2026 looms as a pivotal season for the Chicago Cubs. A wave of key players are set to hit free agency while facing a new collective bargaining agreement that could reshape the financial landscape. Despite this, the team has already shown a willingness to spend big by locking in Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Nico Hoerner, on top of Dansby Swanson,who is locked up through the 2029 season.

For Cubs fans, it’s encouraging to see Jed Hoyer getting the green light from the Ricketts Family to commit $175 million to Bregman, $115 million to Crow-Armstrong, and $141 million to Hoerner, bringing their total spending since the end of last off-season up to $488 million. That said, many might be wondering “how are they doing this?”

Chicago Cubs post-2026 payday window could be driving recent contracts handed out

As things currently stand, right now the Cubs are scheduled to have $124.325 million come off the books at seasons end, according to a deep dive of the finances by Michael Cerami at BleacherNation. Of the 14 players potentially becoming free agents, five are making more than $10 million and two more than $20 million. Additionally, all of Shota Imanaga, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd are over 30 years old, meaning they are unlikely to get long term contracts.

Money coming off #Cubs books at the end of this season (luxury tax):

Imanaga: $22.025M
Happ: $20.3M
Suzuki: $17M
Taillon: $17M
Boyd: $14.5M
Rea: $6.5M*
Harvey: $6M
Kelly: $5.75M
Thielbar: $4.5M
Milner: $3.75M
Carlson: $2M
Conforto: $2M
Webb: $1.5M*
Austin: $1.5M

Total:…

— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) March 28, 2026

In other words, the Cubs aren’t just spending to spend, they’re strategically extending their competitive window. By committing big money now, they’re locking in cornerstone talent before that financial flexibility opens up, positioning themselves to supplement the new future core even further once contracts from Imanaga, Happ, Suzuki, Taillon, Boyd, and others roll off.

Furthermore, no matter how the next collective bargaining agreement shakes out, the Cubs are positioned to have significant financial flexibility next winter. Even if a new CBA introduces stricter payroll thresholds or spending penalties, this kind of built-in breathing room ensures the Cubs can remain aggressive, whether that means pursuing top free agents or trading for more talent.

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The Chicago Cubs aren’t hesitating to lock up their talented young players, dishing out two extensions.

More News: 3 takeaways from 2026 Chicago Cubs Opening Day

All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (six years, $115 million) received his extension as spring training ended, with second baseman Nico Hoerner also receiving one. Hoerner and the Cubs reportedly agreed to a six-year extension, preventing the Gold Glove winner from hitting free agency this offseason.

The Cubs also spent money in free agency. All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman signed a lucrative contract (five years, $175 million) with the Cubs after they pursued him the offseason before.
Despite the Cubs’ willingness to pay Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, and Bregman, two players may not receive extensions.

The Chicago Cubs may let two core players walk in free agency

Outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are core members of the Cubs’ lineup and are two players who may not receive extensions. Pending free agents, Suzuki signed a five-year ($85 million) contract in 2022, while Happ signed a three-year extension ($61 million) in 2024.

Suzuki had a breakout season in 2025, mashing 32 home runs and driving in 103 RBI. Happ was his consistent self, having his third straight 20+ home run season (23), and winning his fourth straight Gold Glove.

Both should get extensions, but the Cubs aren’t likely to extend both. Happ and Suzuki are entering their early 30s, and Suzuki is on the injured list with a knee injury.

MLB’s labor negotiations could affect the Cubs’ signing of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki

The looming work stoppage for 2027 may also affect the Cubs’ efforts to sign Suzuki and Happ. MLB’s wanting a “salary cap” will change how teams spend. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires on December 1, 2026.

Currently, teams can spend as much as they want, with penalties (taxes) applying once they reach a threshold. Under the current CBA, the luxury tax in 2026 is $244 million.
The Cubs’ current payroll, per Spotrac, sits at $246.65 million, the second time in this CBA (2024) the Cubs have surpassed the luxury tax. The Cubs total allocations for 2027 sit at $105.6 million — Hoerner’s contract details are still unknown.

Suzuki’s power potential could sway the Cubs to sign him over Happ. However, a consistent Gold Glove winner in left, paired with a Gold Glove center fielder (PCA, 2025), could be more beneficial.

Outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara — Alcantara was optioned to the minor leagues — is waiting in the wings and one of, or maybe both, Happ and Suzuki could be departing.

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The 2026 MLB season is finally here following Wednesday night’s showcase on Netflix between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But for the Chicago Cubs, they held Opening Day on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs dropped the opener to the Washington Nationals, falling to 0-1 on the year. It was a shaky start for Ben Brown who was cruising before allowing seven total runs. But before the game, another story regarding Cubs pitching broke from the offseason.

One of Chicago’s needs this offseason was more bullpen help. They almost got it too in the form of former All-Star closer Devin Williams who eventually signed with the New York Mets. However, the Cubs were very much in on Williams per a new report.

Chicago Cubs were outbid for Devin Williams, other relievers

The 31-year-old Williams is now a member of the Mets, signing a three-year deal there this offseason. Prior to that, he was traded by Milwaukee to the New York Yankees last offseason. But Chicago almost had a chance to land him as Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma wrote in The Athletic on Thursday:

The Cubs made a three-year offer to All-Star closer Devin Williams but did not come close to the $51 million that the New York Mets guaranteed. The Mets and Philadelphia Phillies also outbid the Cubs for relievers Luke Weaver and Brad Keller, who each landed two-year, $22 million contracts from those respective NL contenders.

Along with Williams, the report states that the Cubs were also outbid for relievers Luke Weaver and Brad Keller. That’s tough to hear.

The Cubs’ bullpen will be in the spotlight once again this season and on Thursday they saw Boyd give up six earned runs while Ben Brown gave up two. If Chicago’s pitching struggles, it could be a long year for them.

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The Chicago Cubs have a pretty deep roster in the starting rotation and throughout the lineup. This level of depth is good to have.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Former Counsell charge named as possible surprise roster addition

However, with bona fide big leaguers getting relegated to the minors, the Cubs should look to trade these players to get some value back.

Right-hander Javier Assad |

Despite Javier Assad doing well — a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6.2 innings — the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for him. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role.

Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option. 

Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season.

Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.

Assad is now out of minor league options, and barring injury, won’t be up anytime soon. A bona fide big league arm, the Cubs could get value back in a trade for him.

Outfielder Kevin Alcantara |

Kevin Alcantara is the Cubs’ fourth-ranked prospect, but he also doesn’t have a spot on the big league roster. A primary centerfielder, Alcantara can play the corner outfield spots as well.

Rightfielder Seiya Suzuki’s knee injury created an opening to make the team, but veteran outfielder Michael Conforto secured the last spot. Alcantara did have a good spring, batting .275 with two doubles, a home run and four RBI in 13 games.

Alcantara’s future as the Cubs’ everyday centerfielder is out, with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s reported extension. Right field and leftfield could open up next year for Alcantara to play, with leftfielder Ian Happ and Suzuki entering their walk years.

A promising young outfielder, Alcantara could also bring back value in a trade to further deepen the Cubs’ roster.

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Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made the news official on where outfielder Seiya Suzuki and right-hander Javier Assad will begin the season.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Suzuki will miss Opener, Conforto to make roster

According to Counsell, via Marquee Sports Network, Suzuki will start the season on the injured list (knee), and Assad got optioned to Triple-A. Suzuki injured his knee while sliding into second base playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

In four World Baseball Classic games, Suzuki hit two home runs, drove in five RBI, and walked six times. In 6.2 innings (three games), the 28-year-old Assad had a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts. Assad had a 4.50 ERA in two games with Mexico during the World Baseball Classic. 

Seiya Suzuki will start the season on the IL, and Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A, Craig Counsell announced today. pic.twitter.com/JTfCan9RQd

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 23, 2026

Other Chicago Cubs need to step up in Seiya Suzuki’s absence

Suzuki is one of the Cubs’ main power hitters — smashing 32 home runs last season — which leaves a void that others need to fill. First baseman Michael Busch (34) and centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (31) were the only other 30+ home run hitters last season.

Busch and Crow-Armstrong will provide decent pop, but others will need to step up. Shortstop Dansby Swanson hit 24 home runs last season and hit nine combined between April and May. The Gold Glover also has two home runs and nine RBI this spring.

Third baseman Alex Bregman will also need to provide some pop — hitting 18 home runs last season and two this spring. Bregman had 11 home runs between April and May last year. Like Swanson, Bregman also has two home runs.

Sadly, the Chicago Cubs didn’t have a place for Javier Assad

Despite him doing well, the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for Assad. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role. Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option. 

Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.

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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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When the Chicago Cubs signed third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, trade rumors immediately began swirling around Nico Hoerner due to the fact that Hoerner is slated to hit free agency next offseason.

The idea made sense. Sign Bregman, trade Hoerner for a monster package and shift Matt Shaw over to second base. But is it possible the Cubs could make a different move entirely?

While jettisoning Hoerner definitely makes the most sense from a financial perspective, it would obviously inhibit Chicago’s chances of winning a World Series this year. So maybe trading Shaw is actually the right play?

A former top prospect, Shaw brings a ton of potential and a whole lot of versatility to the table, so he definitely has value.

On that note, Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib has suggested an intriguing potential destination for Shaw: the Atlanta Braves.

Could the Chicago Cubs trade Matt Shaw to the Atlanta Braves?

The Braves just watched as Jurickson Profar was hit with his second PED suspension, resulting in the All-Star utility man being banned for the entire 2026 campaign. This obviously puts Atlanta in a difficult spot with the season opener just two weeks away, but perhaps the Cubs could have the antidote.

“If the Braves, like the Cubs, believe that Shaw is capable of handling the outfield, he could be an intriguing platoon partner for Mike Yastrzemski in left field,” Campbell wrote. “Shaw could also see time as the Braves’ designated hitter, considering their current option is a non-roster invite in Dominic Smith.”

A former first-round pick, Shaw made his big-league debut in 2025 and slashed .226/.295/.394 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI over 437 plate appearances, but it’s important to note that he posted a .915 OPS in the minor leagues. So clearly, Shaw has a high ceiling.

Even after a disappointing showing in his first major-league season, Shaw still has plenty of trade value, and with the Braves being desperate, they might be willing to surrender a nice return to Chicago in exchange for the 24-year-old.

“To be clear, a Shaw trade with the Braves should be viewed as unlikely, but it speaks to the type of creativity that would be involved if the Cubs were to move their former first-rounder. Especially if it was to a team rich in pitching prospects,” Campbell added.

Of course, this still wouldn’t solve the Cubs’ emerging financial problem when it comes to Hoerner, and considering they would likely be getting prospects in return, it likely wouldn’t do much to move the needle for them in 2026, either.

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The Chicago Cubs have all nine positions in the field figured out except the bench.

More News: Chicago Cubs‘ Nico Hoerner has lofty goal for the 2026 season

Infielder Matt Shaw is a prime candidate to make the Cubs bench as a super-utility player, and is adding playing first base to his repertoire. Manager Craig Counsell said he knows the Cubs are giving Shaw a “kind of a difficult Spring Training experience”, asking him to play first base.

“Look, we’re giving him kind of a difficult Spring Training experience here,” Counsell said to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. “I respect what he’s doing this spring. It hasn’t been easy, for sure. But, I’d rather make it hard right now and then go into the season with at least some experience at all these things.”

Matt Shaw is embracing the idea of playing first base for the Chicago Cubs, despite never playing there

In Shaw’s entire professional baseball career, college career, and short time in the major leagues, he has never played first base. Primarily a middle infielder, playing 124 games at third base last year, Shaw is excited for the opportunity to get more at-bats by playing first base.

“Definitely, I want to get as many at-bats as I possibly can,” Shaw said. “If that means playing a lot of different positions, then I think it kind of just is what it is. If I can continue to get better at those positions, then I think I’ll be in a good place to, No. 1, get a lot of at-bats, and No. 2, give guys days off if they need it to keep our team healthy going into October.”

The Cubs’ former first-round pick (13th overall) in 2023 feels he’s covering the nuances of playing first well.

“There’s small nuances that I’m learning,” Shaw said. “But overall I feel like I covered all the basics pretty well. It’s small things that I’m learning. Obviously, it’s Day 1 ever at first, but overall I feel really, really good.”

Matt Shaw could be a decent choice to back up Michael Busch if he needs a day off

The Cubs’ primary first baseman last season and going into this season is Michael Busch. Busch had a breakout campaign in 2025, batting .261 with an OPS of .866 and 34 home runs in 155 games. Busch played 151 games at first base and had a value of two defensive runs saved.

The Cubs’ turning to Shaw to maybe play first base is because Tyler Austin will be out for months with a knee injury. Prospect Moises Ballesteros is also a likely candidate to back up Busch. But Ballesteros has high upside, and will need everyday at-bats at Triple-A.

Shaw adding first base to his repertoire will help his chances of getting playing time in 2026. However, he will need to prove he can handle playing a position he’s never played.

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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is one of the most underrated players in baseball and doesn’t work outside of his skill set to be great.

“I was really proud of last year throughout,” Hoerner said to Jordan Bastain of MLB.com earlier this spring. “During the season, I felt like I improved, while just being a good version of myself and embracing the things I do well.”

More News: Chicago Cubs breathe a sigh of relief after the Reds’ latest injury

Hoerner is an all-around player and came into this spring training hoping to build off his slugging from the second half.

“I slugged more in the second half,” Hoerner said. “But it didn’t come from swinging harder or doing stuff that’s outside of my skillset as it is. I just felt like I had a better understanding of how I was moving, and I’m excited to build on that.”

In seven seasons with the Cubs, Hoerner has a career slugging percentage of .384 and has 36 career home runs. Hoerner has shown to be more of a doubles (128), triples (15), and steals (131) player than a home run hitter.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell noticed Nico Hoerner’s desire to be better

In three seasons as Hoerner’s manager, Craig Counsell has taken notice of Hoerner coming into spring training with new goals. Hoerner told Counsell this spring, “I want to hit for more power.”

“Just in the three years that I’ve been here,” Counsell said, “I’ve seen him come into spring with some different goals. And now I think he sits in a place where he understands himself better and how to achieve those goals. Instead of just saying, ‘I want to hit for more power,’ it’s more understanding how his body works around that goal.”

If Nico Hoerner can hit more than 10 home runs, that would be a win for the Cubs

Hoerner has hit seven home runs in back-to-back seasons and has two seasons (2020 and 2021) with zero home runs. The Cubs’ former first-round pick’s (24th overall) career high is 10 in 2022.

Already hitting over 30 doubles in a season (35 in 2024), developing more home run potential would benefit the Cubs. The Cubs ranked sixth in Major League Baseball in home runs in 2025 (223). Hoerner hitting at least 15 home runs next season would be a win for the Cubs.

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The Chicago Cubs won’t have an easy time winning the National League Central, but things became easier with Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene getting injured.

More News: Chicago Cubs roster cuts include MLB top pitching prospect

According to USA Today Baseball columnist Bob Nightengale, Greene will have arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to remove bone chips and loose bodies in his right elbow. The surgery will keep the former first-round pick (second overall) out until July.

The former All-Star (2024) made one start this spring — allowing four earned runs on five hits and a walk — before getting shut down.

The Chicago Cubs can breathe a sigh of relief that Hunter Greene is out until July

The Cubs not having to face Greene will work in their favor, as the right-hander owned the Cubs’ in 2025. In two starts, Greene was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA and struck out 11 in 13.0 innings. Greene also limited Cubs hitters to a .091 batting average (44 at-bats) and a .376 OPS.

The Reds will be one of the Cubs’ main rivals competing for the National League Central Division in 2026. The Milwaukee Brewers will try to retain the title. The Pittsburgh Pirates could also offer some competition after spending some money to build on their roster.

Not having Greene will hurt the Reds’ rotation and overall roster, but it should help the Cubs steal a few wins against them. The Cubs play the Reds four times (May 4 to May 7) before July.

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The Chicago Cubs are getting closer and closer to figuring exactly what players will make up their 2026 Opening Day roster. Indeed, it has been an exciting spring thus far and numerous young players are primed to make the Major League roster. The hope, of course, is that they will improve on their 92-70 record from 2025 and compete for a World Series.

With all the young talent in Chicago, the future is certainly bright and it appears that it will remain so for some time. That being said, it also means that older players, some of them former All-Stars, may not make the roster.

Among them is outfielder Michael Conforto.

Michael Conforto is in danger of being a Chicago Cubs roster cut

Earlier this winter, the Cubs signed Michael Conforto to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The hope for both parties was that the former All-Star slugger could rediscover his form in the Windy City.

Thus far, though, it sounds like he may be on the outside looking in, per The Athletic:

“The bench battle appears to be primarily three players fighting for two spots: Michael Conforto, Dylan Carlson and Chas McCormick.

“Numbers-wise, on offense, Carlson has put together the best spring so far. But that’s a dangerous game of both spring training numbers, which are largely meaningless, and small sample sizes. How they look means more than the pure results right now. Is the bat speed still there? Are they healthy? How is their defense?

“The latter may end up being a differentiator between McCormick and Carlson: Who can play better outfield defense, in particular, in center field? Talent evaluators are split on this, though most seem to lean toward McCormick. The recent advanced data doesn’t love either, although Outs Above Average gives the clear edge to McCormick.”

Conforto is hitting .273/.385/.364 with an RBI in four Spring Training games thus far. However, that may not be enough to earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Last year, he had the worst season of his career while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit just .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs and 36 RBI in 138 games.

Known for his power bat, Conforto has not shown the pop he used to have when he hit 33 home runs for the New York Mets in 2019. If he cannot display that soon, he may not be playing in Chicago this year.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Notable Cubs prospect missing WBC receives encouraging injury update
• Several Cubs pitchers are headed to the injured list
• Javier Assad seems intent on ruining Cubs’ Plan A

For More Chicago Sports

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

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The Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks will meet up for another spring training matchup, which will have a fun little twist to it, with Craig Counsell’s son Brady on the Diamondbacks gameday roster.

More News: Report: Baltimore Orioles reliever possibly to start season on the IL

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Brady will have his first professional at-bat today after being a 10th-round draft pick of the Diamondbacks in 2025, and got the scoop on his dad, telling his mom of the news before him. Counsell said to Rogers about seeing his son’s first professional at-bat on Thursday, “I’ll close my eyes and watch the video later.”

Brady Counsell could be a solid prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks

Counsell (Brady) did not appear in the minor leagues after getting drafted last season and did not compete in the Arizona Fall League. In four seasons in college, Counsell batted .255 with a .786 OPS and 28 home runs in 196 games.

Counsell spent his final season in college with the Kansas Jayhawks (University of Kansas), and had a down year from the season prior with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (.287 average, .905 OPS) — batting .259 with an OPS of .851 and 12 home runs. Counsell will likely start his season in the lower levels of the minor leagues to help continue his development.

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The Baltimore Orioles had one of the worst bullpens in Major League Baseball last season (25th, 4.57 ERA), added right-handers Ryan Helsley and former Chicago Cubs reliever Andrew Kittredge to give things a boost.

More News: Chicago Cubs MiLB Gold Glove winner competes for a roster spot

Sadly for the Orioles, Kittredge won’t be a factor for them to start the season, with Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reporting that the soon-to-be 36-year-old (March 17) Kittredge will likely start the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.

Kittredge has pitched in one game this spring and allowed three runs (two earned) in a third of an inning.

Kittredge was with the Orioles and the Cubs last season, having a 4-3 record with a 3.40 ERA in 54 games. 2025 marked the fifth straight season Kittredge had an ERA under 3.50.

The Chicago Cubs lucked out in not retaining Andrew Kittredge for the 2026 season

The Cubs could have brought Kittredge back to be a part of their revamped bullpen, as he had a $9 million club option, which the Orioles picked up upon trading for him. Kittredge had knee surgery to begin last season, which forced him to miss Opening Day and debut on May 21.

Kittredge’s absence means others on the fringes of the Orioles roster will get chances to see if they can fill a late-inning role that Kittredge would’ve occupied.

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The Chicago Cubs currently have few question marks en route to Opening Day. Unless something shocking happens from now until the end of spring training, all eight starting position spots are settled, the starting rotation is set, and the bullpen, for the most part, is pretty locked in.

More News: Chicago Cubs: A trade deadline shocker could become reality, per analyst

However, there’s still some debate brewing over the final couple of additions on the 26-man roster ahead of March 26.

With new backup first baseman Tyler Austin out for months with a leg injury, there are now questions about who will round out the Cubs’ bench.

A surprising 2026 Opening Day roster prediction

More News: Chicago Cubs are not shoo-ins to win NL Central, according to analysts

The Locked on Cubs podcast recently made their own Opening Day roster projection and slotted in a pair of outfielders for the final two spots on the team– Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson.

Both free agents were picked up this offseason and signed to minor league deals and both are coming off horrible MLB stretches.

The 33-year-old Conforto’s fall from grace was more prodigious than Carlson’s. The veteran outfielder went from being a $17 million free agent Los Angeles Dodgers signee with a decent body of work behind him to a pretty undesirable castoff on the weight of a 2025 where he hit .199 in 486 plate appearances for a Dodgers fan base that was absolutely seething with anger over his lack of production.

Underlying metrics, though, make the case that the 10-year major leaguer could possibly be due for a rebound year. Even in a career-worst 2025, he hit the ball hard and had a top-tier walk rate. At the very least, signing him to a minor league deal as a potential fourth outfielder was a low-risk gamble.

Carlson is even more of a shot in the dark for Chicago, but there’s also a case to be made that the 27-year-old switch-hitting outfielder was a low-risk move with a decent upside.

Per Matt Polites of Locked on Cubs:

“He’s had a couple of down seasons, but if you look back to 202…he had a WAR over 3. So, he could see some kind of return to form there. A good switch-hitting bat in the outfield. He could play all three spots”

An outfield-heavy roster?

The real surprise from the Locked on Cubs roster projection is that they see Chicago carrying five outfielders with Conforto and Carlson slotted in and Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki as starters.

There’s been talk of Conforto playing some first base this season and, if true, that would make sense when it comes to him making the Opening Day roster. The Cubs do need a backup to Michael Busch beyond DH/C Moises Ballesteros and C Miguel Amaya. But Conforto has never played the position, not in the majors nor the minors.

For now, predictions are just predictions. There’s a lot more spring to play out and some decisions that still need to be made.

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As Spring Training continues on, the concerns of a work stoppage this offseason still loom. It could impact free agency and where players could end up in terms of the open market come next Winter. For the Chicago Cubs, there’s one large pending free agent who could be playing his final season in Chicago.

Outfielder Ian Happ has been with the big league club since 2017 as a staple in the team’s lineup. He’s seen a lot in the Cubs’ post-World Series era and entering 2026, he’s hoping to be a key cog in a playoff run this season. However, free agency is still on his mind as evident by his comments on Monday.

Ian Happ drops interesting quote on his pending free agency with Chicago Cubs

Happ signed a three-year contract extension worth $61M in April 2023 which included a no-trade clause. That kept him here through 2026 and allows both sides to see if there’s still a fit.

While Happ would love to stay in a place that has welcomed him with open arms and he’s become a fan favorite, there is that chance he won’t be back. Here is what he told reporters via Bruce Levine of 670 The Score.

“It’s been a true honor for me to represent this great city, organization and fan base,” Happ said. “The reality of this is ,you can’t control if the team wants you back.its totally plausible another chapter elsewhere awaits me.”

Ian Happ on free agency. “It’s been a true honor for me to represent this great city,,organization and fan base.The reality of this is ,you can’t control if the team wants you back.its totally plausible another chapter elsewhere awaits me.”

— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) March 2, 2026

Happ is coming off a season in which he slashes .243/.342/.420 with 23 home runs and 79 RBI’s. It was a solid season offensively for Happ who also helped man down the outfield in the Windy City.

With bigger needs, I imagine the two sides would love to come together for a deal. The Cubs really don’t have another answer right now at the big league level as Matt Shaw has been taking reps but isn’t a full-time replacement just yet. They do have Kelvin Alcantara but it would take a monster season in 2026 to prove it. Ethan Conrad and Kane Kepley aren’t ready either.

With Seiya Suzuki being in a contract year, it might make a lot more sense to try and keep Happ around.

The post MLB News: Chicago Cubs’ Ian Happ drops interesting quote about pending free agency appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs made some very notable additions this offseason, acquiring pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade and signing third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.

The Cubs are expected to contend for a World Series this year, and while the Los Angeles Dodgers are the obvious favorites, Chicago is talented enough to make a run, especially considering the depth of its starting rotation.

Because the Cubs’ pitching staff is so deep, Chicago could ultimately move one of its pitchers in a trade, and Javier Assad has been tabbed as someone who could get dealt.

Assad has been solid for the Cubs since entering the big leagues in 2022, but because his stuff isn’t too overpowering, it looks like he’ll be on the outside looking in when it comes to Chicago’s five-man rotation heading into 2026.

In fact, Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors feels that Assad could be a trade target for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Could the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies match up on a trade?

The Phillies are looking to add some pitching depth of their own after losing Ranger Suarez to free agency and with Zack Wheeler still recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, and Deeds feels they could comprise a good match for Assad.

“Looking around the league, there’s certainly a handful of teams with an excess of optionable starters who could fit the Phillies needs,” Deeds wrote. “The Cubs (Javier Assad), Dodgers (Landon Knack), Tigers (Keider Montero) and Giants (Hayden Birdsong) are among the teams with optionable starters who have notable big league experience but are likely to be squeezed out of the club’s rotation entering the year.”

Assad owns a lifetime 3.43 ERA over 78 career outings and 54 starts, allowing 3o4 hits while registering 271 strikeouts over 331 innings of work.

Again, the right-hander’s stuff is not going to wow anyone, but he has been very reliable due much in part to his ability to keep the ball int he yard. Assad owns a career 1.1 HR/9, and his knack for inducing ground balls makes up for his rather ugly 1.99 K/BB.

The 28-year-old probably wouldn’t fetch much in a trade, but if the Cubs can squeeze a decent prospect out of the Phillies for Assad, it’s something they may want to consider.

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The Chicago Cubs have a plethora of talented outfielders on their roster. Of course, none of them are more exciting than 23-year-old Pete Crow-Armstrong. Last season, PCA became one of the youngest players in MLB history to post a 30 home run-30 stolen base season, hitting 32 long balls and swiping 35 bags.

Fortunately for the Cubs, PCA is still under club control for a long time. However, 2027 will be the beginning of his arbitration years, and Chicago will undoubtedly have to start paying him a high salary very soon.

And while they are going to be more than willing to give their brightest young star a raise, they are going to have to compensate for it by making some subtractions to their roster.

Chicago Cubs predicted to part ways with Seiya Suzuki after 2026

With PCA on the precipice of making significant money in arbitration and beyond, Zachary Rotman of Fansided believes that 2026 will the the last year for Seiya Suzuki in Chicago:

“The Cubs are in an interesting spot with two of their three starting outfielders, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, hitting free agency after the year. While ideally both would be in Chicago for a while longer, re-signing both Happ and Suzuki while also paying Crow-Armstrong would be more costly than the Cubs would likely be comfortable with.

“If the Cubs can only re-sign one of them, Happ should be prioritized. Sure, he’s not quite the hitter Suzuki is, but Happ isn’t much worse offensively, and he’s won four straight Gold Gloves out in left field. He has also spent all nine of his big league seasons with the Cubs, and given his desire to stay long-term, he might be open to a team-friendly deal.”

The fact of the matter, too, is that Suzuki has not exactly lived up to expectations since signing a five-year $85 million contract with the Cubs. Last year was the first time he hit over 30 home runs and drove in over 100 runs.

If he takes a step back at all in 2026, it will almost surely make Chicago’s decision an easy one when it comes to letting him go.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs are not shoo-ins to win the NL Central, according to analyst
• Cubs feeling good about recent Shota Imanaga developments
• MLB: St. Louis Cardinals entrust Oliver Marmol to continue leading the way

For More Chicago Sports

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

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The Chicago Cubs have one of the best first basemen in all baseball in Michael Busch. He will, of course, play the majority of the team’s games at the position and, barring injury, have another productive season for Chicago.

That being said, the Cubs, as well as every other MLB team, always like having depth everywhere. Earlier this off-season, Chicago signed Tyler Austin in free agency to provide some depth at first base.

Unfortunately, Austin suffered a knee injury already in Spring Training, one that required surgery. He will be out for four months.

Now with first base depth a glaring question, the Cubs may look to an old friend for help.

The Chicago Cubs could reunite with Justin Turner

With Austin out for months, and with no one on the roster who can adequately fill in, especially defensively, at first base, the Cubs may be inclined to re-sign Justin Turner.

Turner, of course, spent last season with Chicago, appearing in 80 games and hitting .219/.288/.314 with three home runs and 18 RBI.

Obviously, the 41-year-old is not capable of being an everyday player in the Majors anymore. But that is not what the Cubs need him to be. Rather, they need him to provide some depth at first base for a little while until Austin comes back from his knee injury.

In addition to providing depth at first base, Turner is a well-respected club house leader, something a young team like Chicago can never have enough of.

Turner is still a free agent and would not be an expensive addition. He may not even be a season-long addition at this point.

But the Cubs need to figure something out behind Busch.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong gets high ranking on ESPN top-10 CF list
• Cubs’ Amaya taking emergency reps at 1B following injuries
• Cubs’ Michael Busch gets to-10 ranking among MLB first basemen

For More Chicago Sports

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

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Chicago Cubs All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made some inflammatory comments regarding Los Angeles Dodgers fans in an interview with Wayne Drehs of Chicago Magazine, calling them not “baseball fans.”

More News: Chicago Cubs infielder explains withdrawal from WBC

“I love Chicago more and more,” Crow-Armstrong says. “The people are great. They aren’t just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They care.”

Crow-Armstrong grew up in Los Angeles, but his dad was a Cubs fan, doubled down his comments about Dodger fans in an interview on the “Foul Territory” Podcast.

“I didn’t really get a chance to back that statement up with that has nothing to do with Doc, that has nothing to do with Shohei, any of the players over there,” Crow-Armstrong said on the “Foul Territory” Podcast. “I love Mookie Betts; I look up to him like crazy. Freddie has only ever been great to me. If anything, those are the guys that have given those fans a reason to be fans. I grew up going to Dodgers games when they weren’t always good, when they had Mannywood pop up, but they (the fans) go in phases. All fans fight and stuff, but I remember putting the Giants fan in a coma. That stuck with me as a kid. Just little things. Sitting in the stands, just nasty stuff goes on. I didn’t always experience that at other ballparks. But like I said, that has nothing to do with who is on the field for them. I love playing against them, and I love what they’re doing right now, because they’re creating a dynasty, but I want to take them down too.”

An All-Star in 2025 because of his great first half, hitting .265 with an OPS of .846 and 25 home runs in the first 95 games, he failed to remain hot post All-Star break — hitting .216 with a .634 OPS and six home runs in the next 62 games.

Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Chicago Cubs won’t have to wait long to face the Dodgers

Crow-Armstrong won’t have to wait long for his comments to come back and bite him, as the Cubs will travel to Los Angeles for a three-game series from April 24-26. The only other time in 2026 the Cubs will play the Dodgers is in August, from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 in Chicago.

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The World Baseball Classic is less than a week away, beginning March 5-17, and Chicago Cubs infielder, first baseman Jonathon Long, will not be attending due to a left elbow sprain.

More News: Chicago Cubs All-Star gives valuable insight on White Sox slugger

Long, 24, is competing to win a spot on the Cubs Opening Day roster, and decided not to attend the World Baseball Classic was the best thing for his future. 

“You’ve got to look at it like, what’s the best long-term solution?” Long told Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Obviously, in the short term, I want to go. But we’re more inclined to push through something that we shouldn’t push through with such a strict timeline.”

Long was one of the best-hitting prospects in the Cubs organization, batting .305 with an OPS of .883 and 20 home runs in 140 games with the Iowa Cubs. Long also showed his ability to get on base (.404) and walked 79 times in 514 at-bats. Long was going to represent Team Chinese-Taipei (Taiwan) in the World Baseball Classic. 

Jonathon Long is making the smart decision to improve his chances of making the Chicago Cubs

Despite the injury setback, Long has a great chance to make the Cubs as a bench bat, as his main competition, first baseman Tyler Austin, had surgery on his right knee and could miss “months.” Long also plays third base and left field, offering manager Craig Counsell some versatility to give starting third baseman Alex Bregman and left fielder Ian Happ days off.

Catchers Miguel Amaya and Moises Ballesteros will also get some work over at first, with Long having the edge as the Cubs need a right-handed power bat.

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The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox have the most Japanese talent outside of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

More News: Colson Montgomery reflects on his 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox

The Cubs have left-hander Shota Imanaga and right-fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki on their roster, while the White Sox recently signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami (two years, $34 million). Imanaga, who accepted the qualifying offer ($22.025 million) to return to the Cubs, gave some insight into what type of hitter Murakami will be, while also providing a scouting report for the Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason signing, third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (four years, $60 million).

“So I wouldn’t say, you know, they’re underrating them [Murakami and Okamoto]. I think, you know, with MLB, there’s going to be a lot of changes that are going to happen,” Imanaga said on the “Foul Territory” podcast. “So I think there are factors of that involved. And then regarding, you know, the players like, I mean, they’re superstars in Japan, and they’re fantastic players, and Murakami and Okamoto. I mean, they’ve hit many home runs off of me. So I think in their contract, I mean, you know, some of the home runs they hit off me was it were in there. So I would factor that in.”

Imanaga played and faced Murakami and Okamoto during his time in the NPB, where he spent eight seasons.

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have shown they’re destinations for Japanese talent

Since the Dodgers seemingly have a stranglehold on the Japanese market — signing the likes of two-way star and reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, and right-handers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki — Chicago quickly became a nice alternative. Former Japanese great right-hander Koji Uehara, outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, and current San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish played in Chicago.

Imanaga and Suzuki are both free agents after this season, and their futures with the Cubs and in Chicago remain uncertain. As for Murakami, even though he signed a two-year deal, general manager Chris Getz could capitalize on his production and trade him at the deadline for players to contribute to the rebuild.

With a pool of Japanese talent increasingly available, and the World Baseball Classic offering a perfect opportunity for others to showcase their talents, the Cubs and White Sox have a good chance to get first cracks at signing these players.

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Chicago Cubs All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of the best young players in baseball and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. In a recent profile with Wayne Drehs of Chicago Magazine, the 23-year-old took some shots at the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans, saying that the people of Chicago are better “baseball fans.”

More News: Report: Chicago Cubs add outfield depth by signing former All-Star

“I love Chicago more and more,” Crow-Armstrong says. “The people are great. They aren’t just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They care.”

Growing up in Los Angeles, Crow-Armstrong’s father was a Cubs fan. The Cubs didn’t draft Crow-Armstrong — the New York Mets did in the first round (19th overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft, and got traded to the Cubs in the deal that sent infielder Javier Baez and right-hander Trevor Williams to the Mets in 2021.

Pete Crow-Armstrong will get his chance to face the Dodgers early

Crow-Armstrong hit .247 with a .768 OPS and hit 31 home runs in 157 games last season. He also set career highs in RBI (95) and steals (35), but struck out too much (155). One of the focal points of the Cubs’ offense, Crow-Armstrong needs to have a great overall season, not just a great first half, for the Cubs to be successful.

Crow-Armstrong won’t have to wait long for his comments to come back and bite him, as the Cubs will travel to Los Angeles for a three-game series from April 24-26. The only other time in 2026 the Cubs will play the Dodgers is in August, from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 in Chicago.

The goal of every team in the National League this season is to end the Dodgers’ reign as World Champions, and Crow-Armstrong’s comments will help fan the flames of the Cubs-Dodgers rivalry for this season.

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The Chicago Cubs spent some significant time and money this offseason crafting a solid roster built for a deep postseason run, centered around impact, stability, and depth.

More News: Chicago Cubs: PCA on extension– “I want to be here for as long as they want me”

The big new names, of course, were three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and emerging powerhouse starter Edward Cabrera. The team also restocked their depleted bullpen with four free agent relievers (Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey), retained pitchers Shota Imanaga and Caleb Thielbar, and picked up first base depth piece Tyler Austin (among other moves).

The Cubs’ recent signing of former All-Star outfielder Michael Conforto, however, has revived talk that they might not be done wheeling and dealing. Specifically, the idea of trading Matt Shaw has once again popped up in Cubs baseball discourse.

What signing Conforto could mean for Matt Shaw

More News: Chicago Cubs: Surprise dark horse emerging for key roster spot?

Chicago signed the soon-to-be 33-year-old Conforto this past Monday to a minor league deal that could end up being a $2 million contract if the veteran outfielder makes the Opening Day roster. The contract, under even the absolute best case scenario, is a prodigious fall from his $17 million salary last season with the Dodgers, where he had a horrendous year (12 home runs, .199 batting average in 486 plate appearances) and was absolutely lambasted by Dodgers fans and media because of it.

However, underlying metrics make the case that the 10-year veteran could possibly have a rebound year. Even in a career-worst 2025, he hit the ball hard, didn’t chase bad pitches, and had a top-tier walk rate. He’s not someone who can play the outfield every day anymore, but a low-risk gamble on Conforto’s ability to contribute as a fourth outfielder and left-handed bench bat is a smart move.

The possibility of a Conforto rebound, though, might tie into the future of the Cubs’ 2023 no. 1 draft pick, Shaw.

Shaw’s Cubs future

As of right now, the plan is to use Shaw, who was moved from his third base spot by Bregman, as a super utility player. Aside from his more comfortable roles at third and second base, the 24-year-old has been taking reps in the outfield. Although the Cubs do have a few options for the much-needed fourth outfielder slot (Kevin Alcantara, Justin Dean, Dylan Carlson, Chas McCormick), being able to fit a multi-purpose Shaw into that role would be ideal from a roster management perspective.

Unless, of course, Conforto is able to come back and play like his post-prime self in 2024, when he hit 20 home runs with the Giants and had a near-league average .237 batting average.

A return to form for Conforto, along with concrete inroads to a Nico Hoerner extension, could make Shaw supremely dispensable, especially if the return in a trade would help address current Cubs roster needs.

More value as a trade piece?

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, for example, has recently proposed a Cubs-Royals trade centered around the Cub:

“Shaw is a third baseman by trade, but he has ample pro experience at second base and has recently been prepping for a move to the outfield. And while his defense carried him as a rookie for most of 2025, he ultimately came through with a .839 OPS in the second half.”

The Royals have a good amount of young, major league-ready pitching talent that could entice the Cubs, especially with veterans Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga possibly leaving via free agency at the end of this coming season.

And if the Cubs spend to retain free agency-bound second baseman Hoerner, there would really be no place for Shaw as an everyday player. At that point, he’d have more value as a trade piece than as a member of the 26-man roster.

All of this is working on the assumption that Conforto can force the situation or that Shaw won’t light things up and win more playing time for himself. It’s still too early to make any such calls.

But, for the Cubs, it’s certainly good to have these kinds of options.

The post Chicago Cubs: Matt Shaw trade buzz revived after Michael Conforto signing appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs continued to add depth to the roster on Sunday, finalizing a deal to sign free agent outfielder and former All-Star (2017) Michael Conforto, according to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman. The deal is a minor league deal, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. 

More News: Can the Cubs comfortably declare an ace of the staff?

Conforto, who will turn 33 on March 1, played with the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in 2025, batting .199 with an OPS of .637 and 12 home runs in 138 games. A veteran of 10 seasons, Conforto previously played with the San Francisco Giants (2023-24) and the New York Mets (2015-21), where he had the most success of his career.

Breaking: Michael Conforto to Cubs

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 23, 2026

Michael Conforto will give Craig Counsell and the Chicago Cubs a decent left-handed power bat

Conforto has seen a steady decline in his production over the last few seasons due to a chronic right shoulder injury, which caused him to miss the entire 2022 season. A former 30+ home run hitter could give the Cubs at least 20 home runs, doing so with the Giants in 2024.

Conforto will join an outfield rotation of left-fielder and Gold Glove winner Ian Happ, All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, outfielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, and potentially Matt Shaw. Outfielders Kevin Alcantara and Justin Dean will also offer depth options in case of injury.

Unlikely to play 138 games as he did with the Dodgers (though it’s a possibility), Conforto will offer manager Craig Counsell a decent left-handed power bat to use off the bench, or platoon at either DH when Suzuki is in the field — Suzuki has taken some reps in centerfield and primarily plays right field — or play right field.

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The Chicago Cubs are definitely one of the best teams in baseball on paper thanks to a strong offseason in which they swung a trade for pitcher Edward Cabrera and signed Alex Bregman in free agency.

Yes, the Cubs lost Kyle Tucker (and to the Los Angeles Dodgers, of all teams), but the rest of their roster is undeniably impressive.

As a result, it will be tough for some fringe players to actually make Chicago’s roster, and that includes pitcher Ben Brown.

Brown made 25 appearances and 15 starts last season, going 5-8 with a 5.92 ERA while allowing 121 hits and racking up 121 strikeouts over 106.1 innings of work. The strikeout numbers were impressive, but the overall results were obviously more than questionable.

The 26-year-old is now in a tough spot with the Cubs given their starting rotation depth, but Brandon Glick of Cubbies Crib has pitched a potential solution for Brown: moving to the bullpen.

The Chicago Cubs should make Ben Brown a full-time reliever

For some reason, Chicago is insisting on attempting to make Brown a starter when it seems pretty clear that he has the stuff to become a very good reliever.

“The problem is (and remains) that he only has two offerings. Brown would make for a fine reliever with his combination of velocity and big breaker, but the Cubs remain committed to keeping him stretched out for the rotation,” Glick wrote. “That’s a tall ask for someone who can’t really make it through the order multiple times without showing every trick up his sleeve.”

Relievers typically have only a couple of key pitches that they employ, and in Brown’s case, it certainly works for him when it comes to fanning hitters. He also has pretty good control, owning a lifetime 2.8 BB/9 through two big-league campaigns. He also owns a very respectable 3.63 K/BB ratio.

So why is Chicago being stubborn in trying to give Brown a spot in the rotation?

The right-hander posted a 6.30 ERA as a starter in 2025. Sure, his 4.99 ERA out of the bullpen wasn’t sparkling, but his 4.44 K/BB ratio as a relief pitcher indicates that there is potential for Brown to actually become an integral cog late in games.

The Cubs should absolutely abandon the idea of Brown as a starter and convert him into a reliever. We’ll see if they actually make the right move.

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During the Chicago Cubs second spring training game, first base prospect Jonathon Long injured his elbow. The injury occurred when he was trying to make a tag defensively. His diagnosis following removal was an elbow sprain.

Cubs prospect Jonathon Long leaves game after collision at first base pic.twitter.com/ymnx7phkKC

— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) February 21, 2026

Injury strikes Chicago Cubs first base prospect Jonathon Long, casting doubt for World Baseball Classic availability

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The Chicago Cubs are definitely one of the best teams in baseball on paper thanks to a strong offseason in which they swung a trade for pitcher Edward Cabrera and signed Alex Bregman in free agency.

Yes, the Cubs lost Kyle Tucker (and to the Los Angeles Dodgers, of all teams), but the rest of their roster is undeniably impressive.

As a result, it will be tough for some fringe players to actually make Chicago’s roster, and that includes pitcher Ben Brown.

Brown made 25 appearances and 15 starts last season, going 5-8 with a 5.92 ERA while allowing 121 hits and racking up 121 strikeouts over 106.1 innings of work. The strikeout numbers were impressive, but the overall results were obviously more than questionable.

The 26-year-old is now in a tough spot with the Cubs given their starting rotation depth, but Brandon Glick of Cubbies Crib has pitched a potential solution for Brown: moving to the bullpen.

The Chicago Cubs should make Ben Brown a full-time reliever

For some reason, Chicago is insisting on attempting to make Brown a starter when it seems pretty clear that he has the stuff to become a very good reliever.

“The problem is (and remains) that he only has two offerings. Brown would make for a fine reliever with his combination of velocity and big breaker, but the Cubs remain committed to keeping him stretched out for the rotation,” Glick wrote. “That’s a tall ask for someone who can’t really make it through the order multiple times without showing every trick up his sleeve.”

Relievers typically have only a couple of key pitches that they employ, and in Brown’s case, it certainly works for him when it comes to fanning hitters. He also has pretty good control, owning a lifetime 2.8 BB/9 through two big-league campaigns. He also owns a very respectable 3.63 K/BB ratio.

So why is Chicago being stubborn in trying to give Brown a spot in the rotation?

The right-hander posted a 6.30 ERA as a starter in 2025. Sure, his 4.99 ERA out of the bullpen wasn’t sparkling, but his 4.44 K/BB ratio as a relief pitcher indicates that there is potential for Brown to actually become an integral cog late in games.

The Cubs should absolutely abandon the idea of Brown as a starter and convert him into a reliever. We’ll see if they actually make the right move.

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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is preparing to enter his final year of club control with the Chicago Cubs before hitting the free-agent market, where his contract could end up tipping the scales.

The Cubs have not been known for spending much money in general in recent years, and after signing Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal, some feel that Hoerner is a sure-fire goner after 2026, especially with Matt Shaw possessing the ability to shift to second base.

Hoerner’s name has even surfaced in trade speculation throughout the offseason, although it would not make a ton of sense for Chicago to move him now with the Cubs angling toward World Series contention.

But is there any chance of Hoerner staying in the Windy City long term?

Well, the odds of the 28-year-old remaining in Chicago may have just dipped tremendously thanks to New York Yankees star Jazz Chisholm.

Nico Hoerner may have just been priced out of the Chicago Cubs’ range

In case you didn’t hear, Chisholm stated over the weekend that he is aiming to land an eight-to-10 year contract worth $35 million annually. So essentially, Chisholm wants a $350 million deal, which is enough to make your head spin.

If Chisholm is able to get that type of money, then imagine what Hoerner — who led all second basemen with 4.3 WAR in 2025 — will secure?

Now, of course, just because Chisholm says he wants $350 million doesn’t mean he will actually land it. Most have him pegged around $200 million on his free-agent deal, but maybe he knows something that we don’t?

Chisholm hit 31 home runs to go along with an .813 OPS last season, also stealing 31 bases. His numbers were impressive. If he posts even better stats in 2026, then his price will certainly increase, and while he still probably won’t get $350 million, his contract might surprise some people.

Then there’s Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glover winner who slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven homers and 61 RBI last year. He doesn’t have Chisholm’s power, but he is the far better contact hitter, and defensively, the difference between the two players is night and day.

Re-signing Hoerner was already going to be difficult for the Cubs, but if Chisholm ends up having that type of market, retaining Hoerner may have just become near impossible for Chicago.

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The Chicago Cubs are one of 30 Major League Baseball teams wondering what will happen to the game after this season, as the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) is up in December.

More News: Despite the Chicago Cubs spending, two OFs have not seen the bag

Executive director of the MLBPA, Tony Clark, resigned amid scandal and an FBI investigation on Tuesday, leaving the MLBPA’s second in command, Bruce Meyer, to fill in for Clark until a successor is elected. Meyer, who met with the Cubs on Wednesday as a part of their tour around the league, all but guaranteed a work stoppage at the end of the 2026 season.

“A lockout is all but guaranteed at the end of the agreement. The league has pretty much said that. Their strategy in bargaining has always been to put as much pressure on players as they can to try and create divisions and cracks among our membership. It’s never worked. I don’t think it ever will work.”

More from MLBPA’s Bruce Meyer who met with Cubs players this afternoon: “A lockout is all but guaranteed at the end of the agreement. The league has pretty much said that. Their strategy in bargaining has always been to put as much pressure on players as they can to try and…

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 18, 2026

A work stoppage wouldn’t just be bad for the Chicago Cubs, but all of Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball is in its best state it has ever been in. Game 7 of the World Series alone had 51.0 million viewers worldwide, with the whole series averaging 34.0 million, up 19% from 2024.

Player salaries are also on the rise, with Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal making history with his arbitration case, being awarded a salary of $32 million for 2026. Skubal’s victory in arbitration sets a precedent for pitchers moving forward, as the standard for a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner is now $32 million.

The big issue (mainly for owners) is the “big teams” (mainly the Los Angeles Dodgers) outspending smaller market teams by using deferrals. The Cubs are one of those big-market teams that flexed their financial muscle this winter (and used deferrals), spending big to sign third baseman Alex Bregman (five years, $175 million).

Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners’ solution to these “problems” is a salary cap, which the players are strongly against. With both sides digging their heels in, a work stoppage seems guaranteed.

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The Chicago Cubs made a good problem for themselves when they signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract this offseason.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Cade Horton is being brutalized by pessimistic 2026 projections

With the three-time All-Star coming aboard, they would have to move Shaw from the Cubs’ third base spot he was pegged to occupy for the foreseeable future.

Last year, Shaw, the Cubs’ no. 1 draft pick in 2023, basically got his starting gig because the front office came up short in their efforts to sign Bregman that offseason. But, despite some significant early struggles with the bat (and a brief return to the minors because of them), the rookie did well enough to earn rights to the hot corner in 2026– until Chicago made their second– and successful– bid for Bregman.

What to do with Matt Shaw

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So, the post-Bregman problem facing the Cubs was centered around what to do with the 24-year-old Shaw.

Although always considered a bat-first prospect coming up, Shaw has played all around the diamond. Throughout the minors and college, he played every position but catcher, pitcher, and first base before settling down at second and third in the Cubs’ organization.

Now, the new role for Shaw seems to be as a super utility player off the bench who can spell starters and facilitate in-game switches. Most surprisingly, the Cubs seems to be looking at him as a fourth outfielder.

Shaw and Suzuki platooning in right?

MLB insider Bruce Levine recently talked up an even bolder possible plan for the sophomore– as part of a semi/quasi platoon at right field with Seiya Suzuki.

“Craig Counsell said that Shaw is definitely going to be getting a lot of time in the outfield,” Levine said during an interview on 104.3 The Score. “And when there’s a left-hander on the mound, you could probably bet that Matt Shaw is in the outfield and Suzuki is your DH…You’re going to see Suzuki most of the time in right field, but when I pressed Counsell yesterday about at bats for a young player like Shaw, are there enough at bats to keep the progression of his player development going, he said ‘yeah, we’re going to have ten guys that get enough at bats” and I think that included [Moises] Ballesteros and Shaw.”

Although this right field platoon idea seems mostly to be coming from Levine and not directly from Counsell, it’s still an interesting idea that’s, honestly, not too far off from what Counsell generally likes to do with his roster.

Lots of questions

There are some concerns, though, about Shaw’s ability to see more than a sprinkling of innings in the outfield. He surprised many by playing a stellar defensive third base last year, but it’s simply not likely that he’ll be as stellar moving between four or five positions.

Levine, himself, questions whether he’s up to the task.

“I think he’s a baseball athlete that can do that, but honestly, it’s biting off an awful lot, especially for a guy that’s still trying to prove himself as a hitter in the major leagues,” Levine said. “I think there’s an awful lot going on. I think he’s all about challenges, and I think he’ll respond to that, but I just think there’s a lot at this point.”

Also per Levine, though, Counsell doesn’t expect Shaw to be “superlative” defensively in his utility role, “just good.”

Lost in this still-theoretical right field shuffle with Suzuki and Shaw is the affect it will have on rookie hitting phenom Moises Ballesteros, who would then become a platoon DH, getting most of his at bats against right-handers.

But it’s still very early in spring training. Right now, ideas are just ideas. Whatever the case, though, the Cubs are in a better spot, depth-wise, than they were at this time last year.

The post The Chicago Cubs’ risky plan for right field laid out by MLB insider appeared first on ChiCitySports.

After finally spending some money this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have finally gotten close to the luxury tax ($244 million), having the ninth-largest payroll in Major League Baseball ($240.872 million).

More News: Chicago Cubs All-Star hopes to be more ‘consistent’ in 2026

Despite the Cubs’ spending, none of it has come in the form of contract extensions. According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, neither of the Cubs outfielders, All-Star left fielder Ian Happ and right fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, received extensions.

Happ: “Going back to the last time, I’ve always said I’d be open to talking about anything.”

Suzuki (via interpreter): “I want to work hard and perform well, and hopefully they say yes.”

Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki said the Cubs haven't yet engaged them in extension talks.

Happ: “Going back to the last time, I've always said I'd be open to talking about anything."

Suzuki (via interpreter): “I want to work hard and perform well, and hopefully they say yes.”

— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) February 16, 2026

Happ has been a Cub since getting drafted out of the University of Cincinnati in the first round (ninth) of the 2015 Draft (nine seasons), while Suzuki has spent his entire five seasons as a Cub since signing from the NPB in 2020.

The Chicago Cubs will likely sign one and not both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki

Between the two, Happ and Suzuki are making $38 million ($19 million each) and offer the Cubs two contrasting players to think about keeping around. Happ is a four-time Gold Glove winner in left field — providing eight defensive runs saved for the Cubs in left — while Suzuki is more suited as a designated hitter, given his power (career high 32 home runs in 2025).

Happ has also proven to be more durable than Suzuki, playing in 619 games since 2022 (averaging 154.75 games), while Suzuki has played in 532 games (averaging 133 games). The factor of Suzuki being more expensive as a potential free agent could play a factor, as his power numbers could net him a decent deal on the free agent market. If he has a good season, Suzuki could find himself signing a deal similar to Nick Castellanos in 2022 (five years, $100 million).

With no talks in sight, president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, is likely to let the season play out before thinking about signing either to an extension.

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Of all the players entering the Chicago Cubs spring training camp, centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will need to be his All-Star self for all 162 games to help the Cubs succeed.

More News: Tom Ricketts believes the Chicago Cubs can compete in the Central

Batting .265 with an OPS of .846 and 25 home runs pre-All-Star break (95 games), he was not able to replicate that same level of performance after batting .216 with an OPS of .634 and six home runs post-All-Star break (62 games). With a fresh start heading into 2026, the Cubs Gold Glove centerfielder will look to be more “consistent.”

“If I hit 25 homers in the second half, I’m probably pretty freakin’ happy,” Crow-Armstrong said to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. “It doesn’t matter how I do it. I did what I did last year. It’s just about doing more of it next year. I don’t know how it’s going to happen. I don’t know how it’s going to play out. But it’s about the work I put in now. That’s fun to do.”

Overall, in 157 games, Crow-Armstrong batted .247 with a .768 OPS, but finished hitting over 31 (first 30 home run season) and 95 RBI (career high). PCA also showcased his speed, stealing 35 bases while being caught eight times.

Pete Crow-Armstrong comes into spring training with a new approach at the plate to help the Chicago Cubs succeed

Last season, the Cubs’ assistant hitting coach, John Mallee, noticed that Crow-Armstrong was overcomplicating his swing and was “out of his normal patterns.”

“Earlier in the year, all of his patterns were smaller,” Mallee said to Bastian. “His stride was shorter. His separation with his hands was shorter. And as the season grew, and he had a lot of success, he started to get out of his normal patterns. He started striding too far and getting a little too stretched out, which increased his swing-and-miss in the zone.”

Coming into this season, Crow-Armstrong made it a focus to get back to his normal routine, which now includes stepping up in the box. PCA’s new routine is so crafted that he’s counting the number of taps the bat hits his back shoulder.

“It’s just repping out the setup numerous, numerous times, so I can let the swing play,” Crow-Armstrong said.

With spring training games soon to begin, Crow-Armstrong will be able to see if these adjustments will help him get back to his All-Star form. Crow-Armstrong will also be able to see how well his new swing plays against live pitching, as he will be a part of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

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The Chicago Cubs have not won the National League Central since 2020, when they were 34-26 in 60 games, due to Covid shortening the season.

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Falling short by 5.0 games of the Milwaukee Brewers in winning the division in 2025, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts believes his team has what it takes to win the Central.

“Obviously we want to win the division. We should win the division,” owner Tom Ricketts said to Marquee Sports Network. “You know, it’s just a matter of executing and staying healthy. And I think what we should be right there. You know, you want to win the division for a lot of reasons, not just because, because it’s aggravating not to, but you want to put yourself in the best position for the playoffs as well. And so, so hopefully that you know that will execute against that plan and be there at the season.”

"Obviously we want to win the division. We should win the division."

Tom Ricketts believes the Cubs can win the NL Central this season. pic.twitter.com/RSKuBozE86

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 16, 2026

The Cubs have a chance to dethrone the Brewers, as they did well to add to the roster this offseason, while the Brewers got worse by trading away their ace, Freddy Peralta, to the New York Mets.

The Chicago Cubs’ additions in the offseason should help them win the National League Central

Ricketts showed a willingness to spend this offseason, finally breaking open his checkbook and signing third baseman Alex Bregman (five years, $175 million) after two offseasons of him linked to the Cubs. The Cubs also did well to add to their starting rotation, acquiring right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, while also re-signing left-hander Shota Imanaga.

Also adding right-handers Phil Maton, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey, and left-handers Caleb Thielbar and Holby Milner to the bullpen, the Cubs are improving on an already great asset — 11th in reliever ERA (3.78 ERA).

Injuries are a part of the game, and president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, will need to be shrewd in his dealings at the trade deadline to push the Cubs past the Brewers and the reigning World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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

More News: Chicago Cubs projected to win NL Central by a ton, but…

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

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

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

Killing off rumors of a Cubs-Zac Gallen union

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

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

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

Per Sharma:

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

Logic trumps ambition

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

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

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

Cubs don’t need Gallen, anyway

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

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

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

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

The Chicago Cubs have had a busy and productive off-season. They have revamped a large portion of their bullpen by bringing in Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey, while improving their starting rotation with the addition of Edward Cabrera.

On the offensive side, Tyler Austin was brought in after finding his groove at the plate overseas, outfielder Justin Dean was acquired from the World Series champion Dodgers, and Alex Bregman inked a multi year deal to solidify the hot corner. Yet improvements to the roster could still be made.

As things currently stand, Seiya Suzuki is slated to return to right field, after spending the vast majority of last season as the designated hitter. Moisés Ballesteros is expected to get a lot of opportunities as the designated hitter as a result, but with Nick Castellanos recently being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, a golden opportunity to improve the roster at minimal cost has emerged and is worth exploring.

Signing 2x All-Star Nick Castellanos would finalize the Chicago Cubs roster

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The Chicago Cubs made an uncharacteristically aggressive and bold move this offseason by signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a lucrative 5-year, $175 million contract. It was an especially bold move considering the Cubs already had a viable third baseman.

More News: Chicago Cubs have an overlooked edge in Zac Gallen pursuit

Matt Shaw was given the third base gig last season after Chicago whiffed on their first effort to sign Bregman. And despite some struggles at the plate, especially early on in the season, the rookie former no. 1 draft pick did well enough to earn top consideration for that starting spot as the team headed into 2026.

With Bregman in town, however, the Cubs made the move to pull the 24-year-old Shaw from the hot corner and plug him into the role of super utility, with possible playing time at third, second, and at the corner outfield spots. He would also serve as insurance for the possible departure of second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.

That was the plan– unless the Cubs chose to trade him (or Hoerner) during the offseason.

Rumors were rampant that Chicago was talking to various teams about Shaw and Hoerner and that they were open to hearing offers. The infield-needy Boston Red Sox, who lost Bregman to the Cubs, were especially tied to the Shaw/Hoerner talk.

The Red Sox and Brewers make a deal

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Well, the Red Sox DID make that big trade for a young infielder after all, it just wasn’t with the Cubs.

On Monday morning, it was reported that Boston had made a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers to acquire third baseman Caleb Durbin, utility infielder Andruw Monasterio, third baseman Anthony Seigler, and a Comp B pick. In return, the Red Sox sent pitcher Kyle Harrison, middle infielder David Hamilton, and pitching prospect Shane Drohan to Milwaukee.

Durbin finished third in last year’s NL Rookie of the Year voting, behind the Braves’ Drake Baldwin and the Cubs’ Cade Horton. He ended his debut season slashing .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs.

The Brewers, meanwhile, picked up a high-upside pitcher in the 24-year-old Harrison, who was the chief component in Boston’s Rafael Devers trade last season. It’s worth noting that Durbin is the second high-profile rookie traded away by Milwaukee this offseason, following their December deal with the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Isaac Collins, who finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting last year.

What this means for the Cubs (and Matt Shaw, Nico Hoerner)

What all this means for the Cubs is that both Shaw and Hoerner are staying put in Chicago, at least for the time being.

For Shaw, specifically, it means that he’ll be following the team’s plan A for him and working from the bench as a fill-in and emergency sub this coming season. Last year, the Cubs were sorely lacking in the area of bench depth and the hope is that a more hitting-mature Shaw, who played every position but pitcher, catcher, and first base in the Cubs organization, will take some of the strain from the team’s starting position players.

Shaw embracing his new role

“Of course, you’re kind of looking at it like, ‘Oh, man, where am I going to play?’” Shaw told media back in January, referring to the moment he heard that Chicago had signed Bregman. “And you get a little anxious about those things, because the team knows me good enough at this point to know I just want to be prepared when the season comes around.

“So, of course, I immediately have questions like, ‘Am I going to go here? Am I going to go there?’ And they’ve been transparent with me, just kind of helping me to understand the role of moving to different positions, giving guys an off-day here and there. I’m pretty excited about it.”

All things considered, Shaw (and Hoerner) staying in Chicago has to be viewed as a positive, although the stockpiling of quality young talent by the Brewers this offseason (as well as by the St. Louis Cardinals) is concerning for the Cubs’ future standing in the NL Central Division.

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The Chicago Cubs added depth and power to their starting rotation when they finally pulled the trigger on the trade to acquire emerging power pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.

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The Cubs front office had been interested in Cabrera since 2024, kicking around the idea of trading for him prior to the 2025 season and at the 2025 trade deadline. The organization had THAT much belief in the young talent.

The 27-year-old will be slated somewhere in the middle of a Cubs rotation that currently features Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and returning ace Justin Steele (who is expected to come back from elbow surgery sometime around mid-season).

That’s a whole lot of depth. And when you factor in the presence of capable swingmen Colin Rea and Javier Assad, it would seem that Chicago no longer has a need to pursue starting pitching this offseason.

Zac Gallen still a Cubs target?

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But, reportedly, they’re still looking, though, with the biggest and most headline-grabbing target being free agent Zac Gallen.

“That’s easy, Zac Gallen,” MLB insider Bruce Levine said in a recent interview on 670 The Score, referring to who the Cubs’ ace will be until Steele returns to the rotation. “Look, talking to the people that usually want this stuff out there, not necessarily always happening, for the last 7-8 weeks. Gallen and the Cubs have always been connected since early December. The idea that he is still out there without a contract, and a quality starting pitcher who will probably have to take a three-year deal of some sort with some type of ability to get out of it after the first or second year, this might fall right into the Cubs lap.”

Other recent reports have made the Gallen-Cubs pairing seem like the long shot it would logically appear to be, given the Cubs’ starting rotation depth and the team’s remaining budget. There IS, however, a Gallen-Cubs tie that could make the union significantly more likely– Carson Kelly.

The Carson Kelly factor

The Cubs veteran catcher was a teammate of Gallen’s with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2019 to 2023 and, in that time, he became the righty’s preferred catcher.

Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation pointed out the connection in a Sunday morning piece:

“…Do you know which big league catcher has caught more Zac Gallen starts than any other catcher in baseball? The Cubs’ own Carson Kelly.

Kelly has caught 55 Zac Gallen starts in his career. And in those 55 starts, Gallen has a 2.81 ERA, while opposing batters are hitting just .202/.271/.337 (better than he has with any other catcher with whom he’s worked, min. 7 games).”

So, why would this really matter and how could it push Gallen in the Cubs’ direction?

Gallen is coming off a poor 2025 where he posted a horrendous 4.83 ERA over 33 starts. The fact that he put up such bad numbers in a contract year is most certainly the reason he remains an unsigned free agent days away from the start of spring training. So, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for him to take a short-term deal and then re-enter the free agent market after a bounce back year.

That’s where the Cubs, and Kelly, come in.

The perfect scenario for a bounce-back?

The Cubs have earned a reputation as a team that facilitates such bounce-backs, especially when it comes to pitchers. Add to that Gallen’s success working with Kelly, and Chicago looks like the ideal place for a Gallen reset before returning to the open market for a bigger, longer, and more lucrative deal.

As for the Cubs, their budget, and an overcrowded starting rotation?

If someone like Zac Gallen, a workhorse with a long history of MLB success behind him, falls into your lap, you find a way to fit him in. Grabbing him for even two years would be a big deal, especially with Boyd, Taillon, and Imanaga possibly leaving via free agency after next season.

In a perfect Cubs world Gallen and Kelly would be reunited in 2026.

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The Chicago Cubs got aggressive this offseason. Aside from outbidding competition for the services of free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, the team also went deep in fortifying their starting rotation and restocking a depleted bullpen.

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They pulled the trigger on the much-talked about trade for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. They signed four veteran relievers for their new-look bullpen. They spent a considerable chunk of money in keeping Shota Imanaga and Caleb Thielbar for at least one more season. They also went about signing a slew of depth arms to minor league contracts in hopes of finding at least one or two quality reclamation projects.

But it’s being reported that the Cubs aren’t necessarily done with their hunt for pitching depth.

Cubs still looking for pitching

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Over the last month or so, stories have circulated regarding the team maintaining talks with free agent starter Zac Gallen. Although recent updates paint a Gallen deal as increasingly unlikely, Chicago is clearly still exploring ways to make its pitching staff as bulletproof as humanly possible heading into a 2026 season where a deep postseason run is expected.

The question, though, is how much Cubs president Jed Hoyer and the front office are willing to spend on someone who is major league-capable, likely to be productive, but also a fit for a Cubs budget guaranteed to exceed the first luxury tax threshold next season.

They may need look no further than someone they carried on their 2025 roster.

An Aaron Civale return?

Aaron Civale has been up and down over the course of his 7-year MLB career. In 2025, he was mostly down. In a year where he was traded from the Brewers to the White Sox and then claimed off waivers by the Cubs, he finished with on overall ERA of 4.85 over 23 appearances and 102 innings.

After coming to the Cubs on August 31, though, Civale seemed to become a different pitcher.

The right-hander had a 2.08 ERA with the North Siders, albeit in a small 13-inning sample size. He also, however, delivered 4.1 scoreless innings in a single-game appearance against the Brewers in the NLDS.

So far this offseason, Civale has been lost among the bigger free agents and is still overlooked within the crop of still-available free agent pitchers such as Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell, and Nick Martinez.

Did he find a “winning formula” with the Cubs?

The 30-year-old’s history of inconsistent performance is definitely a reason for the lukewarm interest. But Travis Sawchik of MLB.com ranks Civale as a “bargain” free agent who has perhaps come across a winning mound formula that “could deliver huge value.”

Per Sawchik:

“Among all pitchers to toss at least 40 innings in the second half last season, Civale ranked 22nd in strikeout-minus-walk percentage (20.5%), an elite rate in a useful metric that accounts for what pitchers largely control. His 3.39 second-half SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA), which also accounts for batted-ball quality, is also the best among all remaining free-agent starters.

Civale did make five multi-inning relief appearances in the second half, and he performed well during those, so one can argue his numbers were inflated by his role. But his performance improvement also coincided with a pitch-mix change as he ramped up usage of his curveball. It gave him an unusual combination, making him the only pitcher in the second half to have a cutter-curveball combination account for at least 50% of offerings. Perhaps he’s found a formula that can allow him to help a rotation, or as an impact swingman.”

Contract projections have Civale going for one year at his 2025 salary of $8 million. However, the realities of the market and of his place in that market may drive down his price significantly.

Unless the Cubs are willing to firebomb expectations by making one last huge acquisition this offseason, picking up Civale as a viable swingman could be the ideal final touch to a pitching staff ready to roll into 2026.

The post Chicago Cubs would be wise to explore this reunion via free agency appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs had a very productive offseason and made a lot of meaningful moves. It was so productive that they are now heavily favored to win the NL Central Division.

More News: Chicago Cubs and Zac Gallen: The cost and the necessary next move

Newcomers Alex Bregman and Edward Cabrera are all but guaranteed to make the team overall better, but this is major league baseball and, of course, anything can happen over a long and grueling 162-game season.

NL Central contenders

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The Milwaukee Brewers, who won the NL Central last year and eliminated the Cubs in the NLDS, will be in contention once again, even without Freddy Peralta, just because, well, they always are.

Elsewhere in the division, the St. Louis Cardinals may have written themselves off for this season with their fire sale of established talent, but the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates have shown uncharacteristic aggression this offseason and have both become dark horse contenders to compete.

The Reds made recent headlines with the signing of free agent slugger Eugenio Suarez, but the Pirates are not far behind when it comes to trying to make script-flipping offseason moves.

Pirates’ “aggressive” pursuit of Framber Valdez

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Pirates are “aggressive suitors” for the services of free agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

Per Rosenthal:

“Thwarted in numerous attempts to find additional offense, the Pirates have emerged as one of the most aggressive clubs to pursue Valdez, according to people briefed on the matter.

The signing of Valdez, 32, would enhance the Pirates’ biggest strength — their starting rotation, led by National League Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes. Bill Murphy, Pittsburgh’s new pitching coach, worked with Valdez for the vast majority of the pitcher’s professional career, as both a minor- and major-league coach with the Houston Astros.”

The reported grab at Valdez falls in line with Pittsburgh’s offseason push to become postseason-capable. They’ve worked on improving their MLB-worst offense and are counting on the emergence of shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is the consensus top prospect in all of baseball and the most highly regarded young asset in years. They’ve come up short in their eye-catching pursuits of Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suarez and are currently reportedly exploring DH Marcell Ozuna. The effort to become a contender there, they just haven’t been able to win over any of the big free agent names.

Adding Valdez would be a major step in that upward direction, regardless of what they do on offense. The lefty veteran has been an elite-tier starter for the last five years and, even in a bit of a down 2025, still managed to go 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA over 31 starts and 192 innings.

What Valdez means to the Pirates and to the NL Central

What the Pirates have going for them in their pursuit is that there is some skepticism regarding Valdez’s character. A September incident where Valdez allegedly crossed up and intentionally hit catcher Cesar Salazar in the chest with a 93 mph pitch has soured many on the pitcher and has apparently limited the suitors for him, although it’s believed that the Braves, Padres, and Blue Jays could still be bidders.

If the Pirates get Valdez, he’d be slated behind Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and ahead of Mitch Killer in, arguably, the best rotation front 3 in the league, with young arms Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler behind them.

That’s a big “if.”

As things currently sit, though, the Pirates are already seen as greatly improved over last season’s 71-win squad. Fangraphs is projecting them to finish 2026 with 82 wins, less than one full game below the Brewers in the division standings and four games below the Cubs.

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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

More News: Chicago Cubs get “A” grade for offseason moves amid glaring questions

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.

We are just a few weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training and for the Chicago Cubs, they still have the chance to add to their starting rotation.

One name that has been connected to the Cubs a lot is Zac Gallen, a free agent who has yet to find a home. Gallen is a former Arizona Diamondbacks starter who has pitched really well over the past few years. While the two sides have been connected in rumors, nothing has materialized.

For the Cubs, adding another starter is not out of the question. They will get Justin Steele back at some point in 2026 and brought back Shota Imanaga as well as added Edward Cabrera. Even with that, the Cubs are targeting Gallen as they need more depth for the rotation. And on Tuesday, a Cubs’ insider revealed just how Gallen could fall into their laps.

Will Zac Gallen fall in the Chicago Cubs’ laps?

While appearing on 670 The Score Tuesday morning, Bruce Levine mentioned how the Cubs plan all along could be to just wait. He was asked who would be the ace until Justin Steele returns.

“That’s easy, Zac Gallen,” Levine said. “Look, talking to the people that usually want this stuff out there, not necessarily always happening, for the last 7-8 weeks. Gallen and the Cubs have always been connected since early December. The idea that he is still out there without a contract, and a quality starting pitcher who will probably have to take a three-year deal of some sort with some type of ability to get out of it after the first or second year, this might fall right into the Cubs lap.”

.@MLBBruceLevine believes the Cubs are in a solid position in the Zac Gallen sweepstakes. pic.twitter.com/0P1qJDhDwk

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) February 3, 2026

The Cubs already have a surplus of starting pitching but adding another one isn’t out of the question. You always need depth there and even going with six starters for a time isn’t the end of the world.

Plus, the Cubs could look to move another pitcher for a bat if needed. Still, the fact that Gallen and the Cubs continue to be connected is a good thing.

The post Starting pitcher could fall into Chicago Cubs laps appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have a problem as they head into the 2026 season, but it’s definitely a good problem to have. They need to find every day playing time for five quality infielders when there’s only space for four.

More News: Chicago Cubs get “A” grade for offseason moves amid glaring questions

The signing of free agent third baseman Alex Bregman pushed the still-developing Matt Shaw from his hot corner spot and forced some shuffling of plans. As of right now, the Cubs will be using the 24-year-old Shaw in a super utility role, as a backup at second base, third base, and corner outfield.

But those plans could change.

A desperate Boston Red Sox trade partner

More News: Chicago Cubs miss out on golden opportunity with free agent slugger

The Boston Red Sox, since unexpectedly losing Bregman to the Cubs, appears to be a team burning to save face. Despite signing free agent pitcher Ranger Suarez to a 5-year contract days after the Cubs-Bregman deal was announced, they have looked to be flailing in attempts to fortify their roster, especially with a thinned-out infield that has holes at both third base and second base.

Third baseman Eugenio Suarez and second baseman Brendan Donovan, both reported targets of the Red Sox, have come off the market in recent days. Suarez signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds and Donovan was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Seattle Mariners. Meanwhile, free agent Luis Arraez, a former second baseman converted to a first baseman, was signed to a one-year, $12 million deal by the San Francisco Giants and given the team’s full-time second base gig. Even supposed talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros for second baseman Ketel Marte and third baseman Isaac Paredes, respectively, have reportedly hit a dead end.

Amid talks of converting outfielders to infielders, Boston is still looking for every day infield help. They’ve run out of quality free agent targets. And they appear to be down to one last possible trade partner– the Cubs.

By all accounts, Chicago has been willing to listen to offers for second baseman Nico Hoerner and Shaw, but is not all that motivated to trade either. Hoerner will become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, but he’s become a team leader and figures to play an important role in the 2026 squad’s postseason push. Shaw, meanwhile, showed enough promise in his rookie 2025 campaign that the team sees him as not only insurance against a starter’s injury in the coming season, but also as insurance at second base in case they can’t re-sign Hoerner.

Matt Shaw would be the most likely target

Of the two tradeable assets, though, Shaw is probably much more likely to be dealt.

Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan:

“I’d be surprised to see Nico Hoerner move at this point. Dealing Matt Shaw is complicated because the Cubs believe there’s more than he showed last season, but teams are valuing him closer to the guy he was than the guy he might be. As of right now, both stay put, but we can’t discount that other moves made by other teams compel potential trade partners to re-engage and up their offers.”

But what if Boston really, really wants the Massachusetts native Shaw?

What the Red Sox have to offer

They have some very attractive young pitching in their organization. Especially, lefties Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, ranked no. 17 and no. 52, respectively, in Baseball America’s list of top 100 prospects. Both 23-year-olds are said to be major league-ready right now.

The Red Sox would surely prefer not to trade either, but desperate times could make for desperate measures. And with two team-controlled years of offseason trade acquisition Sonny Gray and five years of Ranger Suarez ahead of them, the starting rotation might not be of immediate pressing concern.

The Cubs might be moved from their trade indifference if such a top pitching prospect were dangled in front of them. Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga could all possibly be leaving via free agency at the end of next season, so the need for arms will be there. And if the arms can be affordable and team-controlled for the next 5-6 years, all the better.

Realistically, the big haul would probably come for Shaw rather than for just one year of Hoerner. But, again, Chicago does seem to have a concrete plan for the future of their former no. 1 draft pick.

However, the Red Sox may be motivated to sacrifice a lot for what they need in the here and now. A recent Sports Illustrated trade proposal has Shaw going for Early and RHP prospect Juan Valera (no. 11 in the organization). If that deal is put out there, it’s hard to see the Cubs turning it down.

The post Chicago Cubs: Could desperate Red Sox make a trade offer the Cubs can’t refuse? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are headed into the 2026 season with an upgraded roster and expectations of a deeper postseason run than last season, which ended in Game 5 of the NLDS against the division rival Milwaukee Brewers.

More News: Chicago Cubs: The Alex Bregman for Kyle Tucker swap

Despite losing Kyle Tucker to free agency, the team added third baseman Alex Bregman via free agency, emerging powerhouse pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade with the Miami Marlins, and four free agent relievers to restock a depleted bullpen.

After a very eventful offseason, most believe that the Cubs are pretty much set for the upcoming campaign. Each of the position player slots is filled, the bullpen is packed, and the starting rotation is overflowing with possible starters.

Cubs still looking to improve team

More News: Chicago Cubs’ last move: Outfielder or pitcher?

This doesn’t mean, however, that Chicago is done trying to find ways to fortify their roster even further.

They’re reportedly still having talks with free agent starter Zac Gallen. There are reports of their willingness to entertain offers for infielders Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. They’re also reportedly still looking over free agent outfielders.

But the Cubs just missed out on a golden opportunity to really deliver an instant charge to the team and its championship chances in 2026 by overlooking Eugenio Suarez.

Cubs missed out on Eugenio Suarez (and his team-friendly contract)

The free agent slugger, instead, was just signed to a fairly team-friendly contract by the NL Central Cincinnati Reds.

Per MLB insider Jeff Passan

“Slugger Eugenio Suárez and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, sources tell ESPN. The best bat left on the market goes to Cincinnati, where he’s expected to get most of his at-bats at DH.”

The 34-year-old’s willingness to sign a one-year deal for $15 million– and also to forego his third baseman spot for a DH role– should have the Cubs kicking themselves for not trying a bit harder to explore a play for the veteran home run hitter.

Last year, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, he finished fifth in MLB in home runs (49) and fourth in RBIs (118). The Cubs were reportedly interested in acquiring him from the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, but a deal never materialized.

Against the Cubs, specifically, he was a terror. In just 7 games and 24 at bats versus Cubs pitching, he hit 5 home runs and drove in 11 runs. Overall, the Venezuela native has just been a Cubs killer with 36 home runs in 478 career at bats against the North Siders.

Not a great fit, but a powerful one

While it’s true that Chicago has greater need for a quality left-handed bat in their right-hand dominant lineup, it’s also true that you don’t turn down a potential 40-home run guy who could practically fall into your lap just because he’s a righty.

Suarez somewhere in the middle of the Cubs’ 2026 lineup as the team’s DH would’ve been killer. And spending the $15 million to get him (with a $16 million mutual option for 2027) would still leave the team a little room for in-season acquisitions before hitting the second luxury tax threshold.

Top prospect Moises Ballesteros, who is currently projected to be the opening day designated hitter, looks to be the real deal when it comes to hitting ability. Bringing Suarez aboard would’ve probably meant keeping him in Triple-A. But Ballesteros just turned 22. He would’ve been okay spending one more season in Iowa, where he could probably work on the defensive limitations that currently make him a DH-only player in the majors.

But the Cubs DIDN’T make a grab at Suarez. Now, they’ll have to deal with him on an improved division rival team.

The post Chicago Cubs miss out on golden opportunity with free agent slugger appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Ever since the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a five-year $175 million contract, many MLB analysts have begun to wonder if Nico Hoerner has become expendable. Because he is entering the final year of contract with the Cubs, many believe that Chicago could try to move the two-time Gold Glove second baseman to replenish their farm system.

After all, the Cubs gave up their top prospect, Owen Caissie, in the trade that brought Edward Cabrera to the Cubs. In order to continue to remain competitive, the Cubs need to get some top talent in their minor league system somehow.

But the latest trade proposal involving Hoerner does not do that.

Trade proposal that sends Nico Hoerner from the Chicago Cubs to Los Angeles Dodgers provides poor return

In a recent article of trade proposals involving 10 of the most desirable trade targets in MLB, Bleacher Report‘s Kerry Miller suggested that the Cubs send Hoerner to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league outfielder Mike Sirota:

“It’s probably a bit of an overpay by the Dodgers—but what isn’t? And if they can get a year of Hoerner without giving up any of their top three outfield prospects, they probably leap at the opportunity. They traded Gavin Lux for Sirota last January and just might move him again.”

What is also absolutely wild about this proposal is that Miller considers an overpay by the Dodgers!

As mentioned, Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glove winner and is coming off of a season in which he hit .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs, 61 RBI, and 29 stolen bases.

Sirota is the 64th-best prospect in baseball and is Los Angeles’ fifth-overall prospect. However, he has not played above high-A ball and is years away from the Majors.

If the Cubs are going to deal Hoerner, they have to demand more than just one prospect in return, even if that prospect is one of Sirota’s caliber.

Last year, split between low-A and high-A, Sirota hit .333/.452/.616 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Anthony Rizzo set for analyst role beginning in 2026
• Cubs urged to trade Matt Shaw for Tigers’ 2x All-Star
• Cubs last movie: outfielder or pitcher?

For More Chicago Sports

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

The post MLB: Absurd Chicago Cubs-Los Angeles Dodgers trade proposal sends Nico Hoerner to Los Angeles Dodgers for low-ball return appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs pulled off on of the most notable trades of the MLB off-season, sending Owen Caissie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo de Leon to the Miami Marlins for hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera. With Cabrera, who had an 8-7 record and 3.53 ERA in 2025, in tow, the Cubs now have a rotation that also includes Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga.

And while that is an impressive top-three, there are still those who believe that Chicago could do more to increase the quality of their starting depth.

And one name that continues to come up in free agent rumors is that of one-time All-Star Zac Gallen.

The Chicago Cubs have interest in All-Star pitcher Zac Gallen

Last season, Gallen was just 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, as down as the 2025 season was for him, he has 10+ wins in four straight seasons and was 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 2024.

The year before that, he was 17-9 with a 3.46, was a National League All-Star, and finished finished third in NL Cy Young voting.

And MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that the Cubs have had interest in him for a long time:

“This is a terrific pitcher, very good in the clutch. The Cubs have been linked to him for months. “

One thing that could complicate things, though, is that the Diamondbacks have extended a qualifying offer to Gallen. This means that, should be sign elsewhere, it would cost Chicago either a draft pick or money reserved for their international signings.

Another obstacle may be Gallen’s market value. Currently, Spotrac predicts he will sign a four-year contract worth $74.8 million, or $18.2 million a year.

That is certainly a hefty salary, one that the cost-conscious Cubs may not be willing to pay.

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Anthony Rizzo set for analyst role beginning in 2026
• Cubs urged to trade Matt Shaw for Tigers’ 2x All-Star
• Cubs last movie: outfielder or pitcher?

For More Chicago Sports

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

The post Chicago Cubs linked to 1x All-Star pitcher to further bolster starting rotation appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs are hoping to retake the National League Central Division in 2026. They are coming off of a season in which they went 92-70, but lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. Indeed, 2026 is a key season for Chicago as it could be the last in which they have one of their most popular players, Nico Hoerner.

The 2026 MLB season will be the final year of Hoerner’s three-year $35 million contract that he signed with the Cubs in 2024. And while the team could extend him at any time, there are trade rumors and speculation abounding in regard to the two-time Gold Glove second baseman.

The Chicago Cubs could trade Nico Hoerner to the San Francisco Giants

One of the potential trade destinations for Hoerner, if the Cubs were to trade him, is the San Francisco Giants. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report describes such a deal:

“San Francisco Giants send OF Bo Davidson and RHP Blade Tidwell for Nico Hoerner (20.5 median surplus)

“Davidson is probably still at least a year away. But with both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki hitting free agency next winter, looking ahead to 2027 with an outfielder acquisition is probably the play for Chicago—especially after trading away Owen Caissie to get Edward Cabrera.

“And Tidwell is hardly a throwaway piece in the deal. He was one of the chips San Francisco got for Tyler Rogers this past summer, and he has some promise if he keeps the walks under control.”

More Chicago Cubs news from ChiCity Sports

• Anthony Rizzo set for analyst role beginning in 2026
• Cubs urged to trade Matt Shaw for Tigers’ 2x All-Star
• Cubs last movie: outfielder or pitcher?

For More Chicago Sports

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

The post MLB Mock Trade: Chicago Cubs send 2B Nico Hoerner to San Francisco Giants in proposed trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

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

More News: Chicago Cubs: Is this young pitcher an x-factor or just dead weight?

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

Chicago’s pitching staff was not as lucky.

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

2026 Cubs are focused on depth

More News: Who the Chicago Cubs might extend and who they definitely will not

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

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

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

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

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

You can never have too much pitching

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

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

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

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

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

The need for a fourth outfielder

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chicago Cubs, 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.

More News: Chicago Cubs sign intriguing 6-foot-8 flame-throwing late bloomer to minor league deal

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

More News: Chicago Cubs “stagnant” prospect gets surprising ranking in new Top 100 list

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

More News: How the Chicago Cubs may luck into free agent Zac Gallen

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

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

Uncertainty in Cubs’ pitching depth

More News: Chicago Cubs rotation is “deep in meh and unexcitement” says brutal ZiPS projection

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

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

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

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

Adopting the Dodgers model

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

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

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

Justin Steele

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More News: Chicago Cubs rotation is “deep in meh and unexcitement” says brutal ZiPS projection

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

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

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

Cubs still pursuing Zac Gallen?

More News: Chicago Cubs: Overlooked asset may actually be key to team’s success

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

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

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

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

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

Gallen’s plan B

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

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

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

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

Money may not be as much of an issue

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

Per Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Chicago Cubs once again appear to have assembled a deep and versatile roster, stocked with both pitchers and position players capable of contributing at the major-league level. From headline moves like signing Alex Bregman and trading for Edward Cabrera, to mid-tier additions such as Phil Maton and Tyler Austin, and even under-the-radar pickups like Chas McCormick and Collin Snider from a Tread Athletics pro day, the Cubs have quietly built impressive depth across the organization.

If that weren’t enough, rumors began to swirl after a longtime outfielder who spent several years with the St. Louis Cardinals appeared at Cubs pre-spring training. That player is Dylan Carlson.

Dylan Carlson was spotted at the Chicago Cubs pre-spring training camp

According to a report from Ray Rardin, Carlson was at the Cubs pre-spring training camp in Arizona on January 22.

Pre-Spring Training; 1-22-2026

Cubs Camp

Outfielder #DylanCarslon showed up around 12:45pm, warmed up and took OF flyballs.@MiLB @cubprospects @realcubsinsider @Cubs @BleacherNation @brendan_cubs pic.twitter.com/QHABAQeKO0

— Ray R. Rardin II (@AZProspectWatch) January 22, 2026

Carlson, a former first-round pick by the Cardinals, spent five seasons in St. Louis, with his best year coming in 2021. That season, he hit .266 with 18 home runs, 31 doubles, four triples, and 65 RBI across 149 games. However, he was never able to fully recapture that production, finishing his Cardinals tenure with a career .239/.318/.381 slash line.

In 2025, Carlson played his first full season outside of St. Louis, appearing in 83 games for the Orioles. The results were underwhelming, as he posted a -0.7 bWAR, hit just above the Mendoza Line, and recorded a .278 on-base percentage.

Still, as a potential depth addition, Carlson would come with little risk for the Cubs. His experience, defensive versatility, and former top-prospect pedigree could provide useful organizational depth without hindering roster flexibility. No signing has officially been announced, but the reports of him being in camp do indicate that something formal could be coming soon.

The post Outfielder spotted at Cubs pre-spring training camp has fans buzzing appeared first on ChiCitySports.

This off-season, the Chicago Cubs, like everyone else, have found that the cost to acquire starting pitchers via free agency or trade is expensive. The cost begin by committing $20 million to Shota Imanaga, after he accepted the team’s qualifying offer. They then gave up three players, Owen Cassie, Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo De Leon in exchange for three years of Edward Cabrera.

Around the league, Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers was another pitcher whom accepted a qualifying offer, but in free agency Dylan Cease received seven years, $210 million from the Toronto Blue Jays and more recently Ranger Suarez got five years, $130 million from the Red Sox.

In the trade department,the Orioles gave up four prospects and a draft pick for Shane Baz, who has three years of team control left. The Brewers also pulled off a blockbuster with the Mets, sending both Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers to New York in exchange for a pair of top 100 prospects.

Following all of this activity, the Washington Nationals struck a massive five for one deal with the Texas Rangers, that sent MacKenzie Gore packing. Interestingly, Gore was a trade target for the Cubs at last summers trade deadline, but a deal never came to fruition, and instead Chicago made less costly moves by acquiring  Michael Soroka, Andrew Kittredge, and Taylor Rogers. However, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score recently revealed what it would have cost the Cubs in order to acquire him last summer.

Chicago Cubs cost to acquire Mackenzie Gore from Washington Nationals revealed

At last year’s trade deadline, Chicago and Washington were discussing a deal involving Gore when he had 2.5 years of control left. Per Levine, their asking price at that time was four top players/prospects, which included Owen Caissie and Jaxon Wiggins. Caissie was formerly the Cubs first ranked prospect and Wiggins is currently their second ranked prospect.

In hindsight, this proposal looks like it would have been an overpay by Chicago. Overall, Washington got 18 year old Gavin Fien (No.5), Alejandro Rosario (No.11), Devin Fitz-Gerald (No.12), Yeremy Cabrera (No.17), and Abimelec Ortiz (No.24) from Texas. While Washington did get five players from Texas, the haul they got included numerous younger and less established prospects, indicating their is more risk for the Nationals in this deal, especially if some don’t pan out.

With that context, it’s clear the Cubs were wise to walk away. By exercising patience, Chicago later used Caissie in the Cabrera trade, and retained Wiggins, who could be a key contributor in the pitching staff in 2026.

The post Cubs’ cost to acquire MacKenzie Gore from Nationals revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have had a very eventful offseason and, in a lot of ways, have changed the narrative regarding their ownership being irredeemably frugal and conservative with spending.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Good Riddance Kyle Tucker?

They went out and pulled a daring trade for emerging power pitcher Edward Cabrera, dealing away three prospects, including no. 1 prospect Owen Caissie.

They signed free agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract.

They also restocked a deplete bullpen with four new free agent relievers and several depth pieces below them.

All told, the Cubs spent over $220 million this offseason on acquiring new talent and re-signing holdovers from last season.

But the work’s not completely done for a squad that hopes to compete for a championship in 2026.

The last piece of the Cubs’ 2026 puzzle

More News: Chicago Cubs face harsh reality via Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list

Maybe the biggest remaining question mark on the roster can be found in the outfield, one notch below starters Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki. To be precise, there’s pretty much nobody in the fourth outfielder spot who can spell the three starters and take their position in case of injury.

Currently penciled into that role is the 23-year-old Kevin Alcantara, who has played all three outfield positions in the minors. He hasn’t shown, however, an ability to play every day in the majors. The Cubs also picked up Dodgers castoff Justin Dean, who looks to be a no-bat, all-speed player. They’re also talking about using Matt Shaw as an outfield backup this season.

So, with an apparent willingness to spend and, also, a willingness to drift just above the luxury tax threshold, could the Cubs dip into the free agency pool once again for a quality fourth outfielder?

One more free agent this year?

Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib is pushing for the Cubs to sign the 39-year-old Andrew McCutchen for that role:

“Andrew McCutchen is universally loved – and that’s coming from a site dedicated to a team he’s had plenty of big moments against in his 17-year MLB career. At age 39, his best days are behind him. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have something to offer.

Last year with Pittsburgh, McCutchen slashed just .239/.333/.367, slightly below average in terms of wRC+ and OPS+, but still serviceable if you’re thinking of him as a veteran bench piece heading into 2026. The Cubs’ bench was abysmal last year and adding someone like the former 2013 NL MVP could, again, not only provide another veteran leader but also bolster the outfield depth.”

Pulling McCutchen from the Pirates

McCutchen, by all accounts, wants to remain with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the new-look Pirates, apparently, aren’t burning with desire to re-sign him. The mega-veteran has played the vast majority of his games recently at DH (120 in 2025, 113 in 2024), but he insists that he can still go out and play the field.

He even felt the need to recently jump on social media to defend his ability to still play defense against public statements claiming otherwise:

“It is really funny how so many ppl say I ‘Can’t(key word) play defense.’ I haven’t played much defense because they haven’t asked that of me. The only reason I played a few games last year is because Reynolds needed rest from a minor injury and I ASKED to play defense to get in the lineup. No one said anything then? Bottom line is if it is needed, I can not only do it, but do it like I’ve been out there all year. So stop creating false narratives and take your wives or GFs out to dinner and get off the coat tails of other men. That’s weird energy.”

McCutchen has played the last three seasons on $5 million-per-season deals. His price will likely drop a bit heading into 2026 after a season where he hit .239.

On the Cubs, he’ll get his wish to play the field again, albeit as a backup and/or emergency fill-in. He might also be able to return to postseason play for the first time since 2018, when he was with the Yankees.

Clearly, at 39, his best days are well behind him and the Cubs will be in trouble if he has to start more than a handful of games in the outfield in 2026. But he’s still got some pop from the right side of the plate and he has a wealth of experience, as well as a reputation as a great clubhouse presence. Why not grab him from an indifferent Pirates team?

The post Chicago Cubs encouraged to sign 5-time All-Star on the cheap appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs raised some eyebrows with the way they kicked off their annual Cubs Convention last week. Their 2025 highlight reel hyping the kickoff of the fan event featured one glaring omission– there were no Kyle Tucker highlights.

More News: Chicago Cubs face harsh reality via Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list

There’s no denying that Tucker was an instrumental part of the team’s success, especially in the first half of the season when he served as a linchpin for an overwhelming Cubs offense.

By the end of the season, though, Tucker had grown ice cold and fans who were previously rabid about getting the right fielder extended before he headed out into free agency were suddenly not so concerned about losing him.

Cubs-Tucker disharmony revealed?

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Tucker’s production flat-lined after July 1, opening the way to a career-worst extended slump from July to mid-September that led to boos from the normally mega-loyal Wrigley Field fans. Then, just days after seemingly snapping out of his slump, he suffered a calf strain that dragged on for more than three weeks, hobbling him throughout the playoffs and forcing him into a DH-only role.

There were signs that the Tucker-Cubs relationship was not so harmonious, like when Tucker opted to leave the team for calf treatment in Tampa Bay on the day the Cubs clinched a playoff spot. Everybody was tight-lipped, though, and not a single negative word was slipped to the public.

However, now, in the aftermath of Tucker’s ridiculously “Dodgery” 4-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, dribs and drabs of the real Tucker-Cubs story are making their way out.

One unsubstantiated online comment from an anonymous source claiming to be a Cubs employee described Tucker as having “no passion.”

Character and toughness questions

Whether that online assessment has any weight at all, it’s clear that the Cubs chose to not really pursue Tucker into the deep waters of free agency. Part of that had to do with the huge contract he was expected to land. Another part, though, probably had to do with how he finished his lone season with the team and the doubts he generated regarding his durability, his mental toughness, and his chemistry with the organization.

Reading between the lines, the Cubs gushing over incoming free agent Alex Bregman’s character and leadership could be interpreted as an indirect jab at Tucker’s lack of those intangibles.

The topic of Tucker’s character and passion was such a floating point of discussion that the four-time All-Star, himself, was asked to address it at his debut Dodgers press conference.

Tucker addresses the rumors

“I mean, I don’t read into it a whole lot. I know what I try to do out on the field and what I bring to the clubhouse. I try and do my best out there regardless of how I feel or what the situation is. I’m going to try and go out there and win games,” Tucker told reporters.

“I just try and block out noise and anything like that. I’m fired up. I’ve been playing in the playoffs for a while now. There’s nothing that really beats that and the excitement that comes with that, so I’m excited to continue that out here.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, at that same press conference, even went so far as to assert that he had spoken to Tucker’s former managers and coaches to affirm the outfielder’s character and passion for the game.

“I do think that Kyle’s mindset on the micro, the day-to-day, just winning a baseball game, that is in line with what we do,” Roberts said.

Whatever the case, those paying attention to the Cubs in 2025 know what Tucker did and did not bring to the table. When he was healthy and locked in, he was an incredible boost to the offense. When he wasn’t– like for nearly half the season– he pulled the team down around him. His defense, advertised as elite as a former Gold Glove winner, was subpar (-2 OAA). And, all in all, he just seemed to be fragile, both physically and mentally, prone to long stretches of on-field depression and regression that he was slow to snap out of.

Maybe in Los Angeles, as a background player on a team full of colorful stars, he can produce the way he did in Houston. For the Cubs, though? Good riddance. Alex Bregman should prove to be an infinitely better fit for what the team needs.

The post Chicago Cubs: Good Riddance Kyle Tucker? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Minnesota Twins are likely to be at the bottom of the American League in 2026 after trading away most of their big league roster at the trade deadline last season.

More News: The Chicago Cubs’ path to the WS got harder after the Mets’ roster upgrades

Though the Twins are going to be bad, they are showing a willingness to sign veterans to trade at next season’s deadline to help their rebuild. The most recent of those signings comes in the form of All-Star reliever Taylor Rogers, who, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman and Ken Rosenthal, is finalizing a one-year deal worth $2 million.

The 35-year-old Rogers has been a solid reliever in his decade as a big leaguer and has notched 83 saves, and has a career ERA of 3.34.

Reporting along with @Ken_Rosenthal: Twins are reuniting with former All-Star closer Taylor Rogers on a one-year, $2 million contract.

Logical fit for both sides, as the 35-year-old Rogers returns home to the team that drafted him and the Twins add some much-needed bullpen help.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) January 22, 2026

Despite not performing down the stretch for the Chicago Cubs, Taylor Rogers should do well for the Twins

Rogers was one of the more valuable trade pieces at the deadline last year and failed to perform down the stretch for the Chicago Cubs, posting a 5.09 ERA in 17 games. Even though Rogers wasn’t great with the Cubs, he should be a lot better when pitching for the Twins next season.

Originally drafted by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Rogers spent the first six seasons of his career (2016-21) pitching for Minnesota, posting a 17-18 record with a 3.15 ERA in 314.2 innings. Rogers, in his career, has proven to be a “lefty specialist,” with a career batting average against lefties of .199 (.569 OPS), while allowing righties to hit .259 off him (.746 OPS).

The Twins needed to add bullpen arms, and by signing Rogers, they not only get someone to eat innings, but also serve as a valuable trade piece to help with their rebuild.

The post Minnesota Twins sign AS reliever and former Chicago Cub Taylor Rogers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ path to a World Series in the National League just got a little harder, as the New York Mets continue to build a formidable roster.

More News: The New York Yankees capitalize on the Chicago Cubs’ failure to pay Cody Bellinger

After collapsing down the stretch (28-37 post All-Star break), the New York Mets have rebounded this offseason to put together a roster that should compete with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets have acquired Milwaukee Brewers Ace Freddy Peralta for top prospects infielder Jett Williams and right-hander Brandon Sproat.

New York Post columnist Joel Sherman added that right-hander Tobias Myers was also going to the Mets in the deal. Myers gives the Mets added pitching depth, used as a starter and reliever, 1-2 with an ERA of 3.55 in 22 games (six starts), and he also comes with five more years of control.

BREAKING: The New York Mets have acquired All-Star right-hander Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is done. Top prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat are headed to Milwaukee. One more big league pitcher will head to the Mets.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 22, 2026

The Chicago Cubs’ path to a World Series just got harder after the Mets’ formidable offseason

It’s safe to say the Mets may have secured the moniker of “winners of the offseason” after having an impressive week. They acquired the centerfielder they needed in Luis Robert Jr., signed the right-handed bat in Bo Bichette — who will complement Juan Soto — and added the top of the rotation starter (Peralta), they’ve needed.

Peralta, 29, had his best season with the Brewers last season, leading the National League in wins (17) and having the best ERA of his career (2.70), and made a career high 33 starts (176.2 innings). Adding Peralta gives the Mets one of the best rotations, with potential Rookie of the Year in 2026, Nolan McLean, likely slotting in behind Peralta.

With the Brewers likely to take a step back now that they’ve jettisoned Peralta, the Cubs have an easier path to winning the National League Central. However, they have a harder time getting to the World Series, not just with the Dodgers to contend with, but also the Mets.

The post The Chicago Cubs’ path to the WS got harder after the Mets’ roster upgrades appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The future of Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner was immediately called into question following the team’s decision to sign Alex Bregman in free agency, considering that Matt Shaw has now been relegated to a super utility role.

Could the Cubs trade Hoerner and move Shaw to second base?

It’s a possibility, especially when you take into account the fact that Hoerner has just one year remaining on his contract and would cost a small fortune in free agency. The 28-year-old posted a 4.8 WAR in 2025, which led all second basemen.

However, the chances of Chicago — which is clearly trying to contend for a World Series next season — actually moving Hoerner now seem relatively slim.

Not only is Hoerner integral to the Cubs’ success, but Patrick Mooney of The Athletic has revealed that the trade cost for the two-time Gold Glover would be extravagant.

The Chicago Cubs’ asking price for Nico Hoerner is wild

So, what exactly would Chicago expect in return in a potential Hoerner trade?

“To acquire Hoerner, the Cubs would need something close to a Kyle Tucker-like return,” Mooney wrote. “In that deal, the Houston Astros acquired a 25-year-old infielder with three years of control coming off an All-Star season, an MLB pitcher with upside and an ascending top prospect. That’s how much the Cubs value Hoerner.”

The chances of Chicago landing that type of haul in exchange for Hoerner are highly improbable. Not that Hoerner isn’t a terrific player, because he is. But he is not quite on the same level as Tucker, who was viewed by many as one of the best players in baseball at the time the Cubs acquired him.

“It’s very unlikely another team would value Hoerner that highly, but it can’t be ruled out,” Mooney added.

Hoerner slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBI over 649 plate appearances this past season and hit .419 in the playoffs when most of the Cubs’ lineup — including Tucker — was struggling to get on base.

The former first-round pick owns a lifetime .282/.340/.384 slash line and has always been a tremendous defensive player, so he absolutely has incredible value. But Hoerner is probably more valuable to Chicago than he is to any other club at this point.

Perhaps the Cubs would revisit a Hoerner move at the trade deadline, but for now, he will likely remain in the Windy City.

The post Chicago Cubs’ astronomical trade demands for Nico Hoerner revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The standoff between the New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger has finally come to a close with the two sides finalizing a five-year deal, worth $162.5 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

More News: Chicago Cubs face harsh reality via Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list

The deal also includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons, includes a full no-trade clause, and a $20 million signing bonus to account for New York’s high income tax rate. Having a better season than he did with the Chicago Cubs in 2024, Bellinger got the deal he wanted from the Cubs, who didn’t feel he could be the former MVP-type player (2019) he once was.

Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 21, 2026

The New York Yankees capitalize on the Chicago Cubs’ failure to pay Cody Bellinger

To go along with his MVP, Bellinger is a two-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, the Rookie of the Year in 2017, and a Gold Glove winner, which has translated over to playing multiple positions (center field, first base, right field, and left field). Since winning the MVP, Bellinger’s production at the plate declined, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to non-tender him.

Bellinger’s production at the plate picked up in his first season with the Cubs, hitting .307 with an OPS of .881 in 2023, but fell in 2024 (.266, .751). Exercising his option instead of opting out, the Cubs traded Bellinger to the Yankees on Dec. 17 for reliever Cody Poteet and $5 million to shed his salary after feeling he wouldn’t get back to the player he once was.

Bouncing back at the plate in 2025, Bellinger hit .272 with an OPS of .813 and fell a home run shy of hitting 30 home runs (29) for the first time since 2019 (47). His resurgence at the plate and above-average defense led the Yankees to give Bellinger the contract the Cubs and the Ricketts family didn’t feel comfortable giving him.

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The Chicago Cubs have been one of the more aggressive teams this offseason, signing third baseman Alex Bregman and trading for starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. Even with these additions, the team does not seem to be looking to be finished.

There are still some solid additions on the free agent market that president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer can make for the 2026 roster. Let’s take a closer look at one player the team has at least checked in on recently this offseason.

The Chicago Cubs have shown interest in outfielder Miguel Andujar

According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs are one of the teams that are interested in free agent outfielder Miguel Andujar. He also listed the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, Athletics, and Cincinnati Reds as showing interest in the 30-year-old.

He played 94 games between the Athletics and Reds last season and finished with a .822 OPS with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 36 runs scored, and one stolen base. Andujar’s .318 batting average last season was one of his best stretches at the plate since finishing second in the AL Rookie of the Year race in 2018.

It would be interesting to see how the Cubs would decide to utilize him if he were to sign with them. He spent 28 games as the team’s designated hitter, but played first base and right field as well.

With rookie Moises Ballesteros projected to be the team’s designated hitter on Fangraphs’ roster resource page, he would certainly help the bottom half of the lineup. Andujar has the ability to be a productive hitter and could spell right fielder Seiya Suzuki or left fielder Ian Happ need a day off the field. It would be intriguing to see what kind of offer Chicago would offer the career 107 OPS+ hitter.

The post Chicago Cubs reportedly have interest in this free agent outfielder appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs kicked off Cubs Con this past weekend by introducing new free-agent prize Alex Bregman to the thousands of fans who flocked to Chicago for the convention. The addition of Bregman adds a big bat to Chicago’s lineup as they look to bounce back on a NLDS exit in last year’s post season.

But as we are under a month away from Spring Training, the Cubs still have some needs to fill including potentially a starting pitcher.

The Cubs have been connected to a few names this offseason but the one that keeps popping up is Zac Gallen. The former Arizona Diamondbacks ace is a free agent and could be the next addition for Chicago to help boost the rotation even after the acquisition of Edward Cabrera. And it sounds like the Cubs are still very much involved in Gallen.

Chicago Cubs, Scott Boras continue talks about Zac Gallen

This isn’t the first time the Cubs and Gallen have been connected this offseason. It might not be the last, either. After acquiring Cabrera in that trade just a few weeks ago, it may have felt like the Cubs were out on adding Gallen.

Not so fast.

The latest report from Bruce Levine of 670 The Score states that the Cubs have had continued talks with Scott Boras, the agent of Gallen. Levine also notes that as talks are on going, it could be a shorter deal that gets Gallen to Chicago.

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

The Cubs and Scott Boras have continued talks on Zac Gallen, per @MLBBruceLevine on 670 the score.

“Those talks are ongoing. My reporting is the possibility is that it’ll be a shorter-term type of deal.” pic.twitter.com/boHb8YX8nM

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 19, 2026

A short-term deal might be best for both sides. With a potential lockout coming in 2027, Gallen can get paid in 2026 and use it as a prove it year if there is no lockout eventually. For the Cubs, they get another arm in the bullpen and it’s a low-risk signing.

Despite having a down year in 2025 with a 13-15 record and a 4.83 ERA, Gallen was really good for the Diamondbacks. He factored into the NL Cy Young Award voting in 2020, 2022 and the 2023 seasons. He’s also averaged 30 starts a year in the past five seasons.

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

More News: Chicago Cubs continue stockpiling arms, add three new pitchers

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

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

Cubs new outlook on spending?

More News: Chicago Cubs could address rotation questions with bold restructuring

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

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

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

Past constraints and frustrations

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

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

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

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

More money flexibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A rotation full of durability questions

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

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

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

Cubs considering a 6-man rotation?

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

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

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

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

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

Maintaining the rotation over the long haul

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

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

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

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

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When the Chicago Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros last winter, the general expectation was that it would probably be a one-year stay for Tucker in the Windy City.

Ultimately, it was, as Tucker just signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cubs never appeared to be under any type of serious consideration to re-sign the four-time All-Star.

That Chicago was not willing to spend $60 million annually on a player was not surprising. But why were the Cubs, who play in one of the largest markets in baseball, not even a remote threat to retain their best player?

Well, perhaps things were never quite simpatico between Tucker and Chicago, which the Cubbies may have made fairly clear by omitting Tucker from their 2025 highlight reel at Cubs Convention. But what exactly happened to potentially cause Tucker’s relationship with Chicago to sour?

Did Kyle Tucker have a beef with the Chicago Cubs?

We’ve actually heard this multiple times this winter.

First, Joey Christopoulos of CHGO Sports insinuated that Tucker may have had an issue with the Cubs stemming from the way they handled his calf injury late in the year, claiming that “mistrust” may have formed between Tucker and Chicago brass.

Then, on Friday, Matt Spiegel of 670 The Score revealed that Tucker didn’t have a very strong bond with the Cubs and that he never really felt attached to the team.

Maybe Tucker just never really wanted to be in Chi-Town to begin with. Or perhaps the Cubs did something to cause the relationship to deteriorate. Whatever the case may be, Tucker clearly had no interest in returning to Chicago, and he went as far to join one of the club’s top rivals in the National League.

The Cubs certainly did not come up empty-handed this winter, swinging a trade for Edward Cabrera and signing Alex Bregman. But things obviously would have looked a heck of a lot nicer if they would have been able to re-sign Tucker, as well.

But evidently, they never had much of a chance to do so.

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After 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series Champion with the Houston Astros, reliever Ryan Pressly announced his retirement from the game, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

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

In his retirement announcement, the 37-year-old thanked all three major league teams he played for in his career: the Minnesota Twins (six years), the Astros (seven years), and the Chicago Cubs for the final season of his career in 2025. Pressly, who joined the Cubs after his former teammate Kyle Tucker got traded over, said of his time with the team, that he was thankful for “the Cubs for giving me a chance to pitch for such an iconic franchise. Wrigley Field, those North Side fans, unforgettable. Thank you.”

Ryan Pressly announces his retirement pic.twitter.com/RtpjWe1uIn

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 17, 2026

Despite not pitching well for the Chicago Cubs, Ryan Pressly had a great career

Drafted in the 11th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, Pressly would make his debut on April 4, 2013, with the Twins after they drafted him in the 2012 Rule 5 Draft. One of the better closers in the game, Pressly, finished with a career record of 37-39 with a 3.33 ERA and saved 117 games in 691.1 innings (667 games).

Pressly has also shown to be one of the best postseason pitchers of all time, ranking fifth for saves (14). Pressly’s impressive resume made him a trade target of the Cubs, who needed an experienced closer with postseason experience to help them engage in their playoff push in 2025.

Sadly for both Pressly and the Cubs, things never panned out. In 44 games with the Cubs, Pressly had a 2-3 record with a 4.35 ERA and saved only five games in 41.1 innings. Pressly’s struggles and inability to refine what made him so dominant led to his release on Aug. 1.

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Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner has admitted to admiring incoming Cub Alex Bregman throughout his development as a player. Questions abound, however, whether he’ll actually get a chance to play with Chicago’s new third baseman.

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

Rumors are rampant about teams approaching the Cubs in pursuit of a possible deal involving the old school second baseman. Reports suggest that several teams have been in contact about Hoerner, including the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees.

What makes the rumors at least somewhat plausible is the fact that the 28-year-old is headed into the last year of his contract and is set to become one of the most coveted assets of the 2027 free agent class. There’s also the reality that Bregman’s addition gives the team a surplus of infielders, allowing for last year’s third basemen Matt Shaw to be shifted over to second if Hoerner is dealt.

Nico Hoerner speaks on trade rumors

More News: What the Chicago Cubs could get in a Nico Hoerner trade

Hoerner, though, doesn’t seem too frazzled about the buzz. He loves being a Cub, but he also understands the business side of the sport.

“I love playing for the Cubs,” Hoerner told media at the annual Cubs convention. “I’m so excited for this season and the roster that we have going into this year. I think that (the addition of Bregman) just lets all of us know the kind of direction we’re on.”

“I think it’s just a part of being close to free agency and not having a trade clause, right?” Hoerner said of the trade rumors. “Above all, just remembering that it’s not a personal thing and the team’s job is to always make the best possible roster they have the ability to do.”

Hoerner’s presence as an elite contact hitter and Gold Glove defender at second is valued by all. He’s also become a team leader with his motivated play and his dedication to excellence. Last season, he practically carried the team down the stretch and through the playoffs as the offense struggled with inconsistency.

Cubs teammates gush over Hoerner as trade rumors swirl

Teammates at the annual convention were quick to speak on Hoerner and how they don’t want the trade rumors to be true.

“He’s an asset to any group,” left fielder Ian Happ said. “His skill set, the way that he carries himself and the way that he works. He’s a great example for guys. He’s the type of player you want.

“Other teams having interest in a player doesn’t mean anything to our group. We’ll see what happens, but [he’s] obviously one of my best friends in the game and a guy that I love going to war with.”

“Nico means the world to me and to this team,” commented shortstop Dansby Swanson. “Who he is as a person, he brings the same type of energy and competitive spirit that Alex [Bregman] does. He’s somebody that’s just a darn good player, really good winner and irreplaceable, really. There’s no (way to properly) value what he brings to this group on and off the field.”

Realities and perspectives

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, meanwhile, is throwing some wet blankets on the trade rumor fires by doubling down on his assertion that a Hoerner swap is not all that likely.

Per Sharma:

“Team sources have emphasized that if a deal were to happen, it’d be because the Cubs were bowled over by an offer. But there is also a belief within the organization that the Cubs value Hoerner — his defense, his intangibles and the whole package — more than any other team would. So it’s highly unlikely that overwhelming offer will come their way.”

Through it all and no matter what happens after his last contract season, Hoerner is steadfast in expressing his love for his teammates, the organization, and Cubs fans in general. He wants to win in Chicago, with this team. He signed a three-year, $35 million contract extension in 2023 because he believed in the team’s path to winning and he’s seeing those efforts come to fruition right before his eyes.

“I love playing for the Cubs. I think that was evident in signing a deal initially and hopefully evident just in how I approach the game,” Hoerner added. “I have gratitude of being here and playing in front of these fans. I’m so excited for this season and the roster that we have going into this year. That being the absolute main focus and things falling in line from there.

“I definitely want to be here for this season and with this group. I think there’s a ton of satisfaction in seeing an organization and players around you develop. It’s been a really steady arc of improvement here.”

The post Chicago Cubs: Nico Hoerner and teammates address trade rumors appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have been surprisingly busy over the last several weeks, swinging a trade to acquire pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins while also signing third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year contract.

However, the Bregman addition may have ramifications.

The three-time All-Star will be making $35 million annually, which further complicates the chances of the Cubs re-signing Nico Hoerner next winter. Plus, Chicago’s infield is now a bit crowded, as Matt Shaw will now have to move into a super utility role.

That is, of course, unless Chicago trades Hoerner, and the possibility of that occurring may have just increased considerably.

Why? Because Bo Bichette just inked a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets, which has unquestionably caused Hoerner’s price to rise.

Will the Chicago Cubs trade Nico Hoerner?

We know Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is rather frugal as it is. That’s why Chicago’s decision to hand Bregman $175 million was a surprise to many. But will he open up his wallet again to retain one of the best middle infielders in baseball?

Hoerner led all second basemen with a 4.8 WAR in 2025, slashing .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBI. He also captured his second Gold Glove award, making him an incredibly valuable commodity.

So why would Chicago let him go? Well, the 28-year-old hits free agency after next season, and he is sure to command a rather hefty contract. One that the Cubs may not be able — or willing — to afford. Especially now that Bichette may have just reset the market for middle infielders.

Of course, the lingering lockout next December also plays a huge factor here, so Chicago may want to just trade Hoerner now, recoup all of the assets and be done with it. But at the same time, the Cubbies are clearly trying to contend based on the fact that they landed both Cabrera and Bregman.

Any Hoerner trade have to feature a massive return. If the Cubs did receive a substantial offer from another club, they may be tempted to pull the trigger, particularly after just watching Bichette land $42 million annually.

Will Chicago trade Hoerner this winter? Probably not, but the chances of the Cubs doing so between now and the July trade deadline have spiked.

The post Cubs’ chances of trading Nico Hoerner just increased exponentially appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have certainly been one of the biggest winners of the MLB offseason, as they swung a trade to land pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and also signed third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.

Yes, they did just watch as Kyle Tucker signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it didn’t look like they ever had a real chance of re-signing Tucker anyway.

But are the Cubs done making moves?

Some feel that another big trade could be coming for Chicago, especially with its infield now a bit crowded after the Bregman acquisition. And with second baseman Nico Hoerner preparing to enter the final year of his contract, he has been deemed a prime trade candidate.

Mark Powell of FanSided has proposed a trade in which the Cubs would send Hoerner to the Boston Red Sox and reap quite the talented strikeout artist in return.

Chicago Cubs could land a dynamic pitcher from the Boston Red Sox

Powell has Chicago sending Hoerner to the Red Sox in exchange for three prospects: pitchers Payton Tolle and Sadbiel Delzine as well as second baseman Henry Godbout.

While Godbout is an impressive talent in his own right and Delzine is an intriguing 18-year-old out of Venezuela, none of the prospects are quite as enticing as Tolle, who even made his big-league debut in Boston last season.

Tolle made seven appearances and three starts with the Red Sox in 2025, logging a 6.61 ERA while allowing 18 hits and totaling 19 strikeouts over 16.1 innings. That’s a small sample size, so we can’t judge Tolle based off of that.

He did, however, rack up 133 punchouts across 91.2 frames on the minor-league level in 2025, good for an average of 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings. Considering that the Cubs have very limited pitching depth in their organization, it’s hard not to be tantalized by those numbers.

The question is, would Chicago actually want to move Hoerner?

Should the Chicago Cubs actually trade Nico Hoerner?

Hoerner was one of the Cubs’ best players in 2025, slashing .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBI over 649 plate appearances while playing tremendous defense. In fact, his 4.8 WAR led all second basemen.

He has been very consistent since entering the majors in 2019, owning a lifetime .723 OPS while bagging a couple of Gold Gloves. The problem is whether or not Chicago will pay him past 2026, especially after signing Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract.

We know that owner Tom Ricketts is rather stingy as it is, so it stands to reason that next season could be Hoerner’s last in the Windy City.

That being said, by going out and landing Cabrera and Bregman, the Cubs signaled that they are trying to win now, so why would they move Hoerner at this point? They would be better off keeping Hoerner, moving Matt Shaw into a super utility role and then re-evaluating at the trade deadline.

The post Cubs-Red Sox trade proposal ships dynamic strikeout artist to Chicago appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs’ signing of third baseman Alex Bregman set off a domino effect that began with the fans’ elation and now brings up questions regarding a possible trade of second baseman Nico Hoerner.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Trading Matt Shaw as questions of character emerge

Rumors have been rampant since the big Cubs pickup that the post-Bregman move, after signing off on a 5-year, $175 million contract for the three-time All-Star, would be a salary dump of Hoerner. The 28-year-old middle infielder will make just under $12 million in 2026 and, more importantly, he’s set to become a free agent at the end of this coming season, walking into the open market as one of the gems of the 2027 free agent class.

On the surface, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Cubs to ditch one of their key components in what appears to be a year where they’re actually “all in” when it comes to winning a championship. However, this IS the team that traded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees for a second tier pitcher in a blatant salary dump just days after trading for Kyle Tucker.

Trading Nico Hoerner

More News: Chicago Cubs: Why Bregman signing is harbinger of big changes ahead

“There are no indications that the Cubs are looking to move Hoerner,” wrote Sahadev Sharma in a recent piece for The Athletic, “but other teams have come calling, and this organization won’t hang up when others ring. The Cubs will listen, and if they’re blown away, they may decide it’s the right thing to do.”

The “listening” is the intriguing and/or concerning part.

There is, reportedly, a growing list of teams interested in Hoerner which includes the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners.

Hoerner is an elite-tier contact hitter who posted a 6.2 bWAR with a .297 batting average last year while winning his second Gold Glove. He’s also firmly established himself as a team leader and emphasized his importance to the squad with a stellar run at the end of the season and throughout the playoffs.

It’s obvious why teams would want him, even with just one year of team control guaranteed.

But what would the Cubs be able to get in return for the old school second baseman?

What the Cubs might get in return

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report estimates that it would cost the Red Sox a top pitching prospect, lefty Connelly Early, to land Hoerner:

“The Cubs could simply hold onto Hoerner and use Matt Shaw in a super-utility role, but they now have a high-value trade chip who could be on his way out the door anyway with free agency awaiting next winter. Early, 23, had a 2.33 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 19.1 innings over four starts as a September call-up, and showed enough in that audition to start Game 3 of the ALWC against the Yankees. He would give the organization much-needed depth with Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon both ticketed for free agency next offseason.”

Christopher Kline of Fansided, meanwhile, offered his estimate of what it would take for the Giants, who are said to be “aggressively pursuing” Hoerner, to get the Cubs’ second baseman– 2B Casey Schmitt, LHP Carson Whisenhunt (the Giants’ top pitching prospect and no. 7 overall), and RHP Hayden Birdsong.

Per Kline:

“This trade sets the table for Shaw to start regularly at the keystone, with newcomer Casey Schmitt filling in as the backup, with occasional utility at third base or shortstop as needed…

Hayden Birdsong, 24, has struggled to establish himself in his first couple MLB seasons. He started 10 games in 2025 before San Francisco demoted him to a bullpen gig. Still, he puts some juice on his fastball and has encouraging whiff rates. There’s a potential for him to develop into a back-end starter, with a floor as a middle relief-swingman type.

Carson Whisenhunt, the Giants’ No. 7 prospect, is the more intriguing bet. He didn’t do much in his brief MLB cameo last season, but the 25-year-old lefty offers up one of the best changeups in the game. If he can start to command his other pitches more effectively, there’s a world in which Whisenhunt becomes a genuine No. 3 starter type for the Cubs within a couple years. If not, that nasty changeup alone should allow him to blossom as a reliever.”

An offer they can’t refuse…

What all the trade proposals have in common, however, is the belief that the Cubs would be willing to make any such deal in the first place. It would boggle the mind a bit if, after spending over $200 million in free agency and trading away their top prospect for pitcher Edward Cabrera in a concerted effort to win now, they’d turn around and flip an asset like Hoerner, who stands to play an important role in the team’s immediate success.

Stranger things have happened, of course, and the team DOES have a second base substitute in Matt Shaw on deck, as well as no. 9 prospect James Triantos at Triple-A. The idea of adding a top-tier pitching prospect, close to contributing at the major league level, could be irresistible as well as cost-efficient, especially with, literally, half the team (including starters Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga) headed towards free agency after 2026. So, stay tuned.

The post What the Chicago Cubs could get in a Nico Hoerner trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs went out and got the third baseman of their dreams in Alex Bregman. The failed pursuit of the All-Star last offseason seemingly motored them into trying harder this offseason– and they succeeded.

More News: Chicago Cubs listening to offers on Nico Hoerner, but not shopping him, per insider

The Cubs were uncharacteristically aggressive in scooping up the free agent, agreeing to a deal worth $175 million over five years (with $70 million of that money deferred).

And while all this was happening, the team’s third baseman last year, Matt Shaw, has to be looking on from the outside, mouthing a befuddled “WTF?”

But it’s really not much of a mystery why the Cubs went after Bregman the way they did. To put it bluntly, Bregman is just a much, much better player than Shaw at the moment. The veteran also figures to assume a team leadership role on a Cubs squad that may lose much of its veteran core to free agency after next season.

Matt Shaw as a work in progress

More News: Chicago Cubs: Why Bregman signing is harbinger of big changes ahead

The 24-year-old Shaw, in contrast, is very much a work in progress heading into his sophomore year.

After struggling with the bat in his rookie season, Shaw got sent down to the minors early on for a quick retooling and then brought back up because, frankly, the Cubs had no other third base options. He did well enough from there to remain the team’s starting third baseman through the rest of the year, mostly due to a surprising advance in his defensive game and, again, because there was no better option behind him.

Known as a bat-first prospect all through the minors, hitting was a weak point in the majors. His .226 batting average was actually a bit deceptive as he had a lot of weak-contact hits, especially early on, and only delivered one month (August) where he approached being a league-average hitter. Then, there was the 2-for-17 fail in the playoffs that only accentuated doubts and question marks about his main stage ability.

If the Cubs are to compete for a title in the here and now, they need an established impact player who is pretty much guaranteed to deliver. At least, that’s what appears to be the line of thinking in ditching Shaw for Bregman.

Now, the question is what to do with the team’s 2023 first round draft pick.

He could definitely be shifted over to a utility role, bringing the kind of bench depth the 2025 Cubs lacked throughout the season. In the minors, Shaw played every position except pitcher, catcher, and first base. He’s never been known for his defense, but his ability to pretty much master third base in such a short period of time bodes well for his capacity to handle multiple positions.

Of course, he could also be traded.

Questions about Shaw’s character

Senior baseball analyst Keith Law talked up this possibility in a recent piece for The Athletic while offering up a previously unreported revelation that the young talent may be a bit on the difficult side when it comes to being coached.

Per Law:

“The most obvious candidate is Shaw, whose rookie season was a disappointment at the plate thanks to some frequent mechanical changes and, according to people I’ve spoken to, resistance to help from the Cubs’ staff. He also made his priorities clear when he left the team during the pennant race to attend a political rally, missing a game the Cubs lost 1-0.

Shaw hit everywhere in the minors and mashed during his brief demotion to Triple-A Iowa in 2025 as well, but his approach in the majors was a 180-degree shift, undisciplined and often defensive. I don’t think that’s who he is or will be as a hitter, but that, combined with the makeup questions after his choice in September, would make him the ideal person to trade.”

The “makeup questions” referenced are related to Shaw’s decision to leave the team, mid-pennant race, in September to attend the funeral of controversial slain right-wing Christian political activist Charlie Kirk.

Shaw’s role with the Cubs

The Cubs were supportive of Shaw’s choice at the time and remained supportive of Shaw, overall, right up until they moved to replace him.

“Honestly, I’ve been surprised by the number of media reports that kind of link us to different guys,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said during the MLB Winter Meetings in December, referencing rumors that the team was looking to replace Shaw at third. “There’s zero lack of confidence in Matt. Actually, I would say the opposite.”

To be fair, the Cubs could still have supreme confidence in him and he can still play a significant role on the team as a bench player this year and as insurance in case second baseman Nico Hoerner decides to jump into the free agency market after the coming season. One extra year as an apprentice underneath Bregman, Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson wouldn’t be the worst thing for his development as a player.

If Law’s report is true and there’s a bit of a difficult streak in him, his greatest gift to the Cubs would be his value as a tradeable asset. A one-for-one swap for a young outfield prospect, for example, would help beef up an outfield in desperate need of depth behind the three starters.

For now, though, everyone works under the assumption that Shaw is staying put and learning his big league lessons as a backup.

The post Chicago Cubs: Trading Matt Shaw as questions of character emerge appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs made a big splash on Saturday night, signing infielder Alex Bregman to a five-year deal. It was a huge move for the franchise, not only solidifying the infield even more but also giving out another big contract in a frutstrating offseason for fans.

However, it has now created a problem in the infield.

The Cubs now have one too many infielders with the addition of Bregman and while that’s a good problem to have, it feels like someone will be on the move. There have been trade rumors surrounding both Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner this offseason but nothing has materialized so far.

Ideally, you would try to keep Hoerner who is a gold glove winner and has been a staple on this defense for years. Shaw though is a talented prospect with a lot of upside and despite some struggles last season, there appears to be a bright future. As both names continue to pop up, the latest report suggests that a national league team has their eyes on one of the two.

San Francisco Giants pursuing Nico Hoerner

Just days after the Bregman acquisition, things appear to be heating up in terms of the trade market and the Cubs. Now, it sounds as if the San Francisco Giants have their eyes on Hoerner.

Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Giants are “aggressively pursuing” a second baseman. Passan says they have been engaged with the Cubs on Hoerner as well as St. Louis on Brendan Donovan. The Giants are attempting to put together one of the best infields in all of baseball.

The San Francisco Giants are aggressively pursuing a second baseman and have been engaged with Chicago on Nico Hoerner and St. Louis on Brendan Donovan, sources tell ESPN. An infield of Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Donovan or Hoerner and Rafael Devers would be among MLB's best.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2026

For the Cubs, does it make sense to trade a glove and bat like Hoerner right now? The infield of Bregman, Dansby Swanson, Hoerner and Michael Busch is a really good one. Shaw struggled in his rookie season with hitting and a new report suggests that he is being resistant to some help from the Cubs. 

Hoerner is a year away from free agency but the 2027 campaign looks bleak in terms of a potential lockout for the sport. Either way, it sounds like the Cubs will be moving an infielder eventually.

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The Chicago Cubs have shockingly struck big twice this month, first swinging a trade for pitcher Edward Cabrera and then signing Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract in free agency.

Could the Cubs have yet another move up their sleeves?

Well, second baseman Nico Hoerner has been the subject of trade speculation following Chicago’s decision to sign Bregman, as there is currently no room for Matt Shaw in the starting lineup. The most likely scenario is that Shaw takes on a super utility role, but with Hoerner entering his final year before free agency, we cannot entirely rule out a trade.

Horner would certainly have no shortage of suitors, as the two-time Gold Glover slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs and 61 RBI over 649 plate appearances in 2025 while playing sparkling defense, which the pair of Gold Glove award would suggest.

But could the Cubs do something as unthinkable as trade Hoerner to the Los Angeles Dodgers? Brandon Glick of Cubbies Crib feels it’s a possibility.

Could the Chicago Cubs swing a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Why on earth would a National League contender want to help the Dodgers get better?

Well, Glick actually thinks Los Angeles could represent a strong trade partner for Chicago due to all of the depth it possesses in its farm system.

“Hoerner’s glove and bat would represent a massive upgrade for them at the position, and they have so much talent on both sides of the ball to entice the Cubs with,” Glick wrote. “Heck, their farm system ranks among the best in the sport, even after two straight World Series runs.”

Glick cited how the Cubs were able to pry first baseman Michael Busch away from the Dodgers back in January 2024 and that it may be smart to revisit that well, but Chicago wasn’t trading an All-Star-caliber player to Los Angeles in return back at that time.

Hoerner has never made an All-Star team himself, but there is no doubt that he is one of the best middle infielders in baseball. In fact, the 28-year-old led all second basemen with a 4.8 WAR this past season. Imagine sending him to a Dodgers team that has already won back-to-back championships?

It’s hard to envision the Cubs doing this, as they are attempting to dethrone Los Angeles.

Chances are, Hoerner will stay put unless some club comes knocking with a tremendous offer … and it almost certainly won’t be the Dodgers.

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The Chicago Cubs landed their big fish this offseason when they snatched up third baseman Alex Bregman from the reported clutches of the Boston Red Sox.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Why Bregman signing is harbinger of big changes ahead

Not only was the deal uncharacteristic of the usually frugal Cubs ownership (5-years, $175 million with $70 million in deferred money), but it also put a unique– but welcomed– strain on the team’s roster.

With Bregman at third and last year’s third baseman Matt Shaw pushed to the side, Chicago now have a surplus of infield talent on the roster.

So, it kind of stood to reason that, maybe, the Cubs weren’t quite done with their moving and shaking this offseason.

The possibility of trading Nico Hoerner

More News: Chicago Cubs, Alex Bregman Odds and Ends (Money, competition, immediate fit)

Second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is on the last year of his contract and eligible for free agency at the end of the coming season, was tossed out by media as a possible trade chip. The displaced Shaw, who came up in the minors as a second baseman, could then be moved over to cover the traded Hoerner’s spot, per speculation.

And when news emerged that teams were, indeed, contacting the Cubs about acquiring the second baseman (notably, the New York Yankees), it made Cubs sense that, maybe, something was actually in the works. This is the team, after all, that traded away Cody Bellinger last offseason, just days after trading for Kyle Tucker. Salary dumps are real in this Cubs universe.

Hoerner will make just under $12 million in 2026, but he stands to make big bank as a free agent in a pretty thin projected infield free agent class. He seems to be very happy in the Cubs organization and had already signed on to one previous extension, so it’s possible that he may be receptive to another extension. It’s also quite possible, though, that he’ll move on to richer pastures.

It all made sense. The Cubs have established a history of mixing some bitter with the sweet. Hoerner, despite becoming a linchpin for the team and an on-field leader, has big value in a trade. He could command a return well above what the younger and significantly less established Shaw could command.

Cubs not shopping Hoerner, but taking calls anyway

Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, however, is affirming that that Cubs are not shopping Hoerner, but they’re also not shutting themselves off from offers.

Per Sharma:

“There are no indications that the Cubs are looking to move Hoerner, but other teams have come calling, and this organization won’t hang up when others ring. The Cubs will listen, and if they’re blown away, they may decide it’s the right thing to do.”

Competitively, at least for the coming season, moving Hoerner would be a blow. He is a two-time Gold Glove winner and one of the league’s elite contact hitters. He also moved into a firm leadership role last season, especially in the second half of the year and into the playoffs.

Shaw may or may not be a competent every day second baseman at the major league level, but he most definitely doesn’t bring what Hoerner brings to the field. A role as a super-utility bench piece and backup to a possibly outgoing Hoerner is what’s right for him (and the team) at the moment.

A big mistake

The Cubs, however, should do everything in their power to keep Hoerner from hitting the open free agent market. If anything, there should be more talk of an extension than a trade.

Also, per Sharma:

“Moving Hoerner could help the Cubs replenish a farm system that’s seen some drain over the last year-plus. It would remove nearly $12 million of salary from the payroll. These would be the reasons to make that move. But the clubhouse would feel his absence, and his teammates would likely voice their displeasure, even if they understand this is a business. And it would hurt the team in the most important category: the win column.”

Trading Hoerner would be a calculated business move that could prove to be an ugly organizational misstep. Hopefully, the Cubs stop taking the calls they’re getting.

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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.

More News: Chicago Cubs, Alex Bregman Odds and Ends (Money, competition, immediate fit)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2026

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

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

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

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For the next five seasons, Alex Bregman will be a Chicago Cub. The soon to be 32 year old signed a five year, $175 million deal with the organization that includes no opt outs and a full no-trade clause. This signing officially goes down as the third largest in franchise history, in terms of total value, but his per year average ($35 million) is the largest as previously Jason Heyward received $184 million over eight years and Dansby Swanson $177 million over seven years.

Having not played any other defensive position outside of third base since 2019, this sets Bregman up to man the hot corner for the Cubs through the 2030 season. Third base was a spot occupied by rookie Matt Shaw a season ago, where he did a good job flashing the leather, but was inconsistent offensively.

This does not suggest that Chicago has moved on from Shaw. Instead, his athleticism and defensive versatility give the Cubs multiple ways to keep his bat in the lineup, including the potential to deploy him as a super-utility player as he also has outfield experience. Second base also emerges as a logical fit, as Shaw has logged 304 professional innings at the position, including a few appearances last season.

Furthermore, with second baseman Nico Hoerner scheduled to reach free agency at the end of the year, it raises an intriguing question of whether the Cubs should consider accelerating that positional transition rather than waiting.

How Alex Bregman’s arrival impacts the future of Chicago Cubs’ players Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner

As noted, the Cubs locking down their third baseman for the next five years does come with some drawbacks. Most notably, Shaw is now left without a clearly defined role, while the timing of Nico Hoerner’s impending free agency only adds to the uncertainty. Chicago could choose to explore a Hoerner trade now, something that has surfaced repeatedly in offseason rumors, in order to maximize his value before he potentially departs in free agency. Doing so could also help the Cubs replenish their farm system after surrendering notable prospect capital in the Edward Cabrera trade earlier this month.

On the flip side, keeping Hoerner for the final year of his Cubs tenure likely gives Chicago its best chance to contend for a playoff spot. Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glove winner and a consistent threat on the bases, providing elite defense and reliable production. Replacing him with Shaw at this stage would almost certainly represent a downgrade, particularly given Shaw’s limited experience at the major league level. Relying on an unproven option in a key infield role would introduce unnecessary risk for a team with postseason aspirations.

Ultimately, the Cubs find themselves balancing present contention with long-term planning. The addition of Bregman stabilizes the infield and raises the team’s competitive ceiling, but it also creates difficult decisions regarding Shaw’s development and Hoerner’s future. Whether Chicago chooses to maximize Hoerner’s value in a trade or ride out his final season in pursuit of a playoff run, each path carries clear benefits and risks.

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The Chicago Cubs have already struck once this winter, landing pitcher Edward Cabrera in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins. But are they primed to make another move?

While Cabrera was a much-needed addition to the starting rotation, the Cubs still need to add another bat. It’s looking like Kyle Tucker is a goner in free agency, which leaves a massive hole in Chicago’s lineup.

We have already heard throughout the offseason that third baseman Alex Bregman is a potential target for the Cubs, and recently, another interesting — and familiar — name surfaced: outfielder Cody Bellinger.

Bellinger spent two seasons in Chicago between 2023 and 2024 before being traded to the New York Yankees last winter. Now, the 30-year-old is on the open market, and the Cubs have checked in on the former NL MVP.

However, Chicago’s interest may be short lived.

Chicago Cubs receive crushing news on Cody Bellinger

The Cubs do have some money to spend, as Cabrera will only cost them $3.75 million in 2026. But do they really want to spend $36-37 million on Bellinger?

Apparently, that is what Bellinger and agent Scott Boras are demanding in free agency, and over seven years, to boot. It seems wildly unlikely that Chicago will match that price, especially given how tight Tom Ricketts has been with the budget in recent years.

Bellinger is a good player, but he is not quite worth that much.

This past season, the lefty slugger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI over 656 plate appearances for the Yankees while playing stellar corner outfield defense. But he didn’t even make an All-Star team, and he hasn’t played in a midsummer classic since 2019, his MVP season.

Since that MVP campaign, Bellinger has really only had two very good seasons, and given his injury history, he would be a considerable risk at $30 million annually over five years; let alone $36-37 million across seven.

At this point, the Cubs seem more likely to turn their attention to Bregman, although based on Bellinger’s asking price, you now have to seriously worry about how much Bregman would cost, as well.

We’ll see if Chicago is able to make a significant move for a bat in the coming weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End the offseason without another significant free agent signing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trade Nico Hoerner

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

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

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

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

But no.

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

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

Whiff (again) at the trade deadline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cubs left with a roster hole after Cabrera trade

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

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

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

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

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

Interest in Cody Bellinger?

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

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

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

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

It makes sense– on paper.

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

A realistic Cubs plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Chicago Cubs swung a trade to land pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins in a move that should absolutely make them a better team next season.

However, this isn’t exactly an example of the Cubs spending, as Cabrera is slated to make just $3.7 million in 2026. In fact, that is surely one of the reasons why Chicago was so motivated to swing a deal for the right-hander to begin with.

But now what?

The Cubs still need to add another bat, and they have been linked fairly consistently to Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette in recent weeks. They apparently even checked in on Cody Bellinger, and Kyle Tucker remains available. His demands may be dropping, too.

But is it possible that Chicago doesn’t make another truly impactful addition in free agency? Based on Tom Ricketts’ recent history, sure, and that will frustrate Cubs fans to no end, especially when you consider what their future payroll situation looks like.

Chicago Cubs fans should be prepared to get irritated

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic urged Chicago to pursue another bat in a recent piece, questioning whether or not the Cubs can truly make a run with their lineup as currently constructed.

Chicago certainly has room to add a hitter, as the Cubs are still about $32 million under the luxury tax threshold. And when you look at their payroll for the following years, well, let’s just say that there is no excuse for Ricketts not to spend.

“Their future commitments – $39 million in 2027, $30 million in ‘28 and $26 million in ‘29 – are in the same range as the Cleveland Guardians, a team not exactly known for its spending,” Rosenthal wrote.

So why aren’t the Cubs being more aggressive again? Why is Tucker generally viewed as a sure-fire goner this winter?

Chicago is a huge, bustling city. Yet, the Cubs have not operated like a large-market franchise for years now. Yes, they traded for Tucker last winter, but it doesn’t mean all that much when you let him walk after just one season, especially considering what the Cubbies surrendered to acquire him.

Cabrera was a fine addition. No question. But now, Chicago needs to bolster its offense by signing a top bat. If the Cubs don’t do that, it will be rather difficult to take them seriously.

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The Chicago Cubs finally struck on Wednesday, acquiring pitcher Edward Cabrera in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins.

The Cubs shipped three prospects to the Marlins in the deal, most notably parting ways with outfielder Owen Caissie, who was expected to compete for legitimate playing time in Chicago this past season.

As a result, Seiya Suzuki is the Cubs’ de facto starting right fielder, something the team would probably like to avoid given his defensive deficiencies. It’s pretty clear that Suzuki is best-suited as ad designated hitter, which makes you wonder if Chicago will now be looking to add another outfielder.

Is it possible that the Cubs could somehow reunite with Kyle Tucker, who remains unsigned in free agency as we progress into the middle of January?

Based on a recent report, the door may be open.

Chicago Cubs could still re-sign Kyle Tucker

Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently revealed that Tucker may have to settle for a short-term deal in free agency as a result of his market slowing to a crawl.

“The Tucker market is the biggest mystery. He was projected to earn a contract in the $400 million neighborhood but could have to instead take a higher AAV on a short-term contract and hit the market again after two consecutive injury-plagued second halves,” Nightengale wrote.

Let’s say no team is willing to offer Tucker the massive contract he initially anticipated heading into the offseason. Could the Cubs jump back in and offer him a one or two-year deal at around $40-50 million annually?

Of course, this will depend on Tom Ricketts. The Cubs owner has been widely criticized for his refusal to spend significant money in recent years, and based on the way Chicago has approached this winter, it doesn’t look like that has changed.

But you can’t help but wonder if trading Caissie for Cabrera — who is slated to earn just $3.7 million in 2026 — has altered the Cubs’ strategy.

Tucker could potentially be open to a Windy City return if the price is right, and let’s be honest: Chicago has a World Series-caliber roster with the four-time All-Star aboard.

The longer Tucker remains available, the greater the chance that the Cubs try and swoop in to retain him.

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

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

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

Case in point is their reported interest in Bregman.

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

The same (sad) Bregman story as last year

More News: Chicago Cubs gut punch: Insider casts doubt on Cubs pursuit of Alex Bregman

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

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

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

Per Olney:

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

Anger and frustration

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

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

Per Murray:

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

The Cabrera trade vs. the free agent fails

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

Maybe. You can give them that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) January 7, 2026

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

Edward Cabrera will bolster the Chicago Cubs’ rotation

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

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

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The Chicago Cubs have had a lackluster offseason. Their biggest acquisition has been re-signing left-hander Shota Imanaga to the qualifying offer ($22.025 million), which is a solid move and adds depth to their rotation, but isn’t the “Ace” they need to take down National League Central Champions, the Milwaukee Brewers.

More News: Cubs connected to intriguing new trade target amid rampant rumors

Outside of Imanaga, the Cubs have focused their free agent signings on adding to their bullpen (11th, 3.78 ERA), but didn’t bring back one of their best bullpen arms in right-hander Brad Keller, who signed a two-year $22 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Not bringing back Keller to lock down the seventh or eighth innings to give the ball to closer Daniel Palencia for the ninth could cause the Cubs to regress and have a worse bullpen in 2026.

Brad Keller reveals how he signed with the Phillies after an exciting stint with the Chicago Cubs

Coming off the best season of his career, pitching to a 4-2 record with a 2.07 ERA, while tallying three saves and striking out 75 batters in 69.2 Innings, Keller was one of the top middle relievers on the market this free agency period and would’ve helped the Cubs’ bullpen. Signing the same deal that New York Mets reliever Luke Weaver signed, Keller, on his recent appearance on the YouTube show “Foul Territory,” revealed how his signing with the Phillies came into being.

“You know it was really cool. I had good conversations with those guys. Had a zoom call. I was actually on vacation,” Keller said on “Foul Territory.” “I was on we had a family vacation down in the [Florida] keys, and it’s kind of my agent called me. Is like, Hey, man, like, this is kind of picking up some steam, like, are you able to, you know, step away for a little bit and get on the phone? I was like, Yeah, sure. So some jumped on a zoom call front office [Dave Dombrowski and Preston Mattingly] and Caleb Cotham and those guys, and, you know, really, really liked what they had to say. And you know, some things that were brought up pitching wise that I really enjoyed. And yeah, next thing, you know, I was on a flight headed to Philly to get all my physicals done. So it was great, though. No, it was a way more enjoyable process this time. And, you know, years past.”

Keller, when asked by host Erik Kratz how he felt seeing the Cubs rebuild their bullpen and him not being a part of it, said there’s “No bad blood or ill will against them at all.”

“I love my time there they I credit them to everything this season, you know, like I said, my first taste of postseason, first taste of winning throughout the whole season. So I have no bad blood or ill will against them at all. I mean, it was by far my favorite, you know, season of playing baseball. You know, I tell everybody is, I had so much fun. The clubhouse was unbelievable. The guys in there, you know, support staff, all the way to coaching staff for the players, everything was, you know, big league as it gets. So, as far as that, you know, I loved it over there, and I got, I have no ill will.”

The Cubs need to start adding more starting pitching, or go all-in on their bullpen

Since the Cubs are unlikely to re-sign outfielder Kyle Tucker to the deal he’s seeking (approximately $400 million), their offense will be what it is minus Tucker; with the same being said about the starting rotation — barring any trades or other free-agent signings. The Cubs still have a chance to land the “Ace” or a frontline starter they need, with left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez still on the market.

Valdez and Suarez will command long-term and lucrative deals, which is not something the Cubs deal in. Since this is the case, the Cubs should go all in on building up their bullpen. The Cubs have already added: left-handers Holby Milner and Caleb Theilbar, along with right-handers Hunter Harvey and Jacob Webb on one-year deals.

With there still a ways to go before the start of the regular season, the Cubs still have time to make a blockbuster trade to add a top-tier starter or another backend of the bullpen arm.

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The Chicago Cubs have been linked to a variety of players this offseason, ranging from Tatsuya Imai to Edward Cabrera to Alex Bregman.

Imai ultimately signed with the Houston Astros, the Miami Marlins’ asking price for Cabrera is probably too high and while Bregman is still available, it doesn’t seem like the Cubs are being overly aggressive in their pursuit of the All-Star third baseman.

So what exactly will Chicago do this winter, if anything?

Well, one thing is for sure: the Cubs need some pitching depth, and while Cabrera may prove too costly, there are certainly some other candidates for Chicago to target, such as Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore.

But could another less popular name surface as a potential target for the Cubbies?

Paul Niemiec of North Side Baseball thinks so, floating San Diego Padres hurler Nick Pivetta as a possibility.

Could the Chicago Cubs swing a trade for Nick Pivetta?

Pivetta is interesting, to say the least.

The 32-year-old went 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA while allowing 129 hits and racking up 190 strikeouts over 181.2 innings of work in 2025. He was so impressive, as a matter of fact, that he finished sixth in NL Cy Young voting.

Pivetta also has an interesting contract situation. He will earn $20.5 million in 2026 and has three years remaining on his deal overall, but his pact includes opt outs after 2026 and 2027.

“Though the Padres are still trying to compete, they’ve made it known they’re willing to sell high on Pivetta in order to add some MLB-ready talent,” Niemiec wrote. “He does have an opt-out after this season, so if he pitches well again, this will likely turn into a rental deal. The best case for the Cubs would be a situation where Pivetta remains an ace-level pitcher for this season, helps them make a deep playoff run, and opts out, leaving the Cubs free of paying $32 million over the last two years of the deal.”

While Chicago would be stuck paying his $20.5 million salary for 2026, Pivetta could serve as a potential one-year rental, especially if he pitches nearly as well as he did last season.

Of course, there are concerns with the right-hander, as he had never even logged a sub-4.00 ERA in eight big-league campaigns prior to 2025. Pivetta has been a solid pitcher for several years and has averaged 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings over the course of his big-league tenure, but there is definitely reason to believe he won’t replicate his 2025 showing.

That being said, the veteran would still represent a great depth piece for the Cubs and probably wouldn’t cost too much in terms of prospect capital.

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The Chicago Cubs have yet to make any truly significant moves this offseason, which has drawn the ire of Cubs fans who are growing tired of the front office becoming so stagnant.

While Chicago is a huge city, the Cubs have certainly not operated like a large-market franchise in recent years, so when they don’t make any major additions, the fan base is more frustrated than surprised.

And perhaps Chicago fans should be prepared to get frustrated again.

It’s no secret that the Cubs could use another starting pitcher, especially with such little pitching depth in their farm system and with a chunk of their rotation slated to hit free agency after 2026. But Chicago missed on Tatsuya Imai, and its trade market is slowed to a crawl.

Why? Because the Cubs seem to be unwilling to budge on their top prospects.

Chicago Cubs are hitting a roadblock in trade discussions

Chicago has been floated as a potential trade destination for Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera as well as Washington Nationals hurler MacKenzie Gore. Other names have been mentioned, as well, both those seem to be the top two most likely targets.

But do the Cubs even have a chance to land either arm?

Not if they aren’t willing to pay the price, and Jordan Bastian of MLB.com questions whether or not Chicago would actually be amendable to parting with top young players like Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie or Moises Ballesteros in a trade.

“Chicago could perhaps thread the needle and solve both goals by exploring the trade market (Marlins righty Edward Cabrera comes with three years of control via arbitration, for example),” Bastian wrote. “That would hypothetically require being more open-minded to trading away a young player such as Shaw, Caissie or catcher Moises Ballesteros. The Cubs were unwilling to do that at the Trade Deadline last summer, when they looked into impact arms on the market.”

The problem is that in order for Chicago to land any talented young pitcher with multiple years of club control remaining, it will have to get aggressive and be willing to dig into its farm system.

The Cubs won 92 games in 2025 and absolutely had a World Series-caliber roster. They are in win-now mode, and most of their top prospects are position players. Cashing in some of those for a pitcher would not be the worst idea in the world, and given Chicago’s current pitching situation, it might actually be advisable.

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The Chicago Cubs, so far, have not been making the kinds of headlines that their fans had hoped for this offseason.

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

The team’s only moves have involved restocking an emptied-out bullpen (with free agent acquisitions Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, Hunter Harvey, and the re-signing of Caleb Thielbar) and the addition of depth piece first baseman Tyler Austin and utility man Scott Kingery.

What still needs to be done

More News: Chicago Cubs gut punch: Insider casts doubt on Cubs pursuit of Alex Bregman

Still on their “to do” list?

Chicago needs a durable high-end starting pitcher to bolster a rotation that has durability question marks running all through it.

They also need an offensive presence to help make up for the almost guaranteed loss of outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker.

At the moment, it’s not looking all that likely that the Cubs will step outside their budgetary comfort zone to pick up the impact talent they need. They’ve already come up short when it comes to reported pitching targets Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Japanese import Tatsuya Imai. Their chances of landing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, meanwhile, seem to grow smaller and smaller by the day as more aggressive teams are reported to be bypassing the Cubs as favorites to sign the three-time All-Star.

That’s why when/if the team pivots to a significantly less sexy option to fill at least one of their roster needs, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

The unglamorous fallback

Nick Martinez may end up being that pivot.

The 35-year-old righty is pure mid-tier pickup in this free agent class, a full step-and-a-half below guys like Cease, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen. He does, however, satisfy a team need as well as satisfy ownership’s desire to keep the payroll well below the luxury tax threshold while leaving money to spend on in-season acquisitions.

Martinez has been a workhorse the last couple seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, logging 308 innings over 82 games in 2024 and 2025, while showcasing his chops as both a starter and reliever.

Since coming back from a four-year stint in Japan (2018-2021) and pitching two seasons apiece with both the Reds and San Diego Padres, the veteran has earned a reputation as a versatile and hard-working swingman.

After a career-best 2024 where he registered a 3.10 ERA in 42 appearances, Martinez gambled on 2025 by taking the Reds’ qualifying offer and hoping to hit the 2026 free agency market red-hot after a second consecutive stellar season. The gamble didn’t exactly pay off, though, as he had his worst year since returning from Japan.

Last season, he went 11-14 with a 4.45 ERA while allowing more hard contact than in previous seasons and a significantly reduced ground ball rate (around 38%) than the plus-50% rate previously registered. The 1.88 ERA in his last ten regular season appearances (all relief), though, helped rehab some of his lost shine.

The value in Nick Martinez

The Cubs would find value in Martinez’s ability to move from the rotation to the bullpen and perform solidly in both spots. And, let’s not kid ourselves, they’ll also find value in the kind of contract involved in getting him.

Current contract projections have him signing for either two-years at about $24 million or for one-year at about $14-$16 million.

The Cubs’ rotation currently consists of Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and either Colin Rea or Javier Assad as a fill-in in until Justin Steele’s mid-season return from elbow surgery. Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks also lurk on the fringes, vying for a rotation spot. There will be the temptation, internally, to say that things will be just fine with some firm reinforcement rather than a costly and risky big-ticket acquisition.

Martinez definitely fits the bill in that regard.

He’ll be someone who embraces the swingman role and, like Rea last season, can plug holes in both the bullpen and the starting rotation. He’ll also bring added flexibility to the pitching staff, something which both manager Craig Counsell and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer value greatly. A short-term deal, also like Rea, will be appealing to the team as an ugly labor dispute looms at the end of the 2026 season and uncertainty swirls about.

Again, this won’t be the sexiest offseason acquisition for the Cubs and, as a last “big” move, it will be seen as downright disappointing. But it’s totally in keeping with who the Cubs are and what they might decide to settle on for the coming season.

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Recently, the Chicago Cubs were floated as a potential destination for Cody Bellinger, who spent two seasons with the Cubs in 2023 and 2024 and largely rebuilt his value after a rough few years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Now, Bellinger is a free agent after a strong 2025 campaign with the New York Yankees, and due to his versatility, he is one of the top players available on the market.

But do the Cubs actually have a legitimate chance of reuniting with Bellinger? Or is Chicago apparently checking in with Bellinger nothing more than a formality?

Well, based on the fact that the Cubs don’t really spend money these days, probably. Yes, Chicago has been linked to Alex Bregman this winter, as well, but I tend to buy the Cubbies’ interest in Bregman more because the need they have for a bat at third base.

Does Bellinger really fill a distinct need for Chicago? Unless the Cubs absolutely do not want Seiya Suzuki playing the outfield, then no, so I find it hard to believe that Jed Hoyer would spend whatever is left of the budget Tom Ricketts provided him on Bellinger.

Not only that, but the Cubs’ Bellinger connection has already received some bad news.

The Chicago Cubs probably aren’t landing Cody Bellinger

The Yankees have widely been viewed as the favorites to re-sign Bellinger, and they recently made him a second offer.

Not only that, but New York has also engaged the Miami Marlins in trade talks for pitcher Edward Cabrera, a deal in which the Yankees could ultimately send Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones to the Marlins. Would New York really jettison Dominguez or Jones if it didn’t expect Bellinger to return in left field next season?

Bellinger seemed to love his time in the Bronx, and it’s important to remember that he spent time in the Yankees dugout as a kid when his father, Clay Bellinger, played for New York in the late ’90s or early 2000s.

There appears to be strong mutual interest in a reunion between Bellinger and the Yanks, so where do the Cubs fit in here?

Is it possible Chicago is just being used as leverage? Or maybe the Cubs just placed a call to the former NL MVP to gauge his price?

More than likely, Bellinger will not be returning to the Windy City.

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The Chicago Cubs have done a whole lot of nothing this MLB offseason when it comes to making impactful moves, and while we have heard them connected to some big names, nothing appears to be in the process of happening.

But will the Cubs continue to remain dormant throughout the winter?

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic feels it’s a possibility, noting that while they may end up on the right side of the Tatsuya Imai decision, he doesn’t anticipate that they will make any other significant additions to compensate for whiffing on the Japanese star.

“The industry-wide skepticism of Imai might very well be warranted. The Cubs, though, still need a starting pitcher (Zac Gallen?). And a top-flight bat to replace [Kyle] Tucker ([Alex] Bregman?). Based on their recent history, it’s probably best to bet the under,” Rosenthal wrote.

So, essentially, Chicago will continue sitting on its hands for the remainder of the season.

The Cubs won 92 games and made it to the NLDS this past year, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Brewers in five games. Their roster had the framework of a World Series contender, so you would think the front office would make more of an effort, right?

Chicago Cubs fans may end up very unhappy this winter

For an organization that plays in such a large city and clearly has money to spend, it certainly does not operate like a big-market franchise.

Heck, even the Pittsburgh Pirates have been more aggressive than Chicago this winter, which tells you everything you need to know about the state of the Cubs with Tom Ricketts at the helm.

There is only so much Chicago fans can blame president Jed Hoyer if Ricketts does not provide him with much of a budget. After all, Hoyer did swing a blockbuster trade for Kyle Tucker last offseason, but based on Ricketts’ tight spending, it doesn’t look like the Cubs stand a chance of bringing him back in free agency.

Chicago did finally break its curse with a World Series title in 2016, so that takes some of the sting out of this, but you also get the feeling that the Cubs are wasting a brilliant opportunity to actually give the Los Angeles Dodgers a run for their money here.

The Cubbies have a strong roster and a farm system teeming with top position players. Why not go out and make a couple of more moves to put yourself over the top?

It’s looking like another frigid winter in the Windy City.

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

But could that be changing?

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

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

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

Edward Cabrera would be a major risk for the Chicago Cubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Chicago Cubs have not exactly lit the baseball world on fire this offseason. With glaring roster needs facing them ahead of the 2026 season, the team’s movement has been characteristically slow, steady, and conservative.

More News: Chicago Cubs gut punch: Insider casts doubt on Cubs pursuit of Alex Bregman

So far, Cubs president Jed Hoyer and his front office have primarily focused on the bullpen, which was down to precisely two 2025 holdovers– Daniel Palencia and Ben Brown. Free agent signings of Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey were mostly well-received, as was the re-signing of Caleb Thielbar.

There was no way around the add-ons. They, literally, had six bullpen slots to fill and not that much time in which to fill them.

The Cubs’ other needs, however, are not as immediately pressing, but it could be argued that they are more important in the big picture.

Chicago Cubs needs unfulfilled

More News: Chicago Cubs again linked to potential $160 million ground ball specialist

Chicago needs another high-end starting pitcher, preferably of the front-of-rotation variety. Their current rotation is solid, but there are a lot of durability concerns in play when three starters (Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Cade Horton) spent significant time on the IL last season and another (Matthew Boyd) has a significant history of injury. There’s also ace Justin Steele, who will be returning from April elbow surgery at some point in the season. There’s just not a lot of security with this staff, especially when the goal is a deep playoff run.

The Cubs also need to make up for the offensive contribution lost as free agent right fielder Kyle Tucker moves on to another city.

When Tucker was in the lineup and healthy, the Cubs offense was dominant. When he was hobbled by injury or altogether absent, the offense tanked. It remains to be seen whether rookie outfielder Owen Caissie or rookie DH Moises Ballesteros can fill that gaping hole in the lineup.

As of right now, the team has addressed neither the starting pitching need nor the Tucker replacement.

Missing their marks

When it comes to starters that piqued their interest, they are currently 0-3. They were outbid by the Toronto Blue Jays for Dylan Cease. They whiffed on Michael King. They let Tatsuya Imai slip away.

On the offensive side of things, hopes of signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman seem to be fading as more aggressive bidders emerge. On Saturday, free agent Japanese import third baseman Kazuma Okamoto came off the board as the Blue Jays gobbled up another available talent.

Potentially losing out on Bregman, especially, would be a setback. It would kind of put the kibosh on the team’s theoretical possible big-picture plan of swapping Tucker’s bat for Bregman’s and freeing up current third baseman Matt Shaw to be traded for a starter.

But, despite the doom and gloom circling Cubs fandom right now, there’s no need to worry about the North Siders failing the offseason just yet. As a matter of fact, they may have dodged some bullets by taking so many “L’s” this offseason.

Winning by losing

The 7-year contract Cease got could be seen as an agreement to throw away at least two or three full years as the hard-throwing 30-year-old righty moves well past his prime and his arm loses some of its potency. It’s already been widely noted that when Cease can’t fireball, he struggles.

King struggled through injury last season and, really, only has two years as a full-time starter. Imai, meanwhile, has never pitched in the majors before and many have legitimate doubts about his durability and long-term MLB viability.

Okamoto is an unknown entity and, realistically, even in a best-case scenario, not that much of an upgrade over Shaw at third– plus he’d cost about $14 million more than the sophomore Shaw.

So, it could be said that the Cubs may have actually won by losing these reported targets.

The big, important free agents are still out there. Bregman is still on the market. Pitchers Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen are still there as well. Any of the above would be game-changing, roster-fortifying additions. Even Tucker is still there for the taking. There’s also the possibility of swinging a big trade for a front-of-rotation starter.

If the Cubs get none of the above, though, and spend the rest of the offseason bargain hunting, there should be a righteous uproar from Cubs fandom.

This team is very close to contending for a championship and they have the payroll flexibility to get whoever they want. If they don’t make a major move, it means they made a conscious decision to not pay the price for next level success.

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The Chicago Cubs are said to be on the hunt for starting pitching, but you would never know it from their lack of activity on the market.

Perhaps the Cubs aren’t supremely interested in any of the free-agent hurlers available, which could indicate that a trade may be on the horizon.

There are a handful of arms rumored to be on the block this winter, and while Milwaukee Brewers star Freddy Peralta would almost certainly be off limits to Chicago, there are some pivots the Cubs can make.

One potential option is Washington Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, who is said to be available with two years of club control remaining.

In fact, Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib has proposed a trade in which the Cubs would land Gore for three players, two of which are top five prospects in Chicago’s system.

Would the Chicago Cubs trade this much for MacKenzie Gore?

Misener’s proposal has the Cubs sending pitcher Ben Brown, catcher Moises Ballesteros and outfielder Kevin Alcantara to the Nationals in exchange for Gore, who made his first All-Star appearance this past season.

But would Chicago really surrender that much talent for a mostly unproven pitcher?

While Gore did make it to the Midsummer Classic in 2025, he logged a 4.17 ERA and 1.353 WHIP. Yes, he averaged a robust 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings, but his control issues (3.6 BB/9) were a bit problematic, especially down the stretch when the 26-year-old posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.703 WHIP over his final 11 starts.

Ballesteros — who looked impressive in 20 games with the Cubs’ big-league squad this past year — is the second-ranked prospect in Chicago’s system. Alcantara, meanwhile, is No. 5.

That is an awful lot to give up for a pitcher with a lifetime 4.19 ERA and 1.401 WHIP over four major-league campaigns.

The Cubs definitely need a pitcher. That much is true, and Gore would be an intriguing target based on his potential. But perhaps Chicago would be able to pry the left-hander away from Washington without having to cough up a pair of its top five young talents?

Unfortunately for the Cubs, Gore is one of the best options available. The Nationals know this, so they have leverage here.

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It feels like the Chicago Cubs and Zac Gallen have been connected ever since the offseason began for the Northsiders. There was the ‘report’ by Bob Nightengale that the two sides are close to an agreement before being quickly corrected.

Since then, Gallen has yet to sign and the Cubs missed out on Tatsuya Imai who went to the Houston Astros. So now, it’s time for the Cubs to pivot and Gallen appears to still be an option.

Will the Cubs look at Zac Gallen?

After failing to sign Imai, the Cubs and Gallen are once again being connected. This week, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand suggested the Cubs look at Gallen. And now, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic is also bringing up Gallen and the Cubs once again.

As the Cubs pivot, they can continue their dialogue with Imai’s agent, Scott Boras, who also represents Zac Gallen, a free agent who has been repeatedly linked to Chicago this offseason.

Although Gallen is coming off a down year (13-15, 4.83 ERA), he factored into the National League Cy Young Award voting in 2020, 2022 and 2023, when he helped lead the Arizona Diamondbacks into the World Series. Gallen’s durability — he averaged 30 starts a year over the past five seasons — is also appealing.

Gallen has had a down year as Mooney wrote. He had a sub-3 ERA back in 2022 and then followed it up with seasons of 3.47 ERA and 3.65 ERA. He’s been a staple in the Diamondbacks’ rotation for the past few years and was a big reason why they made a World Series run a few years back.

The idea of adding Gallen isn’t a bad one for the Cubs who need help in the rotation. But does it solve a big problem for the long term? Probably not.

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The Chicago Cubs, last offseason, came in as late bidders for free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. At the time, it was widely reported that they were one of the favorites to land the former Houston Astro. Actually, everyone was led to believe that they had a pretty good chance to be the All-Star’s new team.

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When the dust settled, though, not only did Bregman sign with the Boston Red Sox, but it was later revealed that the Cubs weren’t finalists for his services at all.

The Cubs’ reported offer of four years for $115 million, with opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, fell short of the Red Sox winning bid of $120 million for three years, with opt-outs after 2025 and 2026. It also fell short of the deals reportedly offered by the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros.

Fans walked away from the 2025 Bregman chase with the feeling that, maybe, Chicago wasn’t chasing as aggressively as they had been led to believe.

Fast forward to 2026. Could everyone be in for the same kind of letdown and disillusionment?

Cubs fans headed for another Bregman letdown?

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With Bregman having exercised his opt-out clause with the Red Sox and once again peddling himself on the free agency market, reports have been hot and heavy regarding the Cubs and their pursuit of him. They’ve also, again, been named as favorites to sign him.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, however, recently let loose a tidbit of information that should get Cubs fans feeling like they’ve just taken a gut punch.

According to Feinsand’s sources, the Cubs may be in the mix of interested teams, but they’re not the hungriest to acquire him:

“Sources believe the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks may be the two most aggressive clubs in the hunt for Bregman, though a Red Sox reunion remains a possibility.”

The Red Sox, meanwhile, have said that the re-signing of Bregman is a “plan A,” according to sources talking to MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo.

Reality check

Realistically, how far did anyone think this Bregman pursuit would go, anyway? The frugal Cubs ownership sees that they have a fine everyday third baseman in Matt Shaw on the roster right now making near league minimum.

The problem is that “fine” is not going to cut it if the goal is to field a better team in 2026.

Kyle Tucker will be gone and his absence from the lineup will be felt. It’s no coincidence that the Cubs’ prodigious 2025 offense cooled down considerably in the second half of the season as Tucker struggled with injury-related inconsistency. Tucker’s right field replacement, rookie Owen Caissie, is by no means a guaranteed hit.

Shaw was surprisingly good defensively at the hot corner, but came up short with the bat. The rookie was only able to reach his .226 batting average because of an August were he approached being a league-average hitter. Take away that month, and his average goes down to .223. Plus, there was the 2-for-17 postseason run that accentuated doubts and question marks about Shaw.

As things stand now, there is no backup to Shaw on the Cubs roster.

Then, moving away from the offense, there’s the fact that the Cubs have so far come up short in their pursuit of a high-end starting pitcher, losing bids for Dylan Cease and Japanese import Tatsuya Imai while seemingly keeping away from the rest of the deep end of the free agent talent pool.

No plan going forward?

Bringing Bregman aboard made infinite sense as Shaw could’ve then been packaged to a team okay with waiting on his progress in a deal for a quality starting pitcher. Or Shaw could’ve been kept as a utility man and as insurance for the possible loss of a free agent Nico Hoerner after next season.

Right now it looks like the Cubs may be facing the worst of both worlds– No Bregman and not enough trade capital to pull off a big trade for pitching.

As is always the case, though, time will tell what’s in store for the rest of the offseason.

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The Chicago Cubs still need to add another pitcher this offseason, and after whiffing on Tatsuya Imai, their options are now even slimmer.

Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez and Zac Gallen are the top pitchers remaining in free agency, and while Gallen seems like a prime bounce-back candidate, none of the options are overly appealing due to the price point.

Of course, the Cubs could always explore the trade market, as they are armed with a bevy of top position players in their farm system that they could swap out for an extra arm. There may also be some rather intriguing pitchers available via trade.

But Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib offered up a suggestion that doesn’t make a ton of sense: Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez.

Could the Chicago Cubs swing a trade for Pablo Lopez?

Let me preface this by saying that Lopez is definitely a good pitcher. Since entering the big leagues with the Miami Marlins in 2018, he owns a lifetime 3.81 ERA, 3.61 FIP and 1.175 WHIP. He has also averaged a very solid 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

But Lopez isn’t exactly the frontline ace the Cubs need, and he may also be a bit too expensive for their taste.

Lopez has two years remaining on the four-year, $73.5 million extension he signed with the Twins and is slated to earn $21.75 million in both 2026 and 2027. Considering Chicago wouldn’t surpass the Houston Astros’ three-year, $63 million offer for Imai, it seems hard to imagine he Cubs would feel comfortable paying Lopez even more while also surrendering some top trade chips in the process.

Additionally, Lopez — who has historically been very durable — dealt with a couple of concerning injuries last season, suffering shoulder strain in June and then sustaining a forearm strain upon returning in September. He logged an impressive 2.74 ERA across 14 starts, but there is no doubt that the health issues are a bit worrisome.

Given how conservative Chicago’s front office has been in recent years, Lopez does not seem like the type of player it would target, even if the 29-year-old would absolutely help its rotation.

Now, Joe Ryan would be another story, but Minnesota does not appear open to moving him.

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The Chicago Cubs have not done anything of real significance this offseason, and they just missed out on Tatsuya Imai. However, with the free-agent market potentially starting to move, the Cubs might get active here in the coming days.

We have heard the Cubs connected to shortstop Bo Bichette in free agency, but in order for them to add him, they would probably have to trade second baseman Nico Hoerner. They could then slide Bichette over to second base and keep Dansby Swanson at shortstop.

Whether or not that would actually represent an upgrade for Chicago is debatable. Hoerner is far superior to Bichette defensively, and while Bichette definitely possesses the better bat, it’s not like Hoerner is a complete slouch at the plate.

But in the midst of the Bichette rumors, Hoerner trade speculation has grown, and Jackson Roberts of On SI has pitched an idea in which the Cubs would send Hoerner to the Boston Red Sox.

Could the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox strike a deal?

If the Cubs do decide to move Hoerner, there would certainly be no shortage of potential suitors for the 28-year-old, but would the Red Sox make sense?

Roberts thinks so.

“Another team that hasn’t had a good second baseman in far too long, dating back to the pre-injury days of Dustin Pedroia,” Roberts wrote. “Boston is the other main team that has been active in the markets for [Brendan] Donovan and [Ketel] Marte, so it wouldn’t shock anyone if they were in on Hoerner.”

The Red Sox used Romy Gonzalez and former top prospect Kristian Campbell at second base in 2025, but based on their decision to pursue both Donovan and Marte, it appears that they are seeking more stability at the position.

Hoerner slashed .297/.345/.394 with seven home runs, 29 doubles and 61 RBI over 649 plate appearances this past season. He also stole 29 bases.

You would figure that Hoerner would largely benefit from the Green Monster in left field at Fenway Park, so he could become a doubles machine in Boston.

Of course, whether or not Chicago would actually move Hoerner is another story entirely. He has just one year of club control remaining, but he has been a lynchpin for the Cubs for years running. Trading him at this point would probably be a mistake unless the Cubbies can reap a massive haul in return.

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The Chicago Cubs swung and missed in their bid to land Japanese pitching import Tatsuya Imai, but that doesn’t necessarily mean doom and gloom when it comes to the team adding a high-end starting pitcher to a vulnerable rotation.

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Even with the NPB star joining Dylan Cease and Michael King as top starters removed from the 2026 free agent market, there are still some high-quality arms on the “unsigned” list such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen. The Cubs, to varying degrees, have been linked to all three.

The Cubs are “in” on Ranger Suarez

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Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reaffirmed what he has been saying throughout the offseason. The Cubs are “in” on Suarez, although they do have competition.

Per Heyman:

“The Orioles, Giants, Mets, and Cubs are among teams linked to Suarez. He has elite command – he was judged having the best command in MLB and above average location with six different pitches – but he hasn’t logged the enormous number of innings of Valdez. Of course, lower ‘mileage’ could also be perceived positively.”

The positives

The 30-year-old Suarez is most definitely the kind of pitcher that Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer seems to love.

He’s serious, professional, has good control, a good command of his pitch arsenal, and induces weak contact. He’s not the kind of flame-throwing strikeout artist the team was said to be targeting, but his skill set and mind set make him a more dependable selection if Chicago were to entertain a longer-term contract. His career ground ball rate of 52% (with extended stretches where that rate hovers near 60%) would also mesh nicely with the Cubs’ elite infield defense. Last season, he went 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA over 26 starts with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The southpaw Suarez is also an ace in postseason play, something which would be of benefit to a Cubs team aiming for a deeper postseason run this coming season.

Also, per Heyman:

“His postseason excellence should make him a prime target (his 1.48 postseason ERA is third-best this century, after Mariano Rivera (0.86) and Stephen Strasburg (1.46)).

The realities

The perceived sticking point, as always seems to be the case when it comes to Cubs free agent targets, is price and length of contract.

Contract projections have Suarez headed for a 4-6 year contract at $110-$160 million, something which is well beyond what the Cubs have been willing to pay for pitching. The last time the Cubs invested in a nine-digit contract for a pitcher was back in 2018 with Yu Darvish, but they would end up trading him away just two years into that six-year deal.

One compelling factor that could push the Cubs to spend beyond their comfort zone is that they find themselves with their backs against the wall. With so much of their veteran talent headed into free agency at the end of the coming season (Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Carson Kelly, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, etc.), there should be an urgency to not only win now, but to also build a solid foundation for 2027 and beyond.

Suarez, perhaps above all remaining free agent starters, possesses the steadiness and consistency to be a long-term asset. He also has the skill set that may allow him to be an effective pitcher up through the final years of his contract as he works past his physical prime.

He’s not as eye-catching of an addition as Cease or Imai would’ve been, but he does fit into what the Cubs generally value in their pitchers.

Contractually, Suarez is also a more reasonable purchase than the Cubs’ other reported pitching targets this offseason. Dylan Cease’s seven-year, $210 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, packed with deferred money, was too rich for Chicago’s tastes. The Tatsuya Imai deal, which guaranteed a base of $54 million over three years that could top off at $63 million after incentives, seemed too risky considering the Japanese star would have the ability to opt out after each season (Worst case scenario would have the Cubs paying $30 million– after posting fee– for just one year of Imai). Framber Valdez, meanwhile, is projected to land a 5-7 year deal worth anywhere from $160 to $210 million.

Suarez would seem like a reasonable compromise if the goal is adding a legit front-of-rotation starter. But, of course, it’s the Cubs’ money to spend and there’s just no guarantee that they’re open to investing in Suarez.

In the coming days, the free agent pitching market should become much clearer and it’ll be revealed whether the Cubs were serious buyers or simply window shoppers.

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The Chicago Cubs missed out on Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who decided to sign a relatively cheap three-year, $63 million contract with the Houston Astros, a deal that contains opt outs after each of the first two years.

The fact that the Cubs couldn’t surpass that offer is beyond concerning, because it doesn’t exactly bode well for the remainder of their offseason.

Clearly, Chicago is still hesitant to spend money. The Cubs have not done anything of significance this offseason, and while it’s easy to blame president Jed Hoyer, the finger should truly be pointed at owner Tom Ricketts, who isn’t giving Hoyer the budget he needs to build a World Series contender.

The problem is that Chicago is teetering on the brink of disaster if it doesn’t add another starting pitcher this offseason.

The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitching depth is scary

The Cubs have a lot of good pitchers in their starting rotation. When healthy, Justin Steele is a stud. Shota Imanaga was brilliant in 2024. Matthew Boyd was a pleasant surprise this past season, Cade Horton had a terrific rookie showing and Jameson Taillon — like Steele, when healthy — was reliable.

But as Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation points out, Chicago is facing a potential mass exodus of starting pitchers after 2026, and there are no easy solutions in sight.

“Consider, too, the contract situations of the guys currently in the big league rotation,” Taylor wrote. “Justin Steele has two years of arbitration left. Shota Imanaga is a free agent after this season. Jameson Taillon is a free agent after this season. Matthew Boyd is a free agent after this season. Now combine those two things: virtually no obvious near-term front-half starting pitcher types percolating up over the next year (outside of, hopefully, Jaxon Wiggins), and virtually all of the big league rotation set for free agency over the next year or two.”

Outside of Wiggins and maybe Brandon Birdsell, the Cubs’ farm system is largely bereft of pitching talent. So if Chicago is unable to land any other arms this winter, it is setting itself up for catastrophe if there are injuries to the starting rotation in 2026. And what about the years beyond that?

The Chicago Cubs must answer after losing out on Tatsuya Imai

Losing out on Imai wouldn’t be such a huge deal if there were actually other enticing options on the free-agent market, but the fact is there really are none.

Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez are names, sure, but Valdez is 32 years old and had a 3.66 ERA last season. Suarez, meanwhile, has a checkered injury history and is really more of a good No. 2 (or very high-end No. 3) than an ace. The issue is he might get paid like one.

So then what?

Well, the Cubs can explore the trade market, where pitchers like Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, MacKenzie Gore and even Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan (unlikely, but possible) could be available. Yes, there is plenty of risk with most of those guys, too, but at least Cabrera, Gore and Ryan are cheap in terms of money. They would cost a ton of prospects in a trade, though.

Maybe Chicago could sign Zac Gallen, who should come cheaper than Valdez and Suarez and seems like a good candidate for a bounce back in the spring. But again, cost could become a sticking point there for the Cubbies.

I’m sure the Cubs realize the danger in which they currently find themselves, but they need to hedge their bets by actually finding a solution.

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The Chicago Cubs missed out on Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, as the 27-year-old signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Houston Astros on New Year’s Day.

So what’s next?

The Cubs could still afford to add a frontline starter to a deep rotation in need of a true ace, but the problem is that the free-agent market for starting pitchers is rather thin. Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez will probably be too expensive for what they provide, and once you get past those two, there is a significant dropoff.

Or is there?

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has identified the next potential move for Chicago after failing to land Imai, and it’s for a pitcher with a pretty fine pedigree: Zac Gallen.

“Zac Gallen might be a better fit if the Cubs are intent on adding to the rotation, while Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt and Zack Littell also remain available in free agency,” Feinsand wrote.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projected Gallen to land a four-year, $76 million contract in his free-agent predictions earlier this offseason.

Is Zac Gallen worth the risk for the Chicago Cubs?

At his peak, Gallen has been one of the best pitchers in baseball.

The right-hander finished fifth in NL Cy Young award voting in 2022 after logging a 2.54 ERA while allowing just 121 hits and registering 192 strikeouts over 184 innings of work, pacing the National League with a sparkling 0.913 WHIP.

Gallen then placed third in Cy Young voting the following year after pitching to the tune of a 3.47 ERA, racking up 220 punchouts across 210 frames.

The problem is that the last couple of seasons, the 30-year-old has exhibited significant signs of decline, particularly in 2025 when he posted an alarming 4.83 ERA to go along with a 1.260 WHIP.

While Gallen’s velocity is still there, he has suddenly begun experiencing control issues, as evidenced by the fact that his K/BB ratio dipped to 2.65 this past season.

It’s not like Gallen is ancient, though. He doesn’t turn 31 until August, and his stuff hasn’t demonstrated any type of major dropoff. So perhaps whatever has been ailing Gallen since the last two years (more specifically in 2025) is fixable.

The Cubs already have a fine rotation headlined by Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, but they are in need of a true ace. Does Gallen still represent that at this point of his career? Unless Chicago wants to pursue a trade for a starter, it may not have much of a choice.

And if Gallen is really only going to be landing $19 million annually in free agency, he may be worth the plunge, and he may not even get that much based on the deal Imai just received.

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So apparently, the Chicago Cubs are interested in free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, one of the top bats available on the market as we head into the new year.

Bichette’s offense is unquestioned. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI over 628 plate appearances this past season and owns a lifetime .806 OPS. In fact, aside from the complete anomaly that was Bichette’s 2024 campaign, he has posted an OPS well north of .800 each year since entering the big leagues in 2019.

And yet, it would be a major mistake for the Cubs to sign him.

Why? Because while Bichette is one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball, he is also one of the league’s worst defenders. He is also slated to earn in the neighborhood of $200 million on his upcoming contract, which is a heck of a lot to pay for such a bad defensive player. And for as good as he is at the plate, it’s not like he’s Shohei Ohtani.

The Chicago Cubs should avoid Bo Bichette

Chicago already boasts one of the best middle infields in baseball with Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson. Hoerner has heard his name floated in trade speculation throughout the winter, so you figure that if the Cubs do make a serious push for Bichette, Hoerner would then be on the chopping block.

Bichette would then shift to second base, and while that is an easier position than shortstop, it’s hard to imagine that Bichette would suddenly become a good — or even adequate — defender.

This is not one of Chicago’s biggest needs. Yes, the Cubs need another bat, especially after likely losing Kyle Tucker, but Hoerner himself hit .297 with a .345 OBP in 2025. He doesn’t possess the pop of Bichette, but he is no slouch at the dish.

The Cubs could stand to upgrade at third base, which is why Alex Bregman has been a potential candidate for them all offseason. And with Tucker probably walking, bringing in an outfielder would be nice, as well.

But acquiring Bichette? It just feels like a relatively lateral move for Chicago considering it would come at the expense of Hoerner.

Unless the Cubs are getting Ketel Marte, there is absolutely no need to move on from Hoerner … especially when you are losing that much defense in the process.

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The Chicago Cubs have been swimming in the deep end in terms of premier free agents, but have yet to sign a massive name. They have been rumored to be in contact with a handful of them, but none have officially signed a contract to join the Cubs for the 2026 season. However, one name they have reached out to seems to be a little unexpected. Let’s take a closer look at who this free agent is and what that would mean for Chicago if they were to sign him.

The Chicago Cubs have checked in on Bo Bichette

MLB’s Jon Heyman is reporting that the Cubs have checked in on free agent shortstop Bo Bichette. This is something that would raise a few eyebrows, as they have a middle infield that is expected to be one of the better duos in the league with second baseman Nico Hoerner and shortstop Dansby Swanson. Bichette is a two-time All-Star and finished 16th in the 2025 American League MVP voting with a .840 OPS with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, and 78 runs scored over 139 games.

Bichette is primarily a shortstop, but he did play second base after returning from his injury in the postseason. He would also mention that he is open to playing at second base in a large role going forward ahead of free agency. This opens him to a lot more teams, so this would be intriguing. Does Chicago showing some interest in Bichette mean there is a Hoerner trade coming on the horizon? It will be intriguing to see exactly how much interest there is on both sides of a deal.

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