Taillon will flat-out become free agents after 2026. Matthew Boyd, Carson Kelly, Shota Imanaga, and Colin Rea have options (either team or player) complicating their Cubs contract status. Seiya Suzuki, meanwhile, is eligible for arbitration after 2026, with free agency looming for the 2028 season.

The Chicago Cubs And The Great Purge

This means that Cubs ownership will have a lot of big contracts up at roughly the same time, with each likely to demand a sizable pay increase for the players. The last time that happened, we saw the great purge of 2021, with the Cubs trading away key World Series figures Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez near the trade deadline, as well as Craig Kimbrel, Joc Pederson, and Andrew Chafin. The purge was preceded that offseason, in late 2020, by the team non-tendering Kyle Schwarber and trading Yu Darvish.

The mass of players moved this time around wouldn’t be as great, but it would signify a major chemistry and makeup-rattling roster upheaval that would definitely change the outlook of the team.

To make matters more complicated, at least a few of their talented top prospects at Triple-A, pegged to possibly replace some of the outgoing veterans, will be gone this season if the team is serious about making aggressive trade moves in anticipation of a deep playoff run.

So, with veterans likely to move on and fewer assets available to move up from the minors to replace them, it’s pretty clear that there will be a two-year window for this team, as it exists right now, to make something big happen.

…And Then There’s Kyle Tucker (and PCA)

And, even then, there’s the huge detail of Kyle Tucker and his looming free agency.

Losing Tucker would create a massive hole to fill and, possibly, alter the trajectory of the team. With rumored expectations of a 10-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $500 million, it might appear to be more likely that Tucker will be an ex-Cub in 2026.

The long-term health of the major league club would be helped immensely by ownership doing whatever it takes to keep Tucker and, while they’re at it, extending Pete Crow-Armstrong through the reasonable rest of his career.

In the meantime, Chicago has to assume a “win now” attitude given the business realities facing them.

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The Chicago Cubs suffered a devastating blow in early May, when lefty co-ace Shota Imanaga was placed on the injured list due to a left hamstring strain.

The horrible news came just over a month after the team lost their other lefty co-ace Justin Steele for the season due to an elbow injury that required surgery.

The loss of Imanaga was especially frustrating since there seemed to be no firm time frame for his return. Recovery from hamstring injuries, in general, tends to be unpredictable. But the fact that the 31-year-old has never suffered from a lower-body injury has contributed to the uncertainty when it comes to a timeline for return.

So, the Cubs and the Japanese starter have been taking things day by day. A 25-pitch bullpen session on May 28 led to subsequent work. On June 3, it was reported that Imanaga had flown to Arizona to face live batters at the Cubs’ training complex.

Shota Imanaga’s First Rehab Outing

On Monday, the much-needed rotation asset finally pitched in an actual game situation– and it reportedly went quite well.

Pitching for the Arizona Complex League (ACL) Cubs in a game against the ACL Rockies, SI.com reports that Imanaga worked two full innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four. By accounting of the stats, it was a commanding performance in 106-degree Arizona weather and with lots of underlying uncertainty mixed up with the stress of facing his first live hitters in over a month. No pitch count was released.

The next step, of course, is to do this all over again, likely upping the pitch count a bit, before possibly moving on to an actual minor league rehab stint. Obviously, though, this depends on how Imanaga feels and how the Cubs feel about his advancement. More and more, it’s looking like manager Craig Counsell’s mid-May assessment of a major league return “well into June” will be right on the money.

But we ARE ten days into June, as of this writing, so that’s not entirely awful news.

The Chicago Cubs Starting Rotation Balancing Act

To say that the Cubs need Imanaga is an understatement. Even with the team sitting somewhat comfortably atop the NL Central Division and the starting pitching holding together admirably well, the strains of a depleted front of rotation are starting to be felt. As the season goes on and the pressure of a playoff race amps up, the team won’t be able to skate by on a strong offense and a merely competent everything else.

Offseason free agent acquisition Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon have picked up the front-of-rotation slack in Imanaga’s absence. Free agent signee Colin Rea has, mostly, done well in his role as a fill-in starter. Top pitching prospect Cade Horton is clearly a work in progress, but he’s also performed well enough since his big league call-up in early May. Sophomore Ben Brown, meanwhile, has put together a pair of impressive outings after a wildly inconsistent beginning to the season.

Aggressive Trade-Minded Cubs?

Maintaining a league-competitive rotation in the face of losing their two aces (and fifth starter Javier Assad before the season began) has been an impressive balancing for Counsell and his staff. But it’s a balancing act nonetheless.

It’s widely believed that the Cubs will be very aggressive in looking for pitching before the trade deadline and potential high-end trade targets have already been mentioned.

Getting Imanaga back, though, would be a huge playoff drive boost alongside whoever they can pick up in a swap.

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The Chicago Cubs began the 2025 season with a significant degree of uncertainty.

Among the many question marks was the team’s offensive productivity, which had flat-lined for large chunks of 2024.

The trade for multi-tool right fielder Kyle Tucker would definitely help in that area, but the team had also lost offensive asset Cody Bellinger. Sophomore center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s output had mostly been isolated to a one-month stretch in 2024, and young catcher Miguel Amaya had yet to truly hit his stride in any one area of the game. Seiya Suzuki had been grumbling about having to be the full-time DH.

Slated for third base was top prospect Matt Shaw, who had yet to take a single major league at-bat. Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, meanwhile, had undergone offseason surgery.

However, as things would turn out, the Cubs would have nothing to worry about in the area of offense.

Chicago Cubs’ Offense Has Been Insane

Tucker has been Tucker. PCA has been otherworldly. Just about everyone and everything else has been stellar. Even offseason free agent acquisition Carson Kelly had provided the team with a considerable and entirely unexpected power boost earlier in the season.

The numbers tell the story of a fully-actualized Cubs offense that can win with power, speed, and/or contact hitting on any given day. They are currently no. 1 in MLB when it comes to runs scored, no. 2 in batting average, no. 5 in home runs, no. 3 in on-base percentage, no. 3 in slugging percentage, and no. 3 in stolen bases.

Saturday’s All-Power Game

In Saturday’s win over the Detroit Tigers, owners of MLB’s best won-loss record, the Cubs’ power was showcased. They would fail to place any runners in scoring position during the 6-1 victory, getting all their runs from the long ball. Of their 7 hits, 5 would be home runs (Two by Suzuki, one by Crow-Armstrong, one by Michael Busch, and one by Matt Shaw).

“I think it speaks to, just, a different way to win a game,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the game. “We hit some homers today, but didn’t do much else…but homers are good. Hit five homers and that’s a pretty good day…The guys did a good job at getting the ball in the air and getting some pitches to drive.”

So Many Ways To Score

Jameson Taillon, who was the co-star of the game, allowing just 1 earned run on 3 hits over 7 innings, would give props to his team’s potent offense following the victory.

“It’s a really deep lineup,” Taillon said. “We can beat you by hitting homers. We can beat you by stealing bases, taking the extra base, working counts. Some days we’re aggressive when that’s the game plan. Some days we’re letting pitchers come to us a little bit and getting guys out early in games. It’s been a lot of fun to watch.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch would also marvel at the Cubs’ offense.

“They are a high-contact team and they have power and all five homers were off secondary pitches,” Hinch told media. “They did the opposite of what we did. They were on at least one speed of pitches and we couldn’t keep the ball in the ballpark. They say the solo home run can’t beat you. It can when you give up a bunch of them.”

There’s plenty of baseball still to play, but it doesn’t appear likely that this offense, which is now cooking in all nine lineup slots, will suffer any significant regression.

Although the 2025 Cubs may end up living or dying on the strength of their pitching as the playoff race truly heats up, their versatile and exceptionally well-constructed offense should keep them competitive.

No matter what, though, this will make for an exciting and entertaining rest of the season.

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The Chicago Cubs are riding high right now, carried to a somewhat comfortable first-place spot in the NL Central Division by their league-best offense.

Their formerly shaky bullpen has also solidified in recent weeks, making it one of the most reliable relief corps in baseball at the moment.

The live-or-die aspect of the team, though, may be its starting pitching.

The Cubs lost their ace Justin Steele to an elbow injury back in early April, and they won’t have him back until May-June of next year, at the earliest. Then, they lost co-ace lefty Shota Imanaga to a hamstring injury in early May. And, before all of that, Javier Assad was lost due to an oblique issue.

For those keeping tabs, that makes 60% of their starting rotation lost for all, or most, of the season thus far.

The Chicago Cubs’ Starting Rotation Has Held Together, Somewhat

Despite the losses and setbacks, the Cubs’ rotation has actually held together quite well. With Jameson Taillon and free agent acquisition Matthew Boyd leading the way, along with veteran Colin Rea, sophomore Ben Brown, and top pitching prospect Cade Horton, the staff has been outstanding in spots and iffy in others. Overall, though, they’ve been good enough not to be a liability.

But “good enough to not be a liability” won’t be good enough in the postseason or even in the late-season drive to make postseason play. The Cubs need starting pitching.

The big hope among fans is that the front office will pull off some big deal by trade deadline, bringing over a stud top-of-rotation starter for the playoff race.

The Realities Of The Deadline Trade Market

But the trade market looks like it will be pretty slim this year, especially when it comes to high-end starters. Of the few who may be available, some, like Miami’s Sandy Alcantara and Arizona’s Zac Gallen, are performing poorly and may not be desirable fits because of it. The remaining starters will require a hefty haul in return, as it will most definitely be a seller’s market.

And given that the Cubs have not been generally known for big, bold in-season trades, the team may find itself on the losing end of trade bidding wars.

So, what does that mean for Chicago’s push to bring in an ace-level starting pitcher?

They may NOT get one, at least not from the outside.

The Cubs May Have To Look Internally For Second-Half Pitching Help

The Cubs may have to settle for returning assets to be their rotation-fortifying additions. Notably, Imanaga.

According to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network, Imanaga has flown to Arizona to face live hitters. This news comes after the news that the Japanese star had pitched back-to-back bullpen sessions without discomfort.

These are positive updates when it comes to Imanaga’s return and, with a short rehab stint in Iowa, it means that they could get him back at full strength somewhere around the all-star break.

The progress of Assad is a bit hazier, with the last word being that he had started playing catch about a week ago. Optimistically, the Cubs could hope to have him back in some capacity by late summer, just in time to help eat some innings in long relief and/or possibly spot start.

If the high-end trade market proves to be too unfriendly, the team may have to settle on a second-tier pitching addition or two for the sake of depth and to give manager Craig Counsell flexibility and maneuverability to make the most with what he has.

More and more, it appears that this might be the path the Cubs will have to take as the real playoff race takes shape. For now, everyone will just cross their fingers that Imanaga gets back, Assad can contribute something, and that no other pitchers go down to injury.

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Following a brutal series opening loss against the Marlins on Monday night, the Chicago Cubs needed to bounce back in a big way on Tuesday. They had a golden opportunity to take the opener with a one-run lead entering the ninth inning, but Daniel Palencia could not slam the door shut, as the Marlins walked it off with two outs in the frame.

The Cubs took two of three from the Marlins a week ago at home, with them not being able to secure the sweep by dropping the finale, 3-1. Following a tough schedule to begin the campaign, Chicago has been given a nice end to the month of May. When the month concludes, they will have played the White Sox, Marlins (twice), Reds (twice) and Rockies. They currently hold a two-game lead of first place in the NL Central over the Cardinals, with a 29-20 record to show for it.

The bats came alive for the Cubs big time in Tuesday’s 14-1 victory. They accomplished something as a group that they have already done three times this season in their first 49 games at the plate.

The Chicago Cubs collected 21 hits for the third time this season

In Chicago’s 14-1 win over the Marlins on Tuesday, they collected exactly 21 hits as a team for the third time this season. Everyone in the order picked up a knock, and it was quite the response to their disappointing loss against the fish on Monday. The contest was tied at one entering the top of the sixth, where the Cubs exploded for eight runs in the inning. Seiya Suzuki capped of the frame with a two-run homer, his 12th of the season. The fourth-year Cub is now tied with Aaron Judge for the most runs driven in throughout the league with 43.

Chicago added five more runs for good measure in the ninth off Miami infielder, Javier Sanoja. Jameson Taillon looked sharp on the mound yesterday, as he was able to get through seven innings of work while allowing just one run. The veteran right-hander gave up his eighth solo homer in his last three starts, but he settled in just fine on his way to his third win of the season.

Kyle Tucker might have snapped out of his slump on Tuesday

Tucker had been struggling over the past couple of weeks, but had the game he desperately needed on Tuesday. He got the scoring started for Chicago in the first frame with his 11th home run of the season. Tucker finished the game going 3-4 with two runs scored, improving his season average to .268 in the process. He served as the designated hitter on Tuesday after some fans were questioning why he did not come up with the grab in the ninth inning of Monday’s contest that would have given Chicago the victory.

Fans shouldn’t worry about Tucker’s recent skid in the box. Even the game’s best bats will go cold on occasion, and that’s what has happened with him over the past couple of weeks. Luckily, the rest of the lineup around him has been able to make up for his shortcomings and hopefully he will begin to hit his stride again.

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In their last homestand, the Chicago Cubs got consistently strong outings from their starting rotation against the Marlins and White Sox. Their 5-1 record on the week speaks volumes to how well the staff did, as their one loss came in the series finale against Miami last Wednesday. The 3-1 defeat saw veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon give up three solo home runs, but still getting through six frames of work.

Last year’s rotation was by far the strongest part of the team, as the bullpen had their fair share of implosions and the offense fell flat pretty frequently. It was unreasonable to put this much pressure on the rotation again in 2025, so Jed Hoyer went out and made moves to try and make the rest of the roster stronger. The team’s offense is now one of the best in baseball, but the bullpen still needs some work done to it.

One of the front office’s free agent signings this offseason has been massive as a member of the rotation. He has needed to step up with injuries being prevalent in the staff so far.

Matthew Boyd is putting himself in Chicago Cubs history

Boyd went six innings and allowed three runs on four hits in the Cubs’ 7-3 win over the White Sox on Saturday. The veteran now has four consecutive appearances on the hill at Wrigley Field with a victory, which puts him in second all-time in franchise history in that category. Boyd sits behind Rick Sutcliffe, who had eight straight home outings with a victory.

The southpaw has been overpowering batters so far in his three starts in May. Boyd punched out eight against the White Sox on Saturday, and did the same thing on May 11 on the road when the team took on the Mets. His first start of the month came against San Francisco at home on May 5, where he struck out seven in the 9-2 win.

The Chicago Cubs investment in Matthew Boyd has paid off so far

Boyd was given a two-year deal in December worth just under $30 million total following a strong 2024 campaign with the Guardians where he tossed under 40.0 innings in the regular season while working back from injury. The signing was a pure upside decision from the front office, and it has paid off big time so far. Boyd has been an anchor in the Cubs’ rotation, and has answered the bell while Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele have been on the shelf.

Fortunately, Imanaga should be back at some point in June, where Steele will miss the rest of the campaign. Boyd has a 4-2 record in nine starts in this season. The lefty has a 2.98 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 51.1 innings tossed in an important role with the club’s starting group. He is slated to throw again in the series opener against the Reds on Friday.

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The Chicago Cubs picked up a real gem back in 2021 when they acquired Pete Crow-Armstrong at the trade deadline from the New York Mets for shortstop Javier Baez and pitcher Trevor Williams.

That deal proved to be especially fortuitous considering Baez’s poor performance up until a career rekindling this year and Williams’ general lower-tier stats.

“PCA,” however, appears to be a special one and he’s just starting to find his stride as a major league star.

The 23-year-old already ranks among the top 3 in RBIs (38), the top 7 in home runs (12), and the top 5 in stolen bases (14). When it comes to WAR, only Aaron Judge and Fernando Tatis Jr. rank above his 2.9.

During Saturday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer joined the Marquee Sports Network broadcast booth and talked up his young star, who’s quite the hot topic these days.

“I think he’ll get hot eventually,” Hoyer noted sarcastically, right before Crow-Armstrong motorerd his way to a triple on a ball hit to right field.

High Praise And Legendary Comparisons For Pete Crow-Armstrong

The exec would go on to heap some hefty praise for the young talent, tossing around comparisons to some legendary MLB names.

“There are few things in our sport more fun to watch than a guy that’s a top-of-the-scale athlete play baseball,” Hoyer said. “I think about when you’re young and you watch the Rickey Hendersons and the Eric Davises — the guys that can really run and have power. That’s what he’s turning into right in front of our eyes.”

That’s indeed some mighty high company to keep– a legendary Hall of Famer in Henderson and a cusp-of-HOF Davis–  for a player less than halfway into his sophomore year and who, last season, had to be sent to the minors for retooling.

Greatness In The Works?

But how can one deny what they’re seeing, as it plays out right before their eyes? Coming into Sunday’s game, PCA is 6-for-10 in the first two games of the White Sox series, with 8 RBIs, a stolen base, and a home run.

And not only are the numbers amazing, but so is the emotion the kid brings to the field.

“I’d like to say it’s passion rather than emotion,” Crow-Armstrong corrected, when a reporter asked about that emotion following Friday’s 13-3 rout over the White Sox. “I think passion is when you see, like, the real joy. Emotion kind of goes both ways, where it’s sometimes what takes me, anybody, out of a game.”

The kid is even tuned into the nuances of the Cubs-Sox crosstown rivalry, tossing in a subtle dig at the South Siders in the next breath.

“Starting the way we started today feels great. It’s nice seeing the crosstown fans leave early.”

The Chicago Cubs’ Shining Young Star

What’s not to love about PC– the energy, the enthusiasm, the multi-faceted aspect to his game?

“He’s definitely got that ‘it’ factor,” starting pitcher Jameson Taillon told The Athletic earlier this month. “He likes playing in the big moments, he likes performing on the big stages. It’s been a lot of fun.”

“I think it’s cool he’s got a pretty good personality,” Taillon added. “I feel like he hasn’t lost that at all. That’s a testament to everyone in the Cubs org for letting him shine bright. A lot of times young guys, people want to tell ’em to stay quiet or whatever. I feel like we’ve done a good job of being like, ‘No, go be yourself, go be a dude, be a star.’”

And, so far, Crow-Armstrong is doing just that.

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The Chicago Cubs did not complete the sweep against Miami at home on Wednesday night, but still claimed another series at Wrigley Field this season. They put together a comeback in game two of the set where Justin Turner walked it off with a two-run double in the ninth inning. Even though the Cubs claimed this series thanks to those late-inning heroics, their bats fell quiet against a relatively poor pitching staff.

Miami has a couple of solid arms in their bullpen like Anthony Bender, but Chicago has done better against much strong units so far this season. They scored just one run on four hits in their 3-1 to conclude the series on Wednesday, with Seiya Suzuki launching his 11th home run of the season in the fourth frame to give the Cubs their lone run.

Jameson Taillon got the ball for the Cubs on Wednesday and he has been solid so far in his third season with the organization. The veteran right-hander has stacked together quality starts to begin the campaign, but one thing has held him back in his last two outings.

Jameson Taillon has allowed seven homers in his last two starts

Despite giving the Cubs a chance to win in his last two times on the hill, Taillon has allowed seven home runs in that stretch. The veteran gave up four solo shots against the Mets last Friday at Citi Field, and followed it up by having three more solo homers hit against him on Wednesday. Taillon hasn’t had the strongest May, as he has allowed 10 earned runs in three starts. However, none of the two losses that he has picked up were out of hand when he was taken out of the game.

Taillon was extremely sharp in April across five starts. The right-hander finished the month with a 2.76 ERA in 29.1 innings tossed, but the Cubs only won two of his five starts that month. Dating back to Chicago’s 10-4 loss on the road against San Diego where Taillon got the nod, they have only won one of his last six starts.

The Chicago Cubs still have a reliable starter in Jameson Taillon

Even though things haven’t been in Taillon’s favor as of late, Chicago still has a quality starter in the 33-year-old. He has a 2-3 record so far this season in nine starts and he has a 4.53 ERA. His 1.11 WHIP is 30th among all starters in baseball, and he looks much more like he did in a solid 2024 campaign with the Cubs rather than his hard-to-watch 2023 season with the club.

With Chicago’s pitching staff losing it’s depth due to injuries to Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, they will need to lean on veterans like Taillon and Matthew Boyd to carry them until the trade deadline. Taillon will get another shot at the Marlins when the Cubs travel to Miami to begin a three-game series next Monday.

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The Chicago Cubs had some questions about their starting rotation coming into the 2025 season.

Those questions, however, were more focused on the back end of the rotation. Specifically, the fifth spot, which appeared to be entirely up for grabs.

With Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and free agent addition Matthew Boyd slated to be the front four, there were several candidates vying for the last starter gig. Among those in consideration were Javier Assad, Ben Brown, and veteran free agent signee Colin Rea.

There seemed to be little cause for concern, if all things went according to plan.

In baseball, though, all things rarely go according to plan.

Chicago Cubs Starting Pitching Setbacks

Steele had to have season-ending elbow surgery. Assad has been down twice with oblique issues and may not be back until mid-season. Imanaga, meanwhile, is currently on the IL with a hamstring injury and there’s no timeline yet on when he may be back in the rotation.

The strain on the team has been less profound than one might think it would be. Credit that to a stellar offense that has ranked among baseball’s best. Credit that, also, to a remaining rotation that has performed remarkably well throughout the bad news.

Stepping Up

Boyd has stepped into the spotlight as de facto ace, posting a 2.78 ERA through 8 starts. Taillon’s 4.53 ERA is nothing spectacular, but he’s been steady and sturdy in the middle of the rotation. Brown has shown flashes of his true potential. And, most welcome of all, Rea has been brilliant with a 2.48 ERA in 9 appearances, which include 6 starts.

In Monday’s game with the Miami Marlins, Rea, who was signed to a 1-year, $5 million deal this past offseason, was given a standing ovation at Wrigley Field as he left the game after a performance that saw him give up just two earned runs in 6.2 innings pitched.

“This is,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell gushed to media after the game, “exactly the reason that we thought he was an important piece in the offseason.”

“It doesn’t feel flashy, and it doesn’t feel overpowering, but it’s good,” Counsell added. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s good at his craft. He’s a pitcher. He knows how to navigate an inning, navigate different types of hitters, and how his stuff plays against everybody. He’s very self-aware.”

There have been some definite feel-good moments within this battered starting rotation. There’ve been enough of them to, maybe, cloud perspective.

Reality Will Hit Hard

Johnny Flores Jr. of The Athletic, contributing to the website’s recent MLB Power Rankings article, spotlighted the reality destined to present itself further down the Cubs’ road:

“…What the Cubs surely will miss, especially down the stretch, is an ace like Steele. Ace-level starters don’t just grow on trees, you know? Having a dependable No. 1 could mean the difference between winning the NL Central and sitting out another October. It also creates a tall task for Jed Hoyer’s front office, as the Cubs won’t be the only team in search of a starter…and through the early parts of the season, it looks like it’ll be slim pickings come July.”

The cold, hard reality is that any team serious about a deep postseason run has to have a serious rotation and at least one proven shutdown starter. The Cubs, staffed with some overachieving assets and unproven talents, don’t have that right now.

Fans would like to believe that Rea, with his lifetime 4.42 ERA, will keep throwing gems and that the oft-injured Boyd, who hasn’t thrown more than 100 innings since 2019, will deliver greatness for a full season. They’d also like to believe that Imanaga will bounce back entirely after a tricky hamstring injury and that Assad will come back as well, dealing like 2024 at the tail end of the rotation.

There’s also the belief that the famously frugal Cubs organization will pull off some stellar deal for an ace at the trade deadline, despite having to compete with at least a half dozen other, historically more daring, teams looking to do the same.

That’s a lot of believing.

This is not to say that all of the above won’t happen or that, at the very least, enough of the above will happen to get the Cubs where they need to be. It’s just a lot and it will require some major efforts from both players and front office, as well as some major positive twists of fate.

Cross your fingers.

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Despite a rough past week for the Chicago Cubs, their starting pitching remained consistent like it has been all season long through early-May. Their rotation was the strongest part of their squad in 2024, but injuries have made that tough to follow this spring. Justin Steele went down for the season in mid-April and Shota Imanaga strained his hamstring in Milwaukee over a week ago, so depth has become an issue for the unit. The Cubs were able to take the opening game of the San Francisco series last Monday, which was the first of just two games that they won in that six-game stretch.

Chicago followed up their massive series opening victory by dropping three straight contests for the first time all season. It’s impressive that this was the first time that the team had done this in 2025, as they had a gauntlet that they needed to complete to begin the campaign. Out of there first 29 games of the year, 20 of the Cubs’ battles came against the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks. They managed to stay above .500 in these games, as they went 11-9.

After Sunday’s loss at Citi Field, one the club’s more consistent starters this season spoke on how important it is for the rotation to take care of business this year.

Matthew Boyd stresses Chicago Cubs’ starters going deep into games

Following his start in the series finale against the Mets, Matthew Boyd spoke to the media about the importance of the current rotation going as deep into games as possible.

“That’s our job as a starter, it’s always important,” Boyd said. “The bullpen’s been amazing for us, and it doesn’t change what’s been happening. The bullpen’s been money for us and they’ve been doing a lot for us down there.”

The bullpen has received plenty of criticism so far this year after not being able to hold onto a handful of leads. While guys like Porter Hodge have been relatively consistent, there are still way more questions than answers in the stable as the summer nears. Boyd was sharp once again on Sunday, as he allowed just two runs in six innings for the second straight start. He now has a 3-2 record with a 2.78 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 45.1 innings tossed this year.

The Chicago Cubs’ could use some starting pitching depth

Even though Imanaga could be back around the beginning of June, the Cubs front office could look to add some depth in the rotation down the stretch. Names like Brad Keller and Sandy Alcantara have been floated around on the rumor mill, and either would be great additions to the current unit.

Alcantara has had a rough start to the 2025 campaign, so his price could be much more reasonable for Chicago to make a solid offer on now compared to what it would have been at the beginning of the year. Keller has been the definition of consistent for the Pirates since the 2021 season and has kept a clean bill of health in the process, making him another suitable candidate for the front office to pursue.

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The Chicago Cubs took some flak when they signed former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell to a 5-year, $40 million contract prior to the 2024 season, making him the highest paid MLB manager of all-time.

Counsell’s first year as team skipper didn’t really win over any of the doubters as the team finished an uneven season with a “meh” 83-79 record and, once again, failed to make the playoffs.

This year, though, the team has looked stellar as it played through MLB’s toughest start-of-schedule to earn a pretty firm first place position atop the NL Central Division.

And much of this very early success can be attributed to Counsell’s molding of the team into a multi-tooled offense that can adapt to the always unpredictable weather conditions of Wrigley Field.

Working With The Unpredictable Wrigley Field

Veteran Cubs observers can attest to the realities of Wrigley. With the wind blowing out, it’s a big-time hitter’s park. With the wind blowing in, it’s a big-time pitcher’s park. In the frigid cold, the game play goes one way; In the humid heat, the game play goes another.

Last season, the swirling winds at Wrigley were mostly blowing in, turning it into one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in all of baseball. Stats reveal that, in 2024, Wrigley registered the second-lowest batting average and slugging percentage among major league parks. It also had the lowest home run rate in all of the MLB.

Cubs pitching reaped the benefits of those conditions, posting a 3.08 ERA at home versus a 4.53 ERA on the road.

The Cubs offense, however, was stifled. Inconsistent run production was a running issue throughout the 2024 campaign.

The 2025 Chicago Cubs’ Focus On Versatility

This year, there seemed to be a conscious effort to diversify the offense in an attempt to avoid those long stretches where the hitters seemed at the mercy of Wrigley’s weather conditions.

So far, the effort has been a success.

“A lot of the offseason for me was about, where can we create advantages for our group of players?” Counsell recently told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “It’s kind of like a therapist. You have to acknowledge Wrigley. There are 13 position players and 13 pitchers. Every day, one side’s pissed, one side’s happy. But we’ve got to win a baseball game.”

“When the wind is blowing in? The home run doesn’t exist. It’s baseball without a home run,” Counsell continued. “It’s really embracing that. And maybe if the other team doesn’t completely embrace that, we can get an advantage. It’s the same conditions. Can we just be a little ahead of it?”

Sculpting a team into one that can thrive on the long ball as well as succeed at small ball isn’t easy, but the Cubs front office did just that and Counsell has been the on-field general utilizing that multi-front offense.

The Team Has Embraced That Mindset

From hearing the comments of Cubs players, it’s pretty clear that this versatility approach has become a standard talking point for the team.

“He [Counsell] encourages us to be smart and athletic on the bases and with the way we play the game in general,” infielder Jon Berti told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. “It’s understanding that Wrigley can change day to day. Wind blowing in, wind blowing out, cold, hot, whatever, we got to find different ways to win.”

Pitcher Jameson Taillon is also emphasizing the mindset.

“It’s a good brand of baseball we’re playing,” Taillon also told The Athletic. “I remember watching the really good Cubs teams and playing against the really good Cubs teams in ’16, ’17, ’18. They found a way to win the shootouts and the close one-run games.

“We’re trying to get back to that. When the wind’s blowing out, we can slug with anyone. But when it’s blowing in, we know we have great defense. So on the pitching side, just throw strikes, mix pitches and let our defense work. On the offensive side, just run the bases really hard, take the extra 90 feet, hustle on everything.”

All of this seems like good, smart, practical strategy for the Cubs. It does make one wonder, though, why nobody’s gone this route before.

Maybe because Craig Counsell wasn’t there?

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The Chicago Cubs lost a tough one on Sunday night.

No loss is pleasant, of course, but this one stung a bit more than most. The 3-1, 10-inning loss to the Philadelphia Phillies cost them the 3-game series and put the breaks on a wonderful feel-good run that saw them dazzle against the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers, as well as in the first game of the Phillies series.

The loss also stung because it pretty much spotlighted all of the Cubs’ weaknesses and concerns as a team with playoff aspirations.

The issue getting most of the Monday morning attention is at third base.

Brujan’s Blunder At Third Base

In the tenth inning, with the bases loaded, two outs, and the Phillies already up by a run, Trea Turner hit what looked like a routine ground ball to third. It seemed as though the Cubs would get out of the extreme jam with only one run given.

However, Cubs third baseman Vidal Brujan was playing at the edge of the dirt and didn’t get to the ball in time to throw Turner out. The positioning miscalculation allowed the Phillies to score an insurance run before heading into the bottom of the 10th.

After the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell was blunt in his assessment of the blunder.

“You gotta go get that ball,” Counsell told media. “With the speed of Turner, you gotta go it.”

The Chicago Cubs Must Address Third Base Needs

Brujan’s mistake was not entirely unexpected, given how few game play reps the utility man has had at third base this year.

All in all, no Cubs third baseman has had all that many reps, as the team has already cycled through five third baseman in just 29 games.

Chicago pulled the plug quick on top prospect Matt Shaw, sending him back down to Iowa for more seasoning. They also gave the quick hook to Rule 5 draft pick Gage Workman. Justin Turner, the 40-year-old free agent acquisition, has gotten brief time at third, but he was never really considered an option to stay there for any extended period of time.

So, really, the leaves the team with a pair of utility men– Brujan and Jon Berti– to man the hot corner.

That, obviously, is far from ideal.

At some point, the gaping hole at third will need to be filled, even if it’s just with someone who can play consistently adequate defense.

Another Problem: Bullpen Inconsistency

Although the third base dilemma has been getting a lot of attention, Brujan’s mistake would not have been much of an issue if the bullpen, Julian Merryweather specifically, had not buckled late in extra innings.

Merryweather, prior to Sunday’s game, had been rock solid. In this game, though, he walked three in two-thirds of an inning and facilitated the partial collapse.

After seven quality innings from starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, who allowed just one earned run, Porter Hodge and Ryan Pressly did well in relief, before Merryweather’s poor outing.

And this shined a light on another Cubs worry this season– the bullpen.

So far this season, the Cubs bullpen has been consistently inconsistent, with no lead considered secure after the starter leaves the game.

Sooner or later, that kind of insecurity weighs down a team and starts to create cracks that become increasingly problematic as the strain of the season wears on.

There is zero doubt that, even with the need at third base and a need for a top-of-rotation replacement for the injured Justin Steele, the bullpen will have to be addressed at some point.

Sunday’s tough loss would appear to go beyond a standard “L” on the ledger. Some may see it as a harbinger of bad things to come.

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The Chicago Cubs struggles at third base continued in their extra inning loss at home against the Phillies on Sunday. In the tenth inning, Vidal Brujan chose to back up on a ground ball off the bat of Trea Turner that came back to bite him as Turner beat the throw to first. This allowed another run in extras to come across for Philadelphia on their way to a 3-1 victory.

The Phillies took the series at Wrigley Field against the Cubs in which Chicago had a promising start to the three-game set on Friday. Colin Rea was fantastic in another scoreless start as the Cubs shutout Philadelphia, 4-0. For the most part in this weekend series, the bullpen had things under control. The relief pitching and hot corner have been the two biggest issues this season, and those both were once again on full display on Sunday.

Despite the offense not providing much run support for Jameson Taillon who tossed seven innings and allowed just one run, it was Julian Merrywheather who walked three batters in the tenth inning to set up that infield single from Turner to make it a two-run game.

While the bullpen remains in flux through the first month of the season, the Cubs front office should stand pat with their decision in keeping their top prospect down at the Triple-A level. Just because things are rough at the hot corner right now, it doesn’t mean they should make a rash decision in calling him up to potentially hurt his development.

The Chicago Cubs should not panic in calling up Matt Shaw

Even though things have been rough since the Cubs sent down Matt Shaw to Triple-A a couple of weeks ago, they should still keep him at that level while he continues to work on things at the plate. Shaw hit .172 with a .535 OPS in 18 games during his first big league stint. He had one homer (which came off the bench) and three runs driven in. He struck out 18 times in 58 at-bats, proving that something just wasn’t right for him in the box when getting his first look at big league pitching.

Shaw hasn’t been much better at the plate in his short time with the I-Cubs. The former first-round pick is hitting .192 in 26 at-bats across his seven games with the club and hit his first homer of the year with them over the weekend. This proves that Shaw should not be rushed back up to the show, regardless of how big the need is at third base. His development is vital to the team’s future, and that should not be sacrificed whatsoever.

Matt Shaw could have a new veteran counterpart in the show

An alternative that the Cubs front office could look at to try and fix the third base position in the short term is on the trade market. They could look to a guy like Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies as an option to pursue if things continue to go down a rough path at the position. McMahon has been consistent for Colorado over the past few seasons and would be a big time improvement at the plate for the middle of the Cubs order.

Although his contract could be an issue and he hasn’t had the best start to the 2025 campaign, McMahon wouldn’t block Shaw in the long run. With McMahon being a left-handed bat, it could allow Shaw to ease into big league life at a steadier pace as a platoon guy when he is ready if this is the path that the franchise were to go down.

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The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation has without a doubt been the most consistent part of their roster so far in the 2025 season. They are coming off a 16-0 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night where Ben Brown dazzled in his six innings of work as the team’s starter.

While every member of the rotation has put together a couple of solid starts this season, one of the organization’s frontline starters received some brutal news on Sunday.

Chicago Cubs announce that Justin Steele is out for the season

Craig Counsell made the fears of Cub fans official on Sunday when he announced that Steele will undergo season-ending surgery on his left elbow. The 29-year-old was placed on the injured list after his best start of the season on Monday against the Rangers, and things quickly went from bad to worse on the severity of his injury.

With the team off to a strong start and having aspirations to win the division, this is a crushing blow. Steele’s spot is up in the rotation for the Sunday night battle against the Dodgers and veteran right-hander Colin Rea has taken his place in the rotation for the time being.

It will be up to Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon to step up and fill Steele’s shoes for the rest of the season. Shota Imanaga continues to look like an ace, but it will take more than just his efforts to keep the franchise’s divisional title hopes intact.

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The Chicago Cubs got a serving of bad news in the midst of a feel-good run of victories when it was announced on Wednesday that lefty ace Justin Steele would be headed to the 15-day injured list with left elbow tendonitis.

The rattling report was even more disappointing since it came following a masterful Steele performance on Monday, where he threw seven scoreless innings and allowed just three hits in a 7-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.

Things got worse for the Cubs and their faithful fans when buzz began circulating Friday morning that the injury to their top starter was possibly more severe than initially believed.

Cubs beat writer Jesse Rogers, in a Friday morning appearance on ESPN 1000, expressed his informed, but as of yet unconfirmed, belief that Steele’s stay on the injured list will be longer than the current minimum.

Justin Steele’s Injury Has Dire Implications

In a worst case scenario, the Cubs face the reality that they could lose their most consistent starter for an extended period of time. Even in a best case scenario, though, the team will have to work around Steele’s limitations for fear of aggravating the sensitive injury to his throwing arm.

And all of that means that the Cubs absolutely, positively need to bring in a new starting pitcher who can deliver quality innings every fifth day.

A returning Javier Assad is not the answer to that need. Bringing someone like Jordan Wicks back from the minors is not the answer. Working swing men like Colin Rea and Brad Keller into the rotation also isn’t a long-term answer.

As Brian Kelder of North Side Baseball recently pointed out, when assessing the “what if” implications of losing either Steele of Shota Imanaga for an extended period of time:

“I guess the answer to that will come quickly! Colin Rea was signed precisely for these moments as a swing arm. Jordan Wicks is struggling with a 1.76 WHIP in his first two starts in Iowa, Cade Horton isn’t stretched out, and Chris Flexen also sports a WHIP over 1.70. There is not a pitcher in the system that can be expected to come near to Justin Steele’s projected line.

The Cubs gambled a lot of their season on Imanaga and Steele maintaining their elite level while, in Steele’s case, increasing his workload. Matthew Boyd has been outstanding, also, which lessens the blow of Steele missing time. Even so, the team cannot afford to lose Steele for an extended period of time. They just weren’t built to withstand his loss.”

There are also legitimate question marks when it comes to the oft-injured and surgically repaired Boyd’s durability and Jameson Taillon’s consistency.

The Chicago Cubs Must Make A Trade

So, at this point, there’s no other option than a trade.

The problem is that most teams won’t be up for such a big trade, involving a valuable starting pitching asset, this early in the season. Even the no-hope teams already considering themselves out of contention would prefer to make their deals closer to the trade deadline, when market demand allows them to ask more for their trade-fodder pitchers.

So, if the Cubs do make a trade for starting pitching now, it’ll probably have to be for a stopgap budget mid-to-back-of-rotation starter, with the idea of making a bigger acquisition at the trade deadline.

With that in mind, here are two realistic potential trade targets who fit the Cubs needs, at least for right now.

Two Realistic Cubs Trade Targets

Veteran right-hander Zack Littell has struggled for the Tampa Bay Rays so far this year and is currently playing through the last year of his contract with the team, which is projected by most to be a .500 club.

It’s quite likely that the Rays would be willing to deal him right now for a smallish asking price and to remove his $5.7 million salary from their books.

Littell has mostly been a starter in recent years, but he’s had his best seasons as a quality swing man who can start as well as serve as long relief.

Another trade target could be the Miami Marlins’ Cal Quantrill.

The 30-year-old, 7-year veteran was a bargain bin $3.5 million free agent pickup for the Marlins late this offseason, but could easily be flipped via trade for the right minor league asset.

Sporting a lifetime 4.09 ERA, Quantrill could be tacked on to the end of the Cubs’ rotation.

Picking up someone like Littell or Quantrill would purely be to eat innings and bide time until Chicago can pull off a bigger starting pitching acquisition at the deadline. Moves like this will be essential if Steele is lost for any extended period of time.

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The Chicago Cubs starting rotation has gotten off to a strong start in the 2025 season as the team is currently holding a 1.5 game lead in the NL Central. Jameson Taillon was the latest arm to have success in another quality start on Tuesday against the Rangers. The right-hander went six innings and allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six in the Cubs’ 10-6 victory.

With only a couple of starts in the first 14 games of the season being hiccups for the staff, things have been clicking on all cylinders. Unfortunately for the Cubs, they have hit their first pitching roadblock of the campaign due to injury.

Chicago Cubs place Justin Steele on the 15-Day IL

Steele was officially placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with left elbow tendinitis. Right-handed reliever Ethan Roberts has been called up to take Steele’s spot on the roster prior to Wednesday’s series finale at Wrigley Field against the Rangers.

Steele’s last start was his strongest of the season so far. He went seven scoreless innings in the win over Texas on Monday night, as he struck out eight and only walked two batters. He has a 3-1 record on the season with a 4.76 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in four starts. Colin Rea could be the next man up in Chicago’s rotation to take Steele’s spot until he is fully recovered.

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The Chicago Cubs offense seems to be firing on all cylinders after coming off their first sweep against the Athletics.

The Cubs in the series scored a season-high 35 runs, which set an Athletics franchise record and will help them for the series ahead of them.

The Cubs will be running the gauntlet of some of the best teams in the National League and will have to continue this strong showing from their offense if they’re to stand a chance.

One player in the Cubs offense who is off to a hot start will be vital for this upcoming stretch and has been swinging a hot bat to start the season.

One Chicago Cub who is off to a hot start

Seiya Suzuki is off to a hot start and has found his power stroke early, hitting four home runs in the first nine games.

112.9 MPH off the bat on this LOUD homer from Seiya Suzuki! pic.twitter.com/jIyIAqgvQI

— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2025

That’s reflected in his slugging percentage where he’s hitting .625 with an OPS of .958.

What is also impressive is that Seyia is leading the league in at-bats (40), and RBI (11), but is also leading in strikeouts (17).

One teammate gives high praise to Seiya

Jameson Taillon gave Seiya praise for his play, saying he’s an impact bat and that pairing him with Kyle Tucker helps the whole lineup out.

“He’s an impact bat for us. With him and Tucker going at the same time, (it) lets everyone else relax.”

Jameson Taillon continues the high praise for Seiya Suzuki.”

"He's an impact bat for us. With him and Tucker going at the same time, (it) lets everyone else relax."

Jameson Taillon continues the high praise for Seiya Suzuki. pic.twitter.com/NErEnCah6F

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 2, 2025

A hot Seiya benefits the Cubs

Seiya’s hot start benefits the Cubs in the long run as he is the Cubs’ two-hole hitter against lefties and the three-hole hitter against righties.

Having Seiya and Kyle Tucker do well does help the rest of the lineup relax as Taillon said, because they’ll give more opportunities to come up with runners in scoring position and get into fastball counts.

This hot start from Suzuki could signal that he could be in line to make his first all-star team.

In his four years in Major League Baseball Seiya has not made one All-Star team.

The Cubs will open a three-game series against the San Diego Padres tomorrow and need Seiya’s hot hat to help the Cubs give the Friars their first loss of the season.

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The 2023 season marked a breakout year for Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele, which gave the organization hope for the future. He made 30 starts and posted a 16-5 record two years ago in 173.1 innings pitched. Steele closed out 2023 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP for a Cubs team that just missed out on a Wild Card spot in the final weeks of the season. Steele’s 3.8 WAR in 2023 was by far the best mark in his career.

Steele was in the running for the CY Young Award two years ago but took a step back in 2024 despite posting similar numbers to the year prior. The southpaw made 24 starts last season and had a 5-5 record to go with his 3.07 ERA. Steele tossed in 134.2 frames as an injury on Opening Day against the Rangers kept him off the mound for about a month. He finished the season with a 1.10 WHIP and a 1.9 WAR.

Plenty is riding on Steele returning to form in 2025 to lead the Cubs rotation alongside Shota Imanaga. The organization desperately needs them to be horses for a pitching staff that is looking to lead the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Unfortunately for Steele, things have not started out the way he would have liked to this year.

Justin Steele doesn’t look like himself

Steele has allowed at least three earned runs in each of his three starts so far this year. His most recent outing against the Athletics on Tuesday was his longest of the year at 6.2 innings, where he gave up four runs on seven hits in the Cubs 7-4 victory. While Steele was a pure gamer in his third start and gave Chicago a chance to win the game despite not having his best stuff, something is clearly off with him.

The left-hander is leaving plenty of his sliders up in the zone, which has led to balls in the gap and over the wall. Athletics’ catcher Shea Langeliers got the best of Steele for a two-run homer on Tuesday, but those were the last runs that he allowed in the game. The Athletics game was the second that the Cubs had won with Steele on the bump this season.

Steele can’t rely on the Chicago offense to score seven or more runs in every game that he starts this season, so something needs to change if the Cubs are hoping to get ace-stuff out of the former 2014 fifth-round draft pick. There is no denying that Steele can be great for the organization when he is on, but the inconsistencies over the past year or so leave room to worry about how much longer he can be relied on as a top-two starter in the rotation.

The Chicago Cubs might need to lean more on the other rotation arms

It will be up to the entire rotation to shoulder the load out of the gate this season. Ben Brown looked sharp in his first start of the campaign against the Athletics on Monday in an 18-3 rout, and he could be called upon in bigger spots down the road if he puts together a solid first full season in the big leagues.

Jameson Taillon had a rough go at it against the Diamondbacks on Friday, and he’ll look to get right against the Athletics on Wednesday. The right-hander is coming off his best season as a Cub, where he had a 3.27 ERA in 28 starts.

Matthew Boyd looked good in his official Cub debut over the weekend against Arizona, but the team couldn’t hold the lead for him as the bullpen imploded in the eighth inning. He and Taillon are in a similar boat as members of the middle of the rotation, and as veterans, they will need to step up.

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The Chicago Cubs had an up-and-down first series of the 2025 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where they split the four-game set. Things started well on Thursday night when the bats came alive, and the team won 10-6. It was a complete flip from what the group put on display in Japan and instantly turned around the early thoughts from fans regarding the disappointing trip.

The second game of the series turned everything sour again when Jameson Taillon got roughed up in his first start of the year. The veteran right-hander gave up six earned runs in the 8-1 loss, where the Cubs’ bats once again fell silent. Shota Imanaga looked fantastic in Saturday’s 4-3 win that the bullpen nearly gave away, and they might have done so if it wasn’t for Dansby Swanson’s game-saving defensive play. 

An already low point in the season came on Sunday when the bullpen blew a four-run lead by allowing eight runs in the bottom of the eighth inning en route to a 10-6 loss. Hoyer’s comments entering the series still ring true for this group, but it’s already apparent that changes will need to be made if they want a legitimate chance at competing for a pennant in 2025.

Jed Hoyer gives early thoughts on the 2025 Chicago Cubs

The eighth inning collapse on Sunday is one that fans hope isn’t a frequent occurrence like it was a season ago. Hoyer acknowledges the fact that this team doesn’t have a lot of room to struggle this season in what will be a tough league to compete in.

“I feel like for us, we don’t have a lot of margin for error,” Hoyer said. We need guys to improve, we need to stay healthy, we need to play clean baseball. I think that the way this team is built – we have a really good defensive team, we should run the bases well. We don’t have the ability to sort of muddle through and just show up and make the postseason. We have to have a really good season to do that.”

Despite the NL Central not looking good overall on paper entering the season, it doesn’t mean that it’s automatically the Cubs’ crown for the taking. They should not settle and play down to their competition within the division, and if anything, they need to outplay any projections to prepare them for the bigger goals they are looking to tackle.

“As a group, we need to outperform,” Hoyer said. “And that really goes for everybody in the league. I think if we outperform, we have a chance to be that 90-win team you’re talking about, to feel like we have a really deep, solid team.”

90 wins get you into the dance most of the time. That should always be the number that the Cubs strive for on a yearly basis, and the last two 83-win seasons have been disappointing in different ways. It’s huge to start strong, but in Chicago’s case, in recent memory, the month of September has been more important than anything. The last full month of the regular season is what has sunk the Cubs’ ship in recent years, and having enough gas in the tank to make it over the finish line will be the top priority at the end of the year.

The Chicago Cubs have trusted Jed Hoyer for this year’s roster

While many fans are irritated at the lack of resources given to Hoyer and the front office to build a stronger team for the season, the decisions he has made will still be looked at under a microscope. The bullpen has been the biggest issue for over the last two years, and Sunday’s showing felt like a disaster that everyone has seen over and over again.

Many are hoping that the front office not landing another bat and an extra rotation arm won’t come back to haunt them. It will be up to them to make up for any of these issues at the trade deadline, but moving on from certain prospects down on the farm will be a much harder task than one would think.

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Not much went right for the Chicago Cubs Friday night as the Arizona Diamondbacks blew them out 8-1 in front of 37,449 fans at Chase Field. The loss dropped the Cubs to 1-3 on the season.

Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon had a bad night against the Diamondbacks, giving up six earned runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings pitched. He gave up two home runs to third baseman Eugenio Suarez, including a three-run blast that put Arizona up 4-1 in the fourth inning.

Jameson Taillon made a couple of bad mistakes

Following the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Taillon made mistake pitches that led to both home runs.

“Well, those were just, you know, middle pitches that a good home run hitter did what (Suarez) does, does really well,” Counsell said via video from Marquee Sports Network. “So those are mistakes, and he made his pay for him.”

Craig Counsell addresses the media following the Cubs' 8-1 loss to the Diamondbacks. pic.twitter.com/EmYTQcpSvo

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 29, 2025

Cubs catcher Carson Kelly believes Taillon will bounce back from Friday’s struggles.

“He’s a true pro, he’s gonna He’s gonna build off it, take the things he didn’t do very well and go back and go back and throw in a bullpen and work on those,” Kelly said. “So, you know he’s a true pro he’s gonna bounce back and be perfectly fine.”

Kelly went 0-3 at-bat against the Diamondbacks. Pitching wasn’t the only factor that led to an 8-1 loss. Chicago’s bats went cold in the desert as they earned just three hits.

The bats of the Chicago Cubs are cold

Counsell was asked what Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly did to keep the Cubs in check. He said it was a normal outing for Merrill and said Chicago didn’t do enough to create opportunities to score runs.

“Yeah, just kind of normal what he does,” Counsell said. “The kind of hard changeups neutralizer. It’s just down, and you see the kind of, the Michael Busch at-bats maybe would kind of be indicative of that, of he just gets that ball down and just a little off-speed.

“It’s not a swing and miss pitch, it’s ground ball pitch. But… we created one opportunity, really tonight, and that’s, that’s, that’s a tough way to win.”

Kelly wasn’t the only arm the Cubs had issues with. All three hits came off Kelly. Chicago was not able to get a hit against the Diamondbacks bullpen.

The Cubs have played four games in the regular season and have finished with one run in two of those contests. Chicago added Kyle Tucker in the offseason to provide extra juice to the lineup. The star right fielder has one hit in eight at-bats this series.

The Cubs play the Diamondbacks on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. CST.

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The Chicago Cubs are coming into the 2025 season with what appears to be an upgraded starting rotation.

That’s a pretty significant achievement since the team’s 2024 starting pitching was just about the only thing that stayed consistently good from opening to closing day. With a combined ERA of 3.79, the Cubs’ staff ranked tenth in the majors at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Chicago’s stated goal headed into the offseason was to target a front-of-rotation starting pitcher to further bolster the team’s strength. That objective was seriously questioned, however, when they refused to even make a play at any of the high-end starting pitching free agents and also failed to pull the trigger on a trade to pick up such an arm.

The Chicago Cubs Upgraded Their Starting Rotation

The Cubs did sign free agent Matthew Boyd to a 2-year, $29 million contract. It was the team’s first major move of the offseason and, ultimately, their only significant starting rotation move.

The 34-year-old Boyd is an upgrade from the outgoing veteran Kyle Hendricks, possessing the stuff and the mindset of a front-of-rotation starter unfortunately limited by a historically fragile arm.

In his 2024 with the Cleveland Guardians, the southpaw pitched extremely well after coming back from Tommy John surgery in 2023. He posted a 2.72 ERA in eight regular season starts. He also impressed in the playoffs, giving up just one earned run in 11.2 innings over three starts.

This year, he joins a returning Cubs rotation consisting of Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and a fifth starter slot in play for Ben Brown, Colin Rea, Brad Keller, Jordan Wicks, or the currently injured Javier Assad.

Matthew Boyd Has High Praise For Cubs Rotation

Boyd, who is slated to start Game 4 of the Cubs’ domestic opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, recently had high praise for the Cubs starters, calling the staff one of the deepest crews he’s been on in his decade-long career.

“It’s a lot of talent, and talent beyond the five (starters),” he told The Chicago Tribune. “It’s one through nine, if you will. There are a lot of guys that can start that are super-talented. It’s one of the deepest rotations I’ve been on and the most talented. We all have our unique looks and unique ways to attack hitters.”

There is definitely depth when it comes to Cubs starting pitching. There are legitimately nine or ten pitchers who can man those five rotation slots, even with Wicks starting the season in the minors and Assad on the IL. If the front four of the rotation holds strong, that depth will be especially felt as there will then be several arms competing for just one rotation slot.

There Are Plenty Of Questions, Though

It should also be noted, though, that there are plenty of questions concerning the Cubs rotation and several possible ways things could go sideways.

Will the Wrigley Field winds that made the park so pitcher-friendly in 2024, start to blow out in 2025, suddenly making fly ball pitcher Imanaga significantly less successful? Will Taillon regress to poor 2023 form after a bounce back 2024 season? Will Boyd, who’s totaled just 275 innings pitched over the last five seasons and hasn’t pitched more than 100 innings in a single season since 2019, stay healthy over the long haul?

The names are certainly there for Chicago, but there is also some insecurity.

There’s a reason why the Cubs front office had been trying to bring another starting pitcher into the fold and, reportedly, are still trying to do so.

But, for now, everyone will cross their fingers and hope that what’s currently on paper– and what Boyd sees– translates to what plays out on the field.

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The Chicago Cubs will begin their season on March 27 when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks for their second Opening Day in one month.

The Cubs will face perennial Cy Young candidate Zac Gallen, who got the nod from manager Torey Lovullo that he would be their guy to start on Opening Day.

It appears that the Diamondbacks have had a change of plans and altered their rotation before the start of the series, which benefits the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs catch a break

The Cubs look to be catching a break for the fourth game of their season, with the Diamondbacks deciding to move right-handed pitcher and Cy Young winner (2021) Corbin Burnes’s first start for when the Diamondbacks play the New York Yankees in New York.

Per Baseball Insider Bob Nightengale:

“The Chicago Cubs catch a nice break with Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes now making his Arizona Diamondbacks debut against the Yankees on the road and not in their 4-game home-opening series against the Cubs.”

The Chicago Cubs catch a nice break with Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes now making his Arizona Diamondbacks debut against the Yankees on the road and not in their 4-game home-opening series against the Cubs.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 23, 2025

Only facing one Cy Young candidate

Thankfully, the Cubs will only face one Cy Young candidate instead of two.

Burnes was the Diamondback’s biggest signing this offseason, signing him to a six-year $210 million deal with an opt-out for 2027.

This was well deserved after Burnes went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA in 194.1 innings with the Baltimore Orioles. Burnes, for his efforts on the mound, was named an All-Star and finished fifth in the American League Cy Young voting.

The Cubs will send Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon to start games one & two while saving their Ace Shota Imanaga for game three.

This move by the Cubs is so Iamanaga can start the Cub’s home opener on April 4.

The Cubs will look to have more success against the Diamondbacks than they did against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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The Chicago Cubs have wrapped up their two exhibition contests in Tokyo and there were plenty of positive takeaways from both games. Despite the team being shutout in the first matchup 3-0 by the Hanshin Tigers, everyone got the work out of the bullpen as a way to knock off the rust before Tuesday’s season opener against the Dodgers.

Projected closer Ryan Pressly tossed a scoreless second frame and right-handed flamethrower Nate Pearson impressed as well. The former Toronto Blue Jay punched out a pair in a scoreless inning of his own after having a rough transition to the Cubs when he was acquired during the 2024 campaign.

The Cubs being held without a run in the first game was not ideal, but the bats came alive in game two. In a 4-2 victory over the Yomiuri Giants, all runs from both squads were plated in the fifth inning. Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled and rookie Matt Shaw collected a two-run single with the bases loaded.

Two members of the starting rotation combined for 8.1 frames of excellent work against the Giants, and one arm had high praise for the other entering the season.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd deemed an “x-factor”

Jameson Taillon got the nod for Chicago against the Giants and went 4.1 frames. He allowed four hits and an earned run while walking a pair. Taillon punched out four batters and looked sharp in his lone outing overseas this year. When talking to the media after the game, Taillon had great things to say about new left hander Matthew Boyd who tossed the final four innings in the victory.

“He’s pretty nasty. I think if he’s healthy, he’s an x-factor for us this year.”

Jameson Taillon on Matt Boyd. pic.twitter.com/pC4xDRRhTf

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 16, 2025

Boyd allowed three hits in his scoreless outing and did not walk anyone. The southpaw punched out six in what could be his lone appearance out of the bullpen this season. Chicago inked Boyd to a two-year contract back in December which will pay him nearly $15 million per season.

Boyd spent most of the 2024 season rehabbing from injury, but he looked extremely sharp when he returned to the mound. He tossed 39.2 regular season innings and made eight starts with the Cleveland Guardians. Boyd finished the year with a 2-2 record and a 2.72 ERA to pair with his 1.13 WHIP.

The veteran has proved that he can be a solid asset to any rotation as long as he can stay on the field. Chicago’s starting pitching was by far the strongest and most consistent aspect of their team a year ago. The addition of Boyd shows that the Cubs front office knows the team needs a similar level of success out of their rotation if they want to make a run at the NL Central crown this year.

It will take more than Matthew Boyd in the Chicago Cubs rotation

Shota Imanaga was incredible for the Cubs in 2024 in his first big league season. While him and Justin Steele will serve as the one-two punch yet again this year, it will be hard for Imanaga to replicate his dominance from a year ago. On the flipside, Steele had a down year in 2024 compared to his stellar 2023 campaign, so him getting back to form could even things out.

Boyd and Taillon will hold down the third and fourth spots in the rotation which will be much more significant than ever before. Taillon’s second year as a Cub a season ago was a breath of fresh air compared to 2023 and the coaching staff is hoping that he can be similar to that version of himself this season.

The competition for the fifth spot in the rotation is still in full swing and it should be figured out after the Cubs return back to the states. It appears that the final two candidates are Ben Brown and Colin Rea, with Jordan Wicks on the outside looking in.

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The Chicago Cubs made a lot of moves this offseason, all in the name of making postseason play for the first time since the abbreviated 2020 season.

The biggest move, of course, was adding multi-tool all-star right fielder Kyle Tucker to the team via trade with the Houston Astros.

The team also picked up closer Ryan Pressly from the Astros in a separate trade.

Rehabbed lefty starter Matthew Boyd came to the team via free agency, as did co-starting catcher Carson Kelly. The bullpen also got major reinforcement with the addition of Ryan Brasier, Caleb Thielbar, Colin Rea, and Eli Morgan. Even some high-quality utility men were acquired in the persons of Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan.

Big Moves, Big Expectations

The roster makeover was enough to have experts and analysts declaring the Cubs the definitive favorites to win the NL Central division. The PECOTA projections from Baseball Prospectus sees the Cubs reaching 91 wins (third best in baseball behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves) and finishing 11 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers.

But this is baseball. Things can go sideways in a heartbeat and all of a team’s best laid plans could fall to the side of the road very quickly.

Plus, Cubs fans are pretty much conditioned to be skeptics and cynics.

So, what happens if, for whatever the reason, Chicago finds itself in a hole and out of realistic contention as the trade deadline approaches? Could we be in for another Great Cubs Purge, like the one in 2021?

The Great Purge of 2021

In that year, after non-tendering Kyle Schwarber and trading Yu Darvish in the offseason, the Cubs dealt key World Series figures Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez. They would also trade away Craig Kimbrel, Joc Pederson, and Andrew Chafin at, or near, the trade deadline.

It was an unprecedented talent dump and an instant announcement to the world that the team was moving drastically in another direction.

So, could the Cubs have another Great Purge? It’s actually pretty likely, under the right (or wrong) circumstances.

The team has several veteran players who will be eligible for free agency within the next couple of years and a couple notable ones who will be eligible after this coming season. The Cubs farm system is also loaded with high-end major league-level talent looking for playing time in the big leagues.

It’s not too much of a jump to conclusion to say that the organization might be looking for the opportunity to swap out big-money veterans for young, hungry (and cheap) youngsters.

But Who Would Be Purged From The 2025 Chicago Cubs?

So, here’s a look at who could be dealt at the trade deadline on a derailed Cubs team and who could take their place.

Jameson Taillon

The veteran right-hander has two years of contract left and could be an attractive mid-rotation piece for a contending team desperate for starting pitching. There’s already been some unsubstantiated media buzz about Taillon going to the Yankees for a high-value Triple-A arm, but any such deal would probably only happen at the trade deadline– and if the Cubs don’t need Taillon themselves.

Top pitching prospect Cade Horton could be moved to the majors if Taillon gets dealt. Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks could also fill his spot in the rotation.

Ryan Pressly

The Cubs picked up their new closer from the Houston Astros after whiffing on free agent Tanner Scott. If the 36-year-old is having a good year and the Cubs are out of contention, Pressly, who will become a free agent at the end of this season, would likely be dealt to a contender after approving such a deal to override the no trade clause in his contract.

If that happens, 24-year-old Porter Hodge would be moved back into the closer role he filled at the end of the 2024 season.

Kyle Tucker

You’d want to believe that, with the money saved in this purge, the Cubs would invest it into extending Tucker as a building block veteran. But, no, he’ll also be dealt to a contender.

The Cubs would then bring up Kevin Alcantara or Owen Caissie to take Tucker’s outfield spot.

Ian Happ/Seiya Suzuki

Either or both of these Cubs mainstays, eligible for free agency at the end of the 2026 season, could be traded if they chose to disregard the no trade clause in their contracts.

The opening would provide an opportunity to outfield prospects Kevin Alcantara or Owen Caissie, as well as talented 21-year-old catcher/designated hitter and batting savant Moises Ballesteros.

Nico Hoerner

Hoerner, who is free agent-eligible after the 2026 season, is good, steady, and reliable. He’d also be an attractive middle infield anchor to a team in contention.

Prospect James Triantos, who profiles as a similar player with a similar up side, could be brought up to take the Cubs’ second base gig.

The Cubs could conceivably get quite a haul of young talent in a 2025 purge, while also opening the door to already-existing top prospects.

They would, however, prefer to be buyers and not sellers (contenders and not disappointments) at the trade deadline.

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The Chicago Cubs made a lot of moves this offseason to back up their assertion of being “all in” when it comes to making the playoffs for the first time since the abbreviated 2020 season.

Their biggest move, of course, was trading for multi-tool all-star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. They picked up closer Ryan Pressly in a separate trade with the Astros. They also acquired rehabbed lefty starter Matthew Boyd, a co-starting catcher in Carson Kelly, and several bullpen and infield pieces.

Chicago Cubs Missing One Key Ingredient?

As things stand right now, they are favored to win the NL Central division and expected to make their first deep-ish playoff run since 2017.

But they may be missing one key ingredient needed to go from postseason-likely to postseason-successful.

Alexander Patt of Cubbies Crib believes that missing piece of the puzzle is postseason experience, especially when it comes to the starting rotation.

Patt points out that neither of the team’s aces, Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, have MLB playoff experience. James Taillon has just 4.1 career innings of after-regular season play. Newcomer Boyd will head into 2025 as the most experienced of the lot with 12 career playoff innings (11.1 coming last season with the Cleveland Guardians).

The Importance Of High-Stakes Experience

The lack of such high-stakes experience leaves some uncertainty when it comes to how well the all-important starting pitching corps handles the stress of postseason play when/if the Cubs make it there.

In Chicago’s 2016 World Series-winning team and the successful 2015 squad the year prior, playoff-seasoned veterans played key roles.

Per Patt:

“To put this in perspective, compare this to 2015-2016. When they rose to legitimacy in 2015, their key move was bringing in an all-time postseason great in Jon Lester who won two rings in Boston and boasted 84 career postseason innings pitched. Jason Hammel also had 15 innings under his belt entering 2015. Come 2016, they brought in John Lackey, who had 127.1 postseason innings, and like Lester, also won two World Series championships; he notably pitched in the World Series clinchers for both of them (2002 with the Angels and 2013 with the Red Sox). There was value in having “postseason masters” in the rotation during those runs.”

Cubs Front Office Sees It Too

The Cubs front office has, apparently, seen the need for veteran leadership with postseason experience and has added some in other spots this offseason. Justin Turner, Ryan Brasier, Kyle Tucker, and Ryan Pressly all have World Series rings. Utility man Jon Berti has postseason experience, as do incoming pitchers Matthew Boyd, Eli Morgan, and Caleb Thielbar.

However, except for Boyd, the starting rotation will be relative babes in the woods when it comes to postseason play.

But will that matter all that much?

Well, the Cubs won’t know until they know. Steele, Imanaga, and the rest of the rotation could very well prove themselves to be clutch playoff assets, leading the team to next-level success….or not.

It’s very possible that Chicago, if they are in the thick of a pennant race in the middle of the summer, could trade for a veteran starter who would bring added leadership and experience to that run for postseason glory.

As is always the case in baseball, time will reveal all.

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The Chicago Cubs are watching starting pitchers drop like flies all around them and are reportedly making contingency plans to cover their own bases.

Notably, the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Seattle Mariners have all recently felt the sting of injury to prominent starters.

The Cubs, with an earlier than usual opening day series in Japan against the Los Angeles Dodgers, may be concerned about the change affecting the health and general preparedness of their players, especially the all-important pieces of their starting rotation.

Chicago Cubs Have Veteran Starters “On Their Radar”

That’s why a recent report from Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic shouldn’t really be all that surprising.

According to sources, the Cubs have a pair of so far unsigned free agent veteran starters– Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn– “on their radar.”

Per The Athletic:

“Even the Chicago Cubs, relatively healthy at the moment, are among the clubs seeking potential rotation help, a search that might intensify depending on how they fare in their season-opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo on March 18-19…

The Cubs are keeping Gibson and Lynn on their radar in case issues arise after the team’s early ramp-up for spring training and long trip to Japan, sources say…

At the moment, the Cubs aren’t in a position to promise Gibson or Lynn a spot in their rotation, much less guarantee that either pitcher would make the major-league club by a certain date. But the seemingly nonstop injury news coming out of Arizona and Florida means all 30 clubs will continue looking for pitching. Even ones that appear to be set.”

A Pair of Workhorses On The Market

Gibson and Lynn, both 37 and coming off one-year stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, have built reputations as workhorses over the course of their careers. Gibson has averaged more than 30 starts per season in ten full seasons (excluding rookie year and abbreviated 2020 season) while Lynn has averaged about 29.5 starts in eleven full seasons (also excluding rookie year and 2020).

Last year, Gibson finished with a 4.24 ERA in 30 starts/169.2 innings while Lynn posted a 3.84 ERA in 23 starts/117.1 innings.

The two veterans should find contracts before the start of the regular season, given the rash of starting pitching injuries and just the general need for major league-level arms with proven track records.

The State Of The Cubs’ Starting Rotation

On the surface, the Cubs seem fine when it comes to starting pitching depth with a front four consisting of Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd. Chicago’s fifth rotation slot has been the subject of debate since it was announced that Javier Assad would begin the season on the injured list due to oblique issues.

Assad, however, appears to be progressing nicely and there’s considerable depth behind the young pitcher in the persons of Colin Rea, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and Brad Keller.

Still, starting pitching depth will be important in what the Cubs hope to be a playoff-bound 2025. Aside from the natural unpredictability of a long 162-game season, where fluke injuries abound, there’s also some legitimate concern over the durability of key rotation pieces.

Boyd, for example, is just about a year-and-half removed from Tommy John surgery and only pitched a total of 51.1 innings, between regular season and postseason, with the Cleveland Guardians in 2024. Assad’s current impairment and Brown’s neck injury of last season, which led to the team shutting him down in June, are also points of concern.

It should be interesting how the market opens up for pitchers like Gibson and Lynn and which teams grab at them out of either necessity or for insurance. Whatever the case, the Cubs are apparently in the picture.

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The Chicago Cubs brought lefty Japanese pitching ace Shota Imanaga to the team last season, making the calculated gamble that his mound prowess would translate to the American game.

Their gamble was a wild success.

The Chicago Cubs Gambled– And Won– On Shota Imanaga

The former top asset of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the Japanese league, who signed with the Cubs on a 4-year, $53 million deal, turned heads and made an impact in hist first season, earning some attention as a Rookie of the Year candidate.

He also won the hearts of Cubs fans with a hefty dose of charm and humor that continues through this spring. He’s quickly become one of the most fan-favorite members of the squad.

Imanaga finished 2024 with a 15-3 record and a stellar 2.91 ERA in 173.1 innings pitched over 29 starts. All told, he was the Cubs’ most effective starter and will get the starting day nod in the team’s historic season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan.

Wrigley Field Benefited Imanaga Greatly In 2024

But, by some estimations, he shouldn’t have been able to be such a shutdown starter with those kinds of numbers. As a fly ball pitcher– with a longstanding reputation for giving up home runs– working in Wrigley Field, he should’ve been touched up a lot more than he was.

Swirling 2024 winds at Wrigley were mostly blowing in, however, turning the park into one of the most pitcher-friendly homes in all of baseball. Statistical analysis reveals that it registered the second-lowest batting average and slugging percentage among MLB parks. These numbers were bolstered by the fact that it had the lowest home run rate in all of major league baseball. The Cubs pitching staff reaped the benefits of the weather turn, posting a 3.08 ERA at home (compared to a 4.53 ERA on the road).

Imanaga surely benefited greatly from the swirling Wrigley winds blowing in last season, with some guaranteed home runs knocked down into deep fly balls. He would finish the 2024 campaign with a 2.72 ERA at home, compared to a 3.14 ERA on the road.

There’s no guarantee that those same pitcher-friendly winds will be blowing in 2025.

There’s also no guarantee that the league won’t adapt to the 31-year-old Imanaga’s off-putting pitching style and pitch arsenal.

Experts Predict Regression in 2025

As a matter of fact, experts and analysts are pretty much unanimous in their belief that Imanaga’s numbers will be down considerably from his rookie year.

Steamer projects Imanaga to post a 3.66 ERA. ZiPS sees him delivering a 3.49 ERA. RotoChamp estimates a 3.74 ERA.

Those are all, still, respectable ERAs and, even in a near-worst case scenario, Imanaga is a really good pitcher and an asset to a starting rotation that also boasts Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad.

Aside from being a fly ball pitcher, he’s also a pitcher who makes bats miss balls. That attribute should provide some insurance against massive slippage.

But the Cubs’ reported pursuit of a front-of-rotation starter this offseason seems to speak to the fact that the front office is also acknowledging the possibility of some regression from Imanaga. If the left-hander is too generous in giving up the long ball, there will be considerable strain on those around him, who are counting on his ability to replicate, at least to a degree, his successes of last season.

Imanaga has been touched up a bit this spring training, but that really doesn’t tell one much. The real test will be when the season begins and the Wrigley flags start blowing.

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The Chicago Cubs have made some key acquisitions to the team this offseason.

Elite-level multi-tool Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker was probably the biggest add-on. There was also former Astros closer Ryan Pressly and rehabbed free agent lefty starter Matthew Boyd, among others.

But the key to 2025 success just may lie in building upon the best parts of the 2024 season.

Veteran Jameson Taillon was most definitely one those best parts.

Jameson Taillon Thrived in 2024 Despite Injury

In the second year of his 4-year contract with the Cubs, the right-hander bounced back from a poor 2023 to become an anchor in the Cubs’ already-solid starting rotation with 12-8 record and a 3.27 ERA in 28 games. And he did all this with an ailing back that hobbled him in training and took almost two miles-per-hour from his 94 mph fastball.

“What he was able to do last year,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told media, “with what he’d probably consider was his less-than-best velocity, I think, speaks volumes to the type of guy he is, the competitor he is. He still knows how to pitch.”

The secret to Taillon’s success in 2024 came via his own intellect and feel for the game. With an aching body that capped his output, he took an even deeper dive into the nuances of pitching.

“I took more time last year preparing and scouting lineups and taking notes than I’ve ever done in my whole career combined, probably,” Taillon said. “There’s a lot of different edges you can have. And I thought last year, being a pitch-maker — not just having good command, but being able to make a pitch when I needed to — I thought was a trait that shined for me.”

Taillon Looking To Enjoy The Best Of Both World As Chicago Cubs Anchor

This season, the 33-year-old is looking to enjoy the best of both worlds by using the same skill and guile from last year, while adding back the velocity he lost. Taillon has spent the offseason working on getting himself stronger and in better shape then ever before.

“Last year was a really nice roadmap for me,” Taillon added. “And then if I get another mile an hour or two back, I’d be very happy. It’d make my life easier. It’s going to be fun. Every season has a different journey. Last year, that was the hand I was dealt. I thought we did a good job making the most of it.”

So Far This Spring…

In Taillon’s first outing this spring training, he reached 92 mph (his 2024 average was 92.5 mph). So, there’s reason to believe that he’ll reach his stated goal for 2025.

“I just think (velocity) can make your life a little easier,” Taillon told media. “I can still get outs at any velocity I think, but having a little extra in the tank could be what it takes to get something by a guy or make a swing decision a little tougher, make them have to get their swing started a little earlier, and that can make your offspeed even better. So it can affect a lot, but really it just makes your life a little easier.”

The Cubs will need the kind of consistency a healthy, productive Taillon can bring. Despite the team’s depth in starting pitching, there’s also some uncertainty there. Javier Assad will begin the season on the injured list. The oft-injured Matthew Boyd will be trying for his first full season in a long while. There’s also no guarantee that the stellar Shota Imanaga will have the same level of success this season that he enjoyed in his rookie campaign last year.

Taillon will be key to the team’s success. For what it’s worth, he appears to be ready to shoulder that burden.

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The Chicago Cubs have made a lot of moves this offseason, but the only real pickups for the starting rotation have been rehabbed lefty Matthew Boyd and swing man/potential fifth starter Colin Rea.

Arguably, more needs to be done– especially in this modern baseball world where pitching depth is an increasingly precious commodity for playoff-possible teams. Chicago had actually recognized that reality earlier in the offseason, as they reportedly explored trading for a high-end starter.

The Cubs do have a solid front five in Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Boyd, and Javier Assad. Last season, the starting staff managed a 3.78 ERA, which was tenth best in the league. There’s also some security in having Rea, Ben Brown, and Jordan Wicks just a half-step behind and top pitching prospect Cade Horton not far from being big league-ready. On the surface, the temptation would be to stand pat with what they have right now, at this stage of spring training.

Insurance For The Chicago Cubs Starting Rotation?

But an experienced back-of-rotation presence with World Series experience might be an asset down the stretch of a long season where injury and inconsistent performance could mean the difference between a deep playoff run or no playoff run at all.

Scott Conrad of Da Windy City believes that the still-available free agent lefty Patrick Corbin might be the right man to serve in that capacity for the Cubs.

Per Conrad:

“Since the Cubs already have Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon, they are not in dire need of an ace. However, a former ace who can be a reliable option at the back of the starting rotation would increase Chicago’s chances of returning to the postseason…

Patrick Corbin is still unsigned. Just like Turner, he has won a World Series, too. Corbin was a strong contributor to the champions that season in 2019. The Clay, New York native has started in at least 30 games and racked up at least 120 strikeouts in each of his last four seasons.

Bringing him on board adds depth and could be a low cost, minimal pressure for both parties. A one-year ‘prove it’ type deal provides a benefit to both the team and the player. Adding an option for a second season may entice 6’3” pitcher to sign with the Cubs.”

Patrick Corbin Has Dazzled, But Mostly Frustrated

Granted, the 35-year-old Corbin’s stats don’t scream “elite” at this point in his 12-year major league career. He hasn’t posted an ERA below 5.20 since the abbreviated 2020 season when he managed a 4.66 ERA. As a 6-year, $140 million signee of the Washington Nationals, he drove their fans and, presumably, their front office, mad with years of inconsistent performance.

He has, however, managed to be somewhat of a workhorse as a starter and has legit strikeout stuff– something lacking within the current Cubs rotation.

Possibilities And Realities

There’s also the distant possibility of tweaking and adjusting his game to get him back somewhere near his 2018 and 2019 form, where he was putting up ace numbers, compiling a combined 484 strikeouts and delivering 3.15 and 3.25 ERAs, respectively.

Even in a worst case scenario, though, bringing Corbin aboard gives the Cubs a durable arm with postseason experience and it would add a left-handed long reliever to a bullpen in need of left-handed depth.

And, most likely, he would come on a really affordable one-year deal.

There are just as many arguments against signing Corbin, though. There’s definitely a reason he’s still looking for a new team as spring training kicks off.

But with Assad likely to start the season on the injured list and uncertainty surrounding Wicks, Brown, and the oft-injured Boyd, insurance might not be the worst thing for the Cubs to acquire.

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The Chicago Cubs have a farm system that is booming with Major League ready talent.  Matt Shaw leads the group and is expected to play a big role at third base in 2025.  Pitching wise, Cade Horton is their prized prospect, but is coming off a shortened 2024 campaign due to injury.

With Spring Training underway, Horton is seeing game action for the first time in nine months.  Missing that amount of time can be tough on any player, but as a former seventh overall pick with high expectations, the pressure he is experiencing is different.  Throughout the process, Horton recently talked about how one veteran has taken him under his wing.

One veteran Chicago Cubs player has taken Cade Horton under his wing

33 year old veteran pitcher, and former second overall draft pick, Jameson Taillon told MLB.com that he has been in Horton’s shoes before and essentially has taken him under his wing.  Taillon credited former players from his days with the Pittsburgh Pirates such as Gerrit Cole, David Freese, Francisco Liriano, and others who did the same for him when he was facing the pressure of being a highly regarded prospect.

“I’ve literally been in his shoes before.  I’ve been considered a top prospect. I’ve also been hurt. I know that feeling of feeling a little alone. And then just coming into a big league locker room, I had guys that, when I was younger, made me feel really welcome. That really goes a long way.”

Jameson Taillon per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com

“It means so much;” Cade Horton expressed gratitude for having a veteran player take him under his wing

Taillon and Horton’s relationship goes back to last season when Taillon was on a rehab assignment.  He took Horton out for dinner and continued to check on him throughout the year, even though Horton injured his shoulder in May and didn’t return.

“It means so much.  It helps bridge that gap, and he’s been a huge part of that. He’s been that guy for me and continues to be, and now I’m getting to know a lot of these other guys. It’s been helpful.”

Cade Horton per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com

Expectations for Cade Horton in 2025

Last year Horton strained his subscapularis shortly into a promotion to Triple-A.  Picking up where he left off is a realistic starting spot for him this season, but he also has the potential to make his MLB debut at any time.

Horton has a four pitch mix, with a 70 grade slider being the most devastating of them all.  Additionally his fastball operates in the mid 90s, but can top out around 98 MPH.

If Horton stays healthy in 2025, he has a chance to make a significant impact on the Chicago Cubs this year.

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The Chicago Cubs started the offseason with the goal of targeting a front-of-rotation starting pitcher. As the offseason progressed, though, that goal seemed to fade.

Instead, the team focused on adding an impact player (Kyle Tucker), a co-starting catcher (Carson Kelly), and increased bullpen depth.

They DID pick up a noteworthy starting pitcher in rehabbed lefty free agent Matthew Boyd, but the oft-injured 34-year-old is really more of a mid-to-low-rotation roll of the dice at this point. They also acquired veteran Colin Rea as a swing man option.

That top-of-rotation impact starter, however, never materialized.

Cubs Rotation Not Potent Enough?

Some will argue that the Cubs will be just fine with the starting crew they have and with Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga atop the rotation.

Eno Sarris of The Athletic, however, may beg to differ.

Sarris recently compiled his ranking of 151 major league starting pitchers and the Cubs’ starters didn’t rate all that well. Mind you, this was for fantasy league purposes, but the ability and perceived worth of the ranked pitchers does directly correlate to their actual real world performance.

Per Sarris, here is the ranking of the six Cubs listed:

35. Justin Steele
36. Shōta Imanaga
98. Matthew Boyd
122. Jameson Taillon
133. Ben Brown
140. Javier Assad

Averaged out, the Cubs starters sport a no. 94 ranking. That’s not very good for a team with deep postseason aspirations. By comparison, the starting crew of the NL Central Division rival Milwaukee Brewers averaged a 89.8 ranking.

Quantity over Quality?

The Cubs certainly have the horses for the race. There are a number of capable starting pitchers on the roster who can take the ball and do a fine job every fifth day. The operative word in that statement, though, may be “fine.” There’s a case to be made that the Cubs don’t really have a proven shutdown ace, other than Steele– and some may even dispute Steele’s “elite” status.

Hope Springs Internal?

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation seems to share some of that skepticism regarding the Cubs rotation.

Per Cerami:

“For the starting rotation, the group has depth. There’s no doubt about that. Running down the list, you could reasonably go 9-10 guys deep before you’re just truly rolling the dice: Steele, Imanaga, Taillon, Boyd, Javier Assad, Collin Rea, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, Cade Horton, Brandon Birdsell. But at the top? And in the middle? They’re missing something – impact, velocity, top of the rotation upside.

Steele and Imanaga are legitimate, playoff-caliber starters. But after that, there is a whooooole lot of hoping. Hoping that Jameson Taillon is more like the guy he was last year than the guy he was in 2023. Hoping that Matthew Boyd’s eight starts in 2024 are a good sign of what he’ll do in 2025. Hoping that the prospects step up or that Craig Counsell can help this roster gobble up innings with a collection of middling arms the way he often did in Milwaukee.

That’s (partly) why they tried to sign Roki Sasaki or trade for Jesus Luzardo.”

At this point, it seems most likely that the Cubs will go with the starting pitchers they have and hope that a young player, like Brown or Horton, surprises with a breakthrough season. They’ll simultaneously be hoping that none of their established starters have an “off” season.

Time will tell if the Cubs’ inability to land a top-of-rotation starter will haunt them this season.

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Similar to a year ago, plenty of pressure will be on the Chicago Cubs starting rotation as they enter the 2025 season. The starting staff finished the campaign with a 3.77 ERA altogether and a 3.07 ERA at home, one of the best marks in all of baseball.

A big key to the team’s success this year will be on how they can start games. The biggest issue a season ago was the bullpen and that there was not much consistency to be found in the late innings of games. Porter Hodge stepped up in a big way for Chicago by collecting nine saves and having a 1.88 ERA in 39 appearances.

Hodge will have some help in the back end of the stable this season. The front office went out and acquired Ryan Pressly from the Astros and Ryan Brasier from the Dodgers in hopes of a having a more stable trio to lock down games in 2025.

Despite the improved bullpen help, it will still be up to the rotation to set the tone every single day. One of the key contributors from the Cubs starting group a year ago has already locked in on one thing to work on during Spring Training.

Chicago Cubs’ Jameson Taillon is working on his velocity

Taillon made it known early on at Spring Training that the dip in his fastball velocity from 2023 to 2024 is something that he has noticed and is looking to correct this year.

“I want to throw harder again. Last year I found a way to get things done but I’m aware my velo was down. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes,” Taillon said. 

Taillon’s heater went down from an average of 93.7 miles per hour per pitch in 2023 to 92.4 miles per hour per pitch in 2024. The veteran goes to his four-seam fastball more than any other pitch in his arsenal. After the heater, Taillon goes to his cutter most frequently, followed by his sweeper, curveball, sinker and changeup.

The six pitch mix from the right hander is what helps him keep hitters off balance due to his fastball velocity using sitting in the lower-90s. If Taillon is able to up his fastball from 92 to 94-95 miles per hour, things could get pretty scary for the rest of the National League.

The Chicago Cubs need another big season from Jameson Taillon

Last year was Taillon’s second season in Chicago and it was a major step forward compared to where he was in year one. He finished the year with a 12-8 record and a 3.27 ERA in 28 starts. Taillon staying mostly healthy last season was also another huge positive point for a team that just missed out on a Wild Card spot.

He tossed 165.1 innings and closed out the campaign with a 1.13 WHIP which was a similar mark to his final season with the Yankees in 2022.  Taillon’s 2.2 WAR was the best number he put up since his 2.3 mark in 2021, showing that he is getting back to his old self.

The right hander will need to be a staple in the Cubs rotation again after not much was added to the starting group this offseason. It will be up to him, Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga to recreate what they had as a trio last year with the team looking to chase down their first division title since 2020.

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The Chicago Cubs have been attempting all offseason to find the necessary free agents and trade pieces to better upgrade the roster.

So far this offseason the Cubs have struck out on all their top free agents they were in on with the Los Angeles Dodgers snatching them all away.

In a recent interview Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon gave his honest assessment on the Dodgers and insight on his offseason so far.

Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon talks his offseason

Cubs starter Jameson Taillon was recently interviewed on the YouTube Show Foul Territory and he gave a great interview where he gave some great insight on his offseason and his thoughts on the Dodgers.

The Cubs open their season in Japan against the Dodgers and when asked by host Erik Kratz on how different that makes Taillons offseason Taillon gave his honest take on how that all affects his arm and shoulder.

“It changed it a little bit.” Taillon said “So as I’ve gotten older I feel like the more time I take off from throwing in the offseason my shoulder takes a longer time to build back up.” Taillon added “I used to take two months off of throwing, then it moved to one month, then a couple of weeks, this year I took like a week off and kinda kept my arm moving.”

Taillon also revealed that he threw three bullpens so far and he hasn’t faced any live hitters to this point.

Taillon was solid for the Cubs last season with making 28 starts with a record of 12-8 with a 3.27 ERA, 125 strikeouts in 165.1 innings. When looking at Taillons Baseball Savant page he ranks in the 93rd and 98th percentile for his pitching and fastball value. Taillon also showed the ability to limit walking batters with ranking in the 93rd percentile for walk percentage at 4.9%. A solid season on all accounts the Cubs will need Taillon to replicate it this season if the Cubs are to be the Dodgers.

Taillons says the Dodgers are beatable

When asked by Foul Territory’s host A.J. Pierzynski

“Are you scared that nobody will beat the Dodgers this year? Do you think the Dodgers can go 162-0, so why are you guys wasting your time going to Japan to play against them?”

Taillon replied with a smile:

”I mean it’s a pretty sweet roster they got over there, there’s no doubt they have some serious star power.” Taillon said and added a quip of his own “You know how baseball is if you pitch well and play good defense anyone can get beat on any given day.”

This mindset is what is needed by all the Cubs on the roster if they are to beat the new “Evil Empire” in the Dodgers. The Dodgers are the reigning World Series Champions and to get a chance to go beat them on Opening Day in Japan should have the Cubs hungry.

The Cubs can beat the Dodgers

Taillons is absolutely right that anyone can get beat on any given day because anything can happen in baseball.

Just because the Dodgers have a great roster on paper doesn’t mean they aren’t beatable. Injuries will and can happen, so who knows what can happen from now to Opening Day.

The Cubs will also have extra motivation to beat the Dodgers with them stealing all their top tier free agent targets like Tanner Scott and Roki Sasaki to name a few.

The Cubs have a couple of opportunities to show that they’re able to play with the Dodgers with having a meeting against them on the coveted Sunday Night Baseball broadcast.

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The Chicago Cubs signed free agent pitcher Matthew Boyd this offseason to a two-year, $29 million deal. It was the first significant move the team made in preparation of their stated “all in” 2025 push towards postseason play.

And even right now, the signing of the soon-to-be 34-year-old Boyd ranks as the team’s second biggest offseason acquisition, behind their trade for Houston Astros star Kyle Tucker.

Adding Boyd to a rotation that already had Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Javier Assad seemed to be a pretty significant move.

The Reality Regarding Matthew Boyd

However, as things may turn out, even under a best case scenario, the Cubs will have merely swapped the limited innings and output of Kyle Hendricks for a more effective replacement. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s a far cry from some fans’ expectations that the Cubs might’ve added a top-of-rotation stud when they got Boyd.

In a recent interview on 670 The Score, Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy talked about Boyd and what the team can realistically expect from the veteran pitcher who just came back from Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Per Hottovy:

“There’s definitely some risk/reward there… If we’re sitting here today and we say, ‘Matt Boyd throws 120 innings of really good baseball,’ I think we’d all be really happy about that. Anything above that would be great…We know when he’s on the field, he’s a really good pitcher…

One thing [Craig] Counsell talks about all the time is that it’s a puzzle to cover 1,400, almost 1,500 innings in the course of the season. Starters, if you’re a good team and your starting rotation is good, you’re covering 850 to 950 of those innings. It’s all one big puzzle. You’re putting the pieces together.

I think the combination of signing a Matt Boyd, with the upside, but with some injury history, with guys like Colin Rea being able to cover some of that, knowing that you have some guys who can step in to cover some major innings if we need to make some moves, I think is very important.”

Sobering Words

So, that’s 120 innings, optimistically, to replace Hendricks’ 130.2 innings and then some significant shuffling for fill-ins.

But, really, what could one expect?

The oft-injured Boyd has thrown a combined 202.2 innings over the last four seasons and hasn’t broken 100+ innings since 2019. The hopes are that the 2023 Tommy John surgery repaired the damage that has been breaking the 10-year veteran down.

The reality, though, is that the Cubs’ hopes are just hopes and a calculated gamble based on the pitcher’s quality comeback at the end of last season and brilliant postseason performances that saw him give up just one earned run in 11.2 innings for the Cleveland Guardians.

The Plan All Along

That’s why the Cubs picked up Colin Rea via free agency– a starting rotation puzzle piece for a rotation many deemed as already set. That’s also why the team was said to be targeting a high-end starting pitcher even after they signed Boyd.

A six-man rotation could be a way to keep Boyd full-season healthy and full-season productive. It could also aid Assad, who seems to have some durability issues.

It’s more likely, though, that the Cubs will roll with the customary 5-man cycle and pull pieces as wear, tear, and strain dictate.

Boyd, meanwhile, will be what the team knew he was all along– a back of the rotation, cross your fingers he stays healthy, calculated gamble.

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The Chicago Cubs have the potential to be great this season and that could happen with a strong starting rotation.

The Chicago Cubs have made great acquisitions this offseason with adding Kyle Tucker to the roster being the biggest move they’ve thus far. Kyle Tuckers acquisition along with the other moves the Cubs have made and the potential moves to be made when the season starts put the Cubs in the conversation of possibly being a playoff team this season. That dream will hinge on one key element of the Chicago Cubs roster that will give them the best shot to do that.

An emerging monster of at the top of the starting rotation

The Chicago Cubs have the potential to have one of the best starting rotations in the National League this season. With emerging stars and potential Cy Young award winners Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele leading the way that has a real possibility of happening.

According to FanGraphs they project the Cubs to possible incorporate a six-man rotation for this season. The Cubs will have rookie phenom and All-Star Shota Imanaga be there Ace for this season. Imanaga getting crowned the moniker of Ace in just his second season in Major League Baseball is impressive to say the least and it’s all thanks to a stellar rookie season. Imanaga in his rookie year went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 173.1 innings. For 2025 Baseball Reference projects that in 2025 Imanaga will pitch 147 innings and finish with a record of 11-5 and strike out 144 batters.

Following Imanaga in the rotation will be Justin Steele who Baseball Reference projects to go 8-6 with a 3.29 ERA in 145 innings. Steele also has the potential to be great this season as well and possibly be in the Cy Young race, like he was for the 2023 season in which he finished fifth.

The three four spots in the rotation

For the third spot in the rotation the Cubs will have the 33-year-old Jameson Taillon who had a solid season for the Chicago Cubs in 2024. In 28 starts Taillon had a 12-8 record with 125 strikeouts with a 1.131 WHIP in 165.1 innings of work. Taillon enters into his third year of a four-year $68 million deal, and he will look to replicate the season had in 2024 and bring it to 2025 which Baseball Reference projecting Taillon to go 10-8 with a 3.93 ERA in 158 innings.

In the fourth spot of the rotation the Chicago Cubs will use left-hander Matt Boyd who the Cubs signed two-year $29 million with a mutual option for 2027 of $15 million. The 34-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and made just a handful of starts for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024. For 2025 Matt Boyd is projected to 5-5 with a respectable 4.06 ERA in 82 innings pitched.

The backend and potential swing men

Leading the way for the fifth spot is the 27-year-old Tijuana, Mexico native Javier Assad. Assad in my opinion is an under the radar pitcher to watch for the Chicago Cubs this season. Since debuting with the Chicago Cubs back in 2022 Assad has career ERA of 3.40 in 294 innings. In 2024 for the Cubs Assad had a really solid year for his development with making 29 starts going 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA with 124 strikeouts in 147 innings of work. Assad is projected to throw 135 innings with an ERA of 3.60 and a record of 7-6.

Potential bids for the sixth spot for the Cubs rotation are recent signee Colin Rea who signed a one-year deal and the 25-year-old Ben Brown who is coming back from an injury that had him miss most of last season. If the Chicago Cubs could add one more top of the rotation pitcher to pair with Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele to give them a solid one, two, three. And if the tandem of Taillon, Boyd, Assad, Rea, and Brown can all just give decent levels of production, the Chicago Cubs can certainly be looking at a playoff berth this season.

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The Chicago Cubs acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Colin Rea on a one-year, $5 million free agent deal.

The acquisition came as a surprise to many, as most felt the Cubs would be targeting a shutdown closer for the bullpen, a younger and stronger starting arm, and/or infield depth pieces with third base possibility.

Keen observers definitely did not see Chicago picking up a 34-year-old, bottom of rotation piece rather than all of the above.

Acquiring Colin Rea Was Puzzling

Rea is not a bad pitcher and the deal, which includes a team option for 2026, isn’t a bad deal. On most teams, this would’ve been considered a solid acquisition.

But adding Rea doesn’t line up with the Cubs’ needs. It also pulls money away from Chicago’s other, more pressing, needs– a frustrating detour for a team that seems more and more concerned with budget issues.

On the surface, Rea was brought on to provide depth and flexibility. He would be an insurance policy in case of injury, a capable veteran who would serve as a bullpen long relief guy until needed to step into a rotation spot.

He could even win a rotation spot, adding more veteran stability to the staff.

At the very least, Rea is a stable presence that could assume a leadership role if/when the Cubs make a playoff run. Manager Craig Counsell knows him from his Milwaukee Brewers days and, apparently, trusts and values his ability to contribute. That could be good enough to earn a roster spot ahead of a younger, less-proven pitcher.

But, could there be another reason behind adding Rea to a staff that, apparently, doesn’t currently need his services?

Chicago Cubs Toying With The Idea Of A Six-Man Rotation?

The idea of experimenting with a 6-man rotation has been tossed around a bit and it could be a possibility for the Cubs in 2025.

Moving from the 5-man rotation has its pros and cons, both in theory and in limited MLB practice.

On the pro side, a 6-man starting crew preserves pitcher arm strength and lets starters bring more of their physical “A game” to the latter part of the season. It’s also considered to combat injury and fatigue. Limited use in MLB has shown all of the above to be true, with advanced analytics confirming the physical benefits.

Those against the idea point out that such a rotation can throw pitchers off their schedule and routine. It also, ultimately, gives fewer innings to the aces of the staff as they will have fewer starts. Another factor is that the addition of an extra starter means one fewer reliever. Analytics show that bullpen performance drops over the long haul as the extra burden begins to wear on relievers.

The Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan regularly uses a 6-man rotation as standard practice and the benefits of health and longevity for their starters is clearly evident.

The Rotation, As Of Today

As things sit with the Cubs right now, the starting five is pretty much set at Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad. Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, Cade Horton, and now Colin Rea are also rotation possibilities.

It wouldn’t take much imagination to picture Counsell slipping Rea in as the sixth starter in a 6-man rotation. The move could specifically benefit Imanaga and Assad as pitchers who may struggle with a full season workload. It could also help the recently rehabbed Boyd. It wouldn’t be the craziest idea to want to preserve rotation vitality for the dog days of summer.

We’ll see soon enough what the Cubs have in mind with Rea.

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The Chicago Cubs could make the playoffs for the first time in five years and they need a strong starting rotation to do just that!

If the the Chicago Cubs are to be a great team this coming season and break the five year playoff drought they are currently in they will need to have their starting rotation be a main pillar of their success in order to have that hope become a reality.

Who will lead the Cubs starting rotation?

Shota Imanaga figures to lead the Cubs and be the anchor for this rotation to lean on in order to be their stopper if they find themselves in the midst of a skid. Shota Imanaga had what I would classify as a stellar first season in Major League Baseball after coming over from the NPB League in Japan. Going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA and finishing in the top five in both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year voting, Imanaga is already an Ace after his first season.

Imanaga will be followed in the rotation by homegrown lefty Justin Steele, who the Cubs could look to ink a contract extension with at some point this year. With Jameson Taillion, Matthew Boyd, and with potential options in Javier Assad and Ben Brown vying for the fifth spot in the rotation, the Cubs are rather deep in starting pitchers.

The Cubs still could look to add to the rotation

With MLB insider and columnist for The Athletic Sahadev Sharma definitively stating that the Cubs will indeed add another starting pitcher in the coming weeks with declaring:

“Whether it’s a trade in the coming weeks or a late free-agent signing before the spring, it seems inevitable that one more starting pitcher will be added,”

The Cubs could add a starter ranging from adding another Ace to pair with Shota Imanaga at the top of the rotation and they could look to trade for Pablo López of the Minnesota Twins or Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins both of whom are on the trade block. Adding both López or Alcántara would really solidify the Cubs as having one of the best rotations in baseball. The Cubs have the prospect capital to get a trade for either of those players done with having made outfield prospects Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara available in trade negations.

Jameson Taillon has been a good starting pitcher throughout his career and has been just that for the Cubs as well as being durable, pitching in a total of 319.2 innings in his two season with the Cubs. Though Taillion is a solid option for the Cubs having him in the fourth spot in the rotation with Matthew Boyd rounding it out is a great backend.

What if the Cubs don’t add like Sharma says?

If the Chicago Cubs don’t indeed add another pitcher as Sharma says they will, they do have pretty solid options internally to round out the staff. Javier Assad figures to be the main go to option for the fifth spot in the rotation with having the most reps there amongst all the options available.

A starter with a seven pitch mix with having a fastball that he can sink, cut, and ride up in the zone. Also carrying in his arsenal a changeup, a slider, a sweeper, and a curveball Javiar Assad has plenty of options to get hitters out. Having a strong showing in 2024 in which he made 29 starts, Assad went 7-6 with a respectable 3.73 ERA, with 124 strikeouts, a pretty high WHIP with it being 1.401 which he needs to lower, all in 147 innings of work, Assad is poised to has a strong showing in 2025.

The young 25-year-old right-hander Ben Brown who the Cubs acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies which sent them closer David Robinson, Brown could be a viable option for the starting rotation as well. Having tremendous upside with the potential of being a number two starter if he can figure it out, Brown’s rookie season was cut short last year with going down with a neck injury. This winter Brown was cleared to restart his regular throwing program and will compete with Assad this spring for the fifth spot.

Even though Brown had his season cut short last year, he did flash his potential while he was healthy. Starting eight games for the Cubs (appearing in 15) Brown had a record of 1-3 with a ERA of a 3.58, 64 strikeouts, with a WHIP of 1.084, in 55.1 innings Brown hopes to prove he can stay healthy for a full workload this season.

Brown has really great swing and miss stuff with having a fastball that can get up to 96mph, Brown ranked in the 88th and 87th percentiles for whiff percentage (31.4%) and K percentage (28.8%). If Ben Brown can stay healthy and add a fourth pitch to his fastball, curveball (knuckle-curve), and changeup to give hitters another thing to think about would give the Chicago Cubs a great weapon.

The Chicago Cubs can really be great this year

If all things do click this season for the Cubs like superstar outfielder coming back from his injury and having an MVP type season and carry this offense is crucial to the Cubs winning. As well as Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch expanding their power to provide protection for Tucker in the lineup will also be key. However, the starting rotation first and foremost staying healthy and having a strong season from all that will be in it is the glue that will hold this team together. If the Cubs can have all this happen, good things are in store for them come the 2025 Major League Baseball season.

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The Chicago Cubs placed the focus on pitching for the 2025 season well before the hot stove league got even marginally warm.

The focus, according to reports, was going to be on starting pitching and, then, on bullpen depth. Thus far, some of that has been accomplished, but even Cubs brass would admit that the job hasn’t been finished just yet, as everyone puts the holidays behind them and focuses on adding more to their respective teams.

Here’s a look at what the Cubs have added– and subtracted– to their pitching staff so far this off season:

Additions:

Rob Zastryzny
Eli Morgan
Matthew Boyd
Cody Poteet
Caleb Thielbar

Subtractions:

Heyden Wesneski
Yency Almonte
Drew Smyly
Adbert Alzolay
Kyle Hendricks
Jorge Lopez

The Starter Situation

Right now, the Cubs have a pretty solid 5-man rotation set for the coming season. Cleveland Guardians lefty Matthew Boyd was brought aboard to essentially take the place of Kyle Hendricks on a 2-year, $29 million deal.

The Rehabbed Boyd, who dazzled after returning from Tommy John surgery in late 2024, will most likely be an upgrade over the beloved but inconsistent Hendricks, even in a worst case scenario.

As of right now, the rotation is set with Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Boyd, and Javier Assad making up the starting 5. Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown will be young backup, just in case. Losing Heyden Wesneski in the Kyle Tucker trade takes one big arm out of contention, but it won’t likely be too large of a factor.

It’s quite likely that the Cubs will add another starter before spring training, adding to the rotation depth and, perhaps, forcing Assad into a long relief role.

Thus far this offseason, the team has been tied to rumors regarding Jesús Luzardo, Luis Castillo, and Pablo López, so it’s clear that they’re serious about adding someone. They also still have their line cast for the big fish, Japanese star Roki Sasaki

The Reliever Situation

The Cubs have yet to add that big closer so many wanted them to pursue. The probable reason for that is that they feel they already have him in the form of Porter Hodge, who was shutdown-excellent over the last part of the season.

Most likely, the Cubs will pursue a solid middle relief presence– if they choose to dip into the deeper end of the remaining free agent talent pool at all. Picking up Eli Morgan and Cody Poteet attest to that possible mindset, as does the recent one-year free agent acquisition of former Minnesota Twin, lefty Caleb Thielbar and the waiver wire acquisition of Milwaukee Brewers lefty Rob Zastryzny at the end of last season.

Young talent like Wicks and Brown will be around to boost the rest of the relief corps.

The Chicago Cubs Final Tally

The Cubs pitching staff is clearly still a work in progress. All in all, most of the pieces are there. Maybe one or two additions, plus some good coaching, will deliver a post-season-prepared staff.

The post Chicago Cubs 2025 Pitching: The Story So Far appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs could shock the baseball world by trading away a starting pitcher most assumed would be an anchor in the team’s starting rotation.

At least, that’s what some media analysts believe could– and should– happen.

These observers believe that veteran starter Jameson Taillon might be playing for another team by the start of the season as the Cubs organization streamlines, cuts spending, and enters into a youth initiative.

Trading Jameson Taillon

The 33-year-old, 8-year veteran came to Chicago via free agency in 2023, with Chicago hoping he’d be the kind of veteran influence on a young pitching staff that Jon Lester was to the World Series Cubs.

Taillon struggled in his first year in Chicago, though, posting an 8-10 record with a 4.84 ERA through fits of injury. 2024 was a bounce back year for the former Yankee and Pirate, as he turned things around with a 12-8 record and 3.27 ERA in 165.1 innings.

It was believed that Taillon would be traded at the deadline last season, but a deal never materialized.

What Analysts Think

Brad Wakai of SI.com recently talked up the possibility of the right-hander being dealt.

Per Wakai:

“The right-hander was supposed to be a key piece of this rotation when he signed a $68 million deal ahead of the 2023 season, and while he rebounded nicely this past campaign with a 3.27 ERA and 122 ERA+ following the 4.84 ERA and 88 ERA+ in his debut, he could be another move made to relieve some salary.

Jameson Taillon would have suitors if he’s put on the trade block and is performing well, and while trading him would seem counterintuitive for a team looking to compete in 2025, they also have a plethora of options they can turn to like Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks and their top pitching prospect Cade Horton.”

Not too long ago, Zach Pressnell of FanSided proposed Chicago moving on from Jameson Taillon as well.

Per Pressnell:

“The most obvious answer here is Taillon, who’s set to be paid $18 million in 2025 and $18 million in 2026. The Cubs could likely move Taillon to another contender in exchange for big-league-ready talent. If they were willing to attach prospects and money to him, they could take a shot at some top trade targets on the market this winter. While it’s not a guarantee he’s moved, the idea makes a lot of sense. The only issue here is that Chicago may not find an offseason suitor for their starting pitcher. If they do, they should move him.”

Chicago Cubs Willing To Move on?

The trade of Taillon would indeed be a shocker, especially from an organization declaring itself to be “all in” when it comes to winning this season. If it did happen, it would be a move executed to get rid of an $18 million salary over the next two years and only if young arms like Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, or Cade Horton showed themselves to be major league-ready.

As things sit now, the Cubs starting rotation is Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad, with Wicks, Brown, and Horton competing for a spot. The loss of Taillon could prove to be a gigantic gouge out of the middle of the rotation– unless someone came along to make Taillon expendable.

Follow me on Twitter at @boxing_tribune, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Paul Magno via email at paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
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The Chicago Cubs’ stated priority this offseason was starting pitching. They somewhat addressed that desire when they signed Cleveland Guardians left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million contract a couple of weeks back.

Many see Boyd, however, as a Cubs front office trademark low-risk/high-reward budget deal for, at best, some middle-of-rotation or back-of-rotation depth.

If that’s the case, then the team is still in the market for a starter. And that probably IS the case since the Cubs are making a play for Japanese star Roki Sasaki and reportedly have feelers into several other possible trades and free agent signings for rotation help.

A Solution to the Chicago Cubs’ Starting Rotation Needs

One of the more intriguing ideas to pop up when it comes to Chicago’s pursuit of starters comes in the form of Minnesota Twins ace Pablo Lopez.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Twins are looking to sell off some assets and have been listening to offers regarding the veteran right-hander.

The seven-year veteran Lopez has been a steady, even-handed presence since becoming a full-time starter in the second half of the 2018 season for the Miami Marlins. Prior to the 2023 season, he was then traded to the Twins, where his solid, steady ways continued. In 2023, he made the AL All-Star Team and finished seventh in Cy Young voting.

2024 was a bit of a down year for the Venezuela native, but he still performed as a high-end starter with a 15-10 record and a 4.08 ERA in 185.1 innings. His 2.5 WAR was his lowest since the COVID-abbreviated 2020 season where he had a 1.4 WAR in eleven starts.

Controllable Years

Most enticing of all for the Cubs is that the soon-to-be 29-year-old Lopez is signed through the 2027 season. Although his $21 million salary may make the Ricketts wince, that figure may turn out to be a budget price for a top-of-rotation starter as free agency prices continue to skyrocket.

The Possible Asking Price for Pablo Lopez

Mark Powell of Fansided believes that Chicago could conceivably bring Lopez home in exchange for outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara and pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins.

Per Powell:

“If Chicago wanted to pivot in a different direction without forfeiting their entire farm system, former Marlins pitcher and current Twins ace Pablo Lopez would be an ideal place to look. The Twins are willing to sell off some assets, and Lopez would retrieve a nice return.

Alcantara is a top-100 prospect who could start in the big leagues on Opening Day for Minnesota. Wiggins is the Cubs No. 9 prospect – and they have a strong system, mind you – who could make his way through the Twins system rather quickly. At 23 years old, Wiggins is Chicago’s second-best pitching prospect and only needs reps.

This may seem like an overpay for the Cubs, but much like the free-agent market, starting pitching is expensive.”

The option of bringing an arm or two in via trade has become an increasingly appealing alternative for teams like the Cubs, who have an aversion to free agent purchases and a deep farm system to facilitate high-end deals.

The Cubs’ rotation is currently comprised of Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad, with Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown also in line for a rotation spot. It’s a solid, but potentially shaky crew that could definitely benefit from a solid, dependable presence near the front of the rotation if Chicago is indeed “all in” when it comes to winning the NL Central Division.

Follow me on Twitter at @boxing_tribune, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Paul via email at paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
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The Chicago Cubs are rumored to be a top-five suitor for free agent superstar Corbin Burnes

In a Bleacher Report article published early on Monday, the Chicago Cubs were a team listed as a top five suitor for Burnes according to the rumor mill. The right-hander is coming off a year in Baltimore following an offseason trade from the Brewers last winter.

Burnes made 32 starts in an O’s uniform in 2024 and posted a 15-9 record. The now 30-year-old tossed 194.1 innings, had a 2.92 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. The ERA mark was a massive improvement from 2023, and his WAR only dipped down ever so slightly from 3.5 to 3.4.

The 15 wins for Burnes is the most he has ever had in a single campaign, with 12 in 2022 being the next closest total. 2024 was the fourth straight season where Burnes was named to an all-star team. Despite going over 190 frames on the hill in three of his last four seasons, teams are still flocking to get a sit-down conversation with Burnes in an attempt to get his services for the long haul.

Corbin Burnes joining the Chicago Cubs would create a reunion

Burnes spent the first six seasons of his career as a rival of the Chicago Cubs. The former Milwaukee Brewer would reunite with his old skipper if the Chicago Cubs are lucky enough to ink him. It is known that Craig Counsell and Burnes have a great relationship and it is one that could definitely help the franchise in their efforts to bring the right-hander back to the NL Central.

Burnes won a CY Young award with the Brewers back in the 2021 campaign. In 28 starts, he posted an 11-5 record and plenty of career bests. This includes his 5.3 WAR, 2.43 ERA, 1.63 FIP, and 12.6 SO per nine. Chicago Cubs fans are used to Burnes giving them fits and would surely welcome a chance to return the favor to the fan base two hours north.

The Chicago Cubs should have a sense of urgency when pursuing Corbin Burnes

With the news of Walker Buehler signing a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox on Monday, the Chicago Cubs are running out of options if they want to add a top-of-the-line right-hander this offseason in the free agent market.

The remaining options for the Chicago Cubs are either Burnes or Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. Each arm comes at a different price, but there are similar obstacles to both sweepstakes. With Sasaki, his contract won’t be a super expensive one, so more organizations will gain seats at the table in his bidding. When it comes to Burnes, he will cost quite a lot. This means that the Chicago Cubs will have to fight against the big powers of Major League Baseball to secure Burnes in their rotation.

Burnes would make a strong case to be the ace of the staff in Wrigleyville. Even though Justin Steele has cemented himself as a franchise mainstay over the past couple of seasons, he doesn’t have the resume that Burnes does.

Shota Imanaga had a fantastic start to his MLB career in 2024, and would instantly become the Chicago Cubs number three starter if Burnes joined the fray. Jameson Taillon currently sits as the lone right-hander in the rotation without the addition of a guy like Burnes or Sasaki. Matthew Boyd rounds out the current rotation after inking a two-year contract in early Decemeber.

Whether he would be the number one or two starter, Burnes would lock the Chicago Cubs in as one of the top starting pitching staffs in all of baseball. Seeing rumors that having him on the organizations’ radar is a good sign, but it is all talk right now until a meeting is reported or a deal is put on the table.

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The Chicago Cubs will meet with Roki Sasaki on Friday

Reports confirm that the Chicago Cubs will meet with the Japanese phenom on Friday right before the holiday. the right-hander has become one of the highly sought-after arms on the current free agent market, along with the likes of Corbin Burnes and Walker Buehler.

Sasaki was posted officially on Dec. 9, and many teams have already been lobbying to meet with his team in hopes to reach an agreement for his services.

The 23-year-old is coming off a 2024 campaign in the JPPL that turned heads of the scouts that were already impressed by his 2023 World Baseball Classic showing. Sasaki finished with a 10-5 record with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 111.0 innings pitched. He possessed a 2.35 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in the large sample size.

The youngster’s arsenal is absolutely filthy and there is a reason why he made so many big league hitters look silly last spring. His fastball consistently sits in the upper-90s and more often than not reaches triple digits. Sasaki combats that heater with a splitter that sits in the upper-80s and a devastating slider that is around the same velocity range.

Sasaki has a place waiting for him in the Chicago Cubs rotation

Sasaki would not be the first addition to the Chicago Cubs rotation this offseason. The organization inked Matthew Boyd to a two-year deal earlier in December, making him the third lefty in the rotation. While Boyd is a solid veteran arm to have around, he doesn’t bring the fire power to the table that Sasaki does.

Jameson Taillon is currently the only right-handed option the Chicago Cubs have in their starting rotation entering 2025. Sasaki would certainly change that, along with bringing the ability to throw in big-time games to the franchise.

Sasaki would likely slot right in between Justin Steele and fellow countryman Shota Imanaga as the Chicago Cubs’ number two starter. He would without a doubt be apart of the playoff rotation (if the team can find their way in this season) and be an instant fan favorite in Wrigleyville.

There are going to be plenty of suitors and meetings had with Sasaki in the coming weeks, so the front office will have to make their pitch to him extra special if they want to score a contract with one of the most coveted Japanese free agent since Shohei Ohtani.

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As the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 30, there is growing speculation that Chicago Cub’s starter Jameson Taillon could be traded. According to The Score and NBC’s Micheal J. Duarte (among others) teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros have expressed significant interest in the pitcher, making him a focal point of recent trade discussions.

This increased scrutiny reflects Taillon’s compelling mix of potential and recent performance fluctuations, which could have significant implications for both contenders.

His recent performance and statistical context paint a complex picture of his current value. Over his last two seasons with the New York Yankees, Taillon posted a 4.08 earned run average (ERA+) before joining the Cubs, where his performance was slightly worse with a 4.84 ERA+ in the 2023 season.

Despite these numbers, Taillon’s recent improvements in 2024 indicate the potential for improved performance. There has been a notable drop in his BABIP (batting average on balls in play) from .292 in 2023 to .275 this season. Additionally, his HR/FB% (home run to fly ball ratio) has dropped from a career average of 12% to 9.1%.

These changes suggest that he may be experiencing improved luck and potentially more favorable pitching outcomes.

However, a closer examination of the Statcast data reveals some areas for improvement. His fastball velocity is below average, and he does not excel at generating strikeouts or limiting exit velocity. Despite these metrics, Taillon has demonstrated solid control and does not issue many walks, which could be an attractive quality for teams looking to bolster their pitching depth.

As the deadline approaches, teams will need to assess the sustainability of Jamosn Taillon’s recent improvements and how they align with their overall strategy.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in Jameson Taillon as a potential addition to their pitching staff, which has been experiencing some depth concerns. The Dodgers have struggled with injuries and inconsistency in their rotation, underscoring the value of a reliable, if not exceptional, pitcher.

Taillon’s ability to pitch longer innings and his recent progress in limiting home runs could provide stability to the Dodgers’ rotation, especially in the latter stages of the season. While Taillon may not be a high-ceiling ace, his experience and consistency could provide the Dodgers with a reliable option.

The Houston Astros, on the other hand, are looking to bolster their pitching staff in their quest for another championship title. Given the strength of their current rotation, the addition of Taillon could provide depth and flexibility. His recent performance improvements and lower home run rate are in line with the Astros’ focus on effective pitching and run prevention.

Furthermore, his control and ability to limit walks are consistent with the Astros’ pitching philosophy of minimizing free passes and keeping the ball in play.

Jameson Taillon rumored trade: The strategic implications

For both the Dodgers and Astros, the acquisition of the right hander represents a strategic move to address specific needs within their pitching staffs. The Dodgers may view Taillon as a stabilizing influence in a rotation that has seen its share of turnover. For the Astros, Taillon could be a crucial addition to a rotation that is already robust but could benefit from added depth and reliability.

Ultimately, while his statistical profile presents a mix of strengths and weaknesses, his recent improvements and overall experience make him a viable target for teams looking to bolster their pitching staffs before the trade deadline. As the deadline approaches, the Dodgers and Astros must evaluate how Taillon’s potential aligns with their postseason goals and determine whether his current performance is indicative of sustained improvement or a temporary anomaly.

The post Jameson Taillon floods the radars of Dodgers and Astros ahead July 30 – RUMORS appeared first on ChiCitySports.

“Yeah, those moments are unbelievable,” he said. “They’re memories you’ll never forget. Someday I’ll have the opportunity to tell my kids about it. All the effort…it’s rewarding to make people happy and be recognized for it.”

“On the other hand, even during the difficult times last year, what I think is more important than any ovation is that I never heard anyone on the street criticize me or feel like I was being booed. Things didn’t get out of hand in that sense. So I have a lot of respect for the fans and what they represent,” Taillon explained.

“Because if you show up day in and day out, and you’re getting booed, and you’re dealing with your own issues, it could get even more complicated. But just having their support has helped me move forward and get to where I am,” the pitcher said.

Jameson Taillon clears doubts about his future with the Cubs

“I’m having a great time here,” Taillon said. “Every day it’s a pleasure to come. There’s a great group of guys. As we’ve mentioned several times, I think we should be in a better position than we are. However, so far we haven’t gotten the results we want, and those results speak louder than anything we can say.”

“I would love to continue here. I chose to come to Chicago and be a Cub. So this is where I want to be.”

The post Cubs loose to Brewers 1-0 despite Jameson Taillon’s strong start appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Cubs held off Brewers’ celebration, while regaining third wild card spot

Not one, but two great things happened to the Chicago Cubs on Friday night, and both were needed considering the direction the team was going in of late.

The first of those was with its 6-0 victory, the Cubs kept the Milwaukee Brewers from popping open champagne bottles to celebrate winning the National League Central title. But it was what the Brewers did for their NL Central rivals that was more exciting.

The Brewers blasted the Miami Marllins, 16-1, and by doing so, the Cubs regained tthe third National League Wild Card position by their lonesome with eight games left in the regualar season

In their own victory, Jameson Taillon gave the Cubs a much needed boost on the hill, allowing four hits in six innings with four walks and seven strikeouts. From there, relievers Drew Smyly and Hayden Wesneski closed the door on the struggling Rockies with three innings combined shutout work, allowing two hits total.

“The goal is always to not give up runs,” Taillon said, “but today especially, I was just in the mindset of, ‘Can’t let these guys score.’”

The offense was provided mainly in the middle of the scoring. Seiya Suzuki, who had a first-inning RBI single and was 3-forf-4 in the game with two runs scored, walloped a two-run home run in the fourth to make it 3-0. And in the sixth inning Jared Young delivered a two-run home run to make it 5-0. Dansby Swanson added a seventh-inning RBI single to close out the scoring.

While the Marlins were getting thumped in their own ballpark, the Cincinnati Reds were losing to the suddenly hot Pittsburgh Pirates, 7-5, to drop a game and a half behind the Cubs for the final wild card spot. The San Francisco Giants stayed three games behind the Cubs after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-1, and the San Diego Padres, four games back of the Cubs, continued to hang on by their fingernails after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2.

Game two of the three-game set is at 1:20 p.m as Marcus Stroman (10-8), coming back from a right rib cartilage fracture, returns to the mound for the Cubs to face Chris Flexen (1-8).

The post From A Distance: Two great things happen to Cubs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are the hottest team in baseball right now. Only the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers have a better record since the All-Star Break.

The Chicago Cubs are the hottest team in baseball and it isn’t close. The Cubs have a 31-19 record in their last fifty games with victories against the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs have won six straight series against formidable opponents like the division rival Reds and NL East leading Braves. to

The organization is 16-7 since the All-Star Break and lead the MLB in team batting average (.294) as well as runs scored (166) during that stretch. The Cubbies also boast one of the best run differentials in the league, ranking inside the top ten. The team’s offensive attack has been anchored by NL Player Of The Month Cody Bellinger.

Congratulations to @Cody_Bellinger, the @MLB NL Player of the Month for July! pic.twitter.com/ueAWefskt6

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 2, 2023

Bellinger in his last thirty games has an other-worldly slash line of .430/.472/.719 with nine home-runs and thirty-one RBI’s. The 2019 NL MVP is hitting a stellar .332 on the season thus far in 82 games. Bellinger could see some NL MVP consideration but won’t be able to overcome the tremendous season that Ronald Acuña Jr. is having.

The team’s confidence is sky-high right now as evidenced by comments made by shortstop Dansby Swanson on August 7th.

Swanson has spoken pic.twitter.com/W6kB2mG4c5

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 7, 2023

Swanson’s comments are well-founded but will be put to the test in these closing months of the season. The Northsiders are one game back from the final Wild Card spot behind the Reds and will need to continue to make up ground for a playoff spot. The Cubs will have a number of important matchups in August and September which can be found here. Can the club continue to be the hottest team in baseball?

The Cubs will look to bounce back tonight from a 11-2 bludgeoning at the hands of the New York Mets last night. The team will send out Jameson Taillon (6-6, 5.36 ERA) to the mound against Carlos Carrasco (3-6, 6.60 ERA) with first pitch at 6:10 PM CST at Citi Field.

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