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      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs have their closer back.

      Right-hander Daniel Palencia was activated from the 15-day injured list Sunday, with right-handed reliever Yacksel Rios being designated for assignment. Palencia had been out since April 17 with a strained left lat.

      The Cubs' pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, but the team has still put together the best record in the NL Central at this early stage of the season at 21-12 entering Sunday's action. The Cubs still have nine pitchers on the injured list.

      Today’s roster updates presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) May 3, 2026 at 8:20 AM

      Palencia's return fortifies the bullpen. He had yet to allow a run in five appearances when he went down, walking two and striking out five in five innings.

      Rios was called up a week ago Sunday and made just one appearance, going 1⅔ scoreless innings that day against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out two.

       

      Matthew Lenz

      Following the acquisition of superstar third baseman Alex Bregman, rumors have been swirling about the Chicago Cubs and two of their utility infielders regarding their roles with the team. While it seems unlikely that Nico Horner ends up being traded, Matt Shaw seems like a more likely candidate. Or, maybe they'll just turn him into a super utility…

      John Antonoff shared a video via his X account of Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw taking reps in the outfield. However, how deep we can look at that remains to be unclear.

      On one hand, they could be getting shot reps so that he can play either corner outfield spot when Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki needs a rest. While both players are strong, offensively, they are both average, two slightly below average, defenders at their respective positions. Shaw's experience in the outfield is extremely limited, while he doesn't have any professional experience, he did appear and left and right field a total of 40 times as an amateur. Depending on how quickly he can pick up outfield defense, he may not be much of a downgrade when half or Suzuki need a day off.

      On the other hand, the Cubs could be using this time as an opportunity for teams to see that Shaw in the outfield is within the realm of possibility. 

      Do you think the Cubs end up hanging onto Shaw? Let us know in the comments!

      Andrew Wright

      The National League Gold Glove finalists have been announced and unsurprisingly, the Chicago Cubs lead the pack with six finalists. On the surprising side, Dansby Swanson is not one of those six.

      • Nico Hoerner, 2B
      • Matt Shaw, 3B
      • Ian Happ, LF
      • Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
      • Carson Kelly, C
      • Matthew Boyd, SP

      Hoerner will be looking for his second Gold Glove Award in the last three seasons. He led second basemen in nearly every single defensive category, and he is the resounding favorite to win the hardware.

      Happ has won the award each of the previous three seasons and that is unlikely to change again this season. Happ would become the first Cubs left fielder to ever win four straight Gold Glove Awards at the position.

      The remainder of the group will all be looking for their first ever Gold Glove. We all know the defensive brilliance shown from Shaw and Crow-Armstrong this season. Kelly was excellent behind the plate this season and Boyd leading MLB in pickoffs certainly put him in position to win the award for the first time in his career.

      As things stand, Hoerner, Happ, Crow-Armstrong, and potentially Boyd appear to be favorites at their respective positions. Patrick Bailey (catcher) and Ke'Bryan Hayes (3B) will make it virtually impossible for Kelly and Shaw to win, however.

      The winners at each position will be announced Sunday, Nov. 2 on ESPN.

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs have recalled Nate Pearson from Triple-A Iowa. The right-handed reliever will likely cover low- to medium-leverage situations out of the Cubs' bullpen.

      This is Pearson's second stint with the big-league club. After producing a 10.38 ERA in his first eight appearances, he was optioned to Iowa in mid-April.

      In 24 1/3 innings for the Iowa Cubs, Pearson carried an impressive 2.22 ERA, 3.94 FIP, though with an extremely high walk rate. Control was something he has always struggled with and has been the reason he hasn't been able to reach his ceiling as an effective high-leverage reliever.

      Do you think the Cubs should address the bullpen at the trade deadline?

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs have optioned starting pitcher Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa to make room for reliever Porter Hodge who is returning from an oblique injury.

      Brown, 26, has struggled this season churning out a 6.13 ERA, 4.08 FIP, albeit with a decent 17.8% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate. After a solid start to the season, he seems to benefit from a bit of a reset with the Iowa Cubs. The move paves the way for the anticipated return of Shota Imanaga on Thursday.

      Hodge, 24, has also struggled with the big-league club with a 5.12 ERA, 4.16 FIP, and a lowly 9.5% K-BB rate due to control issues. He will likely slot in as a low- to medium- leverage option out of the Cubs' bullpen.

      Brandon Glick

      The Padres are in town, and the Cubs are looking to get their first playoff win at Wrigley Field since 2017.

      The team has officially released its playoff roster, and there's not a ton of surprises, save for the presence of rookies Kevin Alcantara and Moises Ballesteros.

      Catchers (2): Carson Kelly, Reese McGuire

      First base (1): Michael Busch

      Second base (1): Nico Hoerner

      Shortstop (1): Dansby Swanson

      Third base (1): Matt Shaw

      Designated hitter (1): Moisés Ballesteros

      Outfielders (5): Kevin Alcántara, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker

      Utility (2): Willi Castro, Justin Turner

      Starters (3): Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon

      Relievers (9): Aaron Civale, Brad Keller, Andrew Kittredge, Daniel Palencia, Drew Pomeranz, Colin Rea, Taylor Rogers, Michael Soroka, Caleb Thielbar

      Ballesteros should get some playing time against right-handers, though don't expect Alcantara to do much other than potentially sub in as a defensive replacement late in games.

      What do you think of the Cubs' playoff roster? Are you surprised by any decisions made by Craig Counsell and the front office?

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs have not stood Pat since acquiring Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and signing superstar third baseman Alex Bregman. While they haven't made significant moves, they have made a trio of moves that will improve the team's depth.

      First, they signed reliever Corbin Martin to a minor league deal, which we covered here. Then Ari Alexander of 7News Boston reported that they were doing the same with reliever Tyler Beede. That was capped off by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reporting that they claimed outfielder Justin Dean off of waivers from the San Francisco Giants. Neither of the latter two players made an impact at the MLB level in 2025.

      Beede is the bigger dart throw. Though he spent part of the season in the Minnesota Twins organization's Triple-A affiliate, Saint Paul, he also spent time in the Independent and Mexican baseball leagues. With the Twins, he made seven appearances (1 start) with an 8.00 ERA, slightly better than his 13 games pitched in 2024 for the Cleveland Guardians.

      Dean technically made it to the big leagues last year, playing in 18 games, though he was primarily used as a base-running specialist and defensive replacement, with just two plate appearances. In Triple-A Oklahoma City, he hit .289 with a .809 OPS, six home runs, 27 stolen bases, and a 110 wRC+ over 347 plate appearances. If he can hit well enough, he's a great 26th man off the bench in late-inning, high-leverage situations.

      Which of the three signings do you think has the best chance at making an impact in 2026? Let us know in the comments!

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The dynamic talent of Pete Crow-Armstrong is going back to the All-Star Game.

      The Chicago Cubs' center fielder was voted in as an NL reserve to the July 14 game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Crow-Armstrong also went last year.

      Crow-Armstrong is a highlight machine, whether it is with his range and glove covering gap to gap (with the occasional miscue) or his bat booming home runs. He has a slash line of .287/.374/.526 entering play Saturday with 19 home runs and 49 RBIs. He also has a 5.1 bWAR, which is the best in MLB and near the 5.9 he posted last year.

      The nine starters for each team were determined by two rounds of fan balloting, with Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement getting automatically selected to start by virtue of leading the first round in the NL and AL, respectively.

      The 23 reserves, which includes 12 pitchers as that position is not up for voting, are selected by player voting and the Commissioner's Office, which ensures that each team has a representative in the game.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Veteran right-hander Corbin Martin had his contract selected from Triple-A Iowa and will be in the Chicago Cubs' bullpen for Saturday's game against the New York Mets.

      Martin was called up after closer Daniel Palencia went on the 15-day injured list just before Friday's game with a strained left oblique. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed starter Cade Horton was transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL. Horton underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday and will be out the remainder of the season.

      The 30-year-old Martin had appeared in just two games for Iowa this year, allowing one run on one hit with two walks and three strikeouts in two innings. The Cubs will be the fourth MLB team for Martin, who made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Houston Astros. He also pitched in 2021-22 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in 2025 with the Baltimore Orioles. 

      He has appeared in 34 games, including 10 starts, across those four stops with a 6.95 FIP (5.79 ERA) with a 12.8% walk rate and 20.7 strikeout rate.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Chicago Cubs have decided that Moises Ballesteros needs a reset.

      The 22-year-old designated hitter was optioned Thursday to Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs. A move to fill Ballesteros' spot on the 26-man roster will need to be made before Friday's series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field.

      Ballesteros has a slash line of .231/.303/.385 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 59 games. Those numbers would be better had it not been for an awful month of May, where he slashed .102/.206/.153 with just six hits in 59 at-bats. His June has been better at .231/.286/.269, already matching his hit total for May in 26 at-bats.

      The left-handed hitter was thought to be an offensive star in the making after making his MLB debut last year and putting up a .298/.394/.474 slash line, hitting two homers and driving in 11 in 20 games. But that has not been the case and the Cubs, at 39-36 and 7½ games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, decided it was time for Ballesteros to restore some confidence in the minors.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Just when you think the Chicago Cubs' pitching staff is getting healthier, another injury strikes.

      Right-handed starter Jameson Taillon was put on the 15-day injured list Tuesday by the Cubs due to a strained left hamstring. In good news, utilityman Matt Shaw was activated from the 10-day IL after battling midback tightness. Right-handed reliever Ethan Roberts was recalled from Triple-A Iowa, while outfielder Kevin Alcantara was optioned to Triple-A.

      Taillon was injured in his start Sunday in a 2-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants in 10 innings. He threw a pitch for ball four to Matt Chapman in the second inning and immediately waved to the dugout for medical attention. The Cubs currently have seven pitchers in the IL, with five on the 60-day IL. One of those, left-hander Matthew Boyd, could be on the verge of returning to the rotation.

      Through 13 starts this season, Taillon had struggled his way to a 6.31 FIP (5.19 ERA) in 67⅔ innings. He has given up an MLB-worst 20 homers while posting an 8% walk rate and 20.6% strikeout rate.

      Shaw returns to the roster after being placed on the IL May 22. In 42 games before then, Shaw was slashing .242/.291/.400, hitting three homers and driving in 12 while bouncing around the diamond defensively.

      Roberts came off the 15-day IL himself May 8 following a right middle finger laceration that sidelined him for about three weeks. In 14 appearances and 18⅓ innings, Roberts has a 3.76 FIP (1.96 ERA), with a 9.7% walk rate and 19.4% strikeout rate.

      Alcantara produced a .111/.200/.111 slash line in just 12 games (10 plate appearances) since coming up May 23.

       

      Matthew Lenz

      Days after declining Shota Imanaga's option, opening a spot in the Chicago Cubs rotation, they have extended a different starter for one year with a team option in 2027.

      Steve Adams of MLBTR is reporting that the Chicago Cubs and Colin Rea have agreed to a one-year contract extension. Rea had a $6 million club option (with a $750K buyout) for 2026; however, this deal gives him a $500K raise next year, with a $6.5 million club option in 2027. A buyout, if that option is declined, was not reported.

      Rea, who spent the first month of the season as a swingman, was thrust into the rotation due to injuries. He handled the transition relatively well across 27 starts, posting a 4.29 FIP and 12.6% K-BB rate. The 35-year-old's under-the-hood metrics weren't great, but his deep arsenal helped mitigate his lack of "stuff". In particular, his off-speed offerings held opposing hitters to a sub-.260 batting and sub-.400 slugging percentage. Simply put, he did a serviceable job in the back end of the Cubs' rotation, eating innings.

      The loss of Imanaga hopefully forces the Cubs' hand in pursuing a higher-end starting option in free agency, especially after it was reported they wouldn't be pursuing top-end relievers.

      How do you feel about Rea as a back-end rotation/swing man arm for the 2026 season? Let us know in the comments!

      Brandon Glick

      When it rains, it pours. Less than two days after Cade Horton was placed on the injured list with a forearm strain, Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd has joined him there with a bicep strain.

      Boyd hasn't had the best start to the 2026 season, though he's looked downright filthy at times while flashing a 45.9% strikeout rate. In his stead, swingman Javier Assad will return from Triple-A Iowa to take his place back in the rotation. Colin Rea will replace Horton.

      Including Justin Steele, who is still recovering from elbow surgery, and Jordan Wicks, who has been dealing with elbow inflammation since the start of camp, the Cubs are now down four starting pitchers. The next man up would be Ben Brown, perhaps followed by top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      New papa Trent Thornton is back in the Chicago Cubs' bullpen.

      Thornton on Friday was activated from the paternity list by the Cubs, who sent down fellow right-handed reliever Tyler Ferguson to Triple-A Iowa. Thornton went on the paternity list Tuesday.

      Ferguson appeared in one game after being called up to replace Ferguson, going 1⅓ innings and giving up one run on three hits with no walks and three punchouts. It was his second MLB appearance this year after the May 5 game against the Philadelphia Phillies while he was a member of the A's.

      In that game, he gave up four runs on four hits, including two homers, with a strikeout in 1⅓ innings. He was designated for assignment by the A's the next day and traded to the Cubs the day after.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      After making a handful of moves before Tuesday's series opener against the Colorado Rockies, the Chicago Cubs tacked on another in what has been a revolving door in the bullpen.

      The Cubs placed Trent Thornton on the paternity list and called up fellow right-handed reliever Tyler Ferguson from Triple-A Iowa. Thornton can be away from the club for up to three days for the birth of his child.

      Thornton has a 5.30 FIP (1.69 ERA) in 12 appearances and 16 innings. He has a rather high 11.3% walk rate and a very below average 9.7% strikeout rate.

      Ferguson is up for the second time this season with Chicago, but has yet to make his Cubs debut. He was acquired from the A's on May 7 after he had been designated for assignment after giving up four runs in 1⅓ innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. He had been called up last week, but didn't pitch and was optioned back to Iowa.

       

      Bryan Jaeger

      The Cubs selected Kaleb Wing at #121 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Wing is an RHP at Scotts Valley High School (CA). The slot value for this pick is $623.300. The high schooler was ranked 127th on Northside Baseball's MLB Mock Draft Board.

      Here's our write-up of Wing by our draft expert, Jamie Cameron:

      "Wing is a prep-righty out of Northern California currently committed to Loyola-Marymount. He's been a two-way player for most of his amateur career and therefore hasn't focused solely on pitching for long, a fact that could play in his corner with a drafting org.

      It's a 6'2", 180-pound frame that a team will hope they can hang some more good weight on, but he's a slender-framed player. Nonetheless, his stuff took a major step forward this spring. His fastball, which previously sat in the upper 80s to low 90s, suddenly popped 95 mph. Additionally, there's a big curveball with good spin and depth, and a changeup that's more developmental. The delivery is solid, too. There's a lot to like here, with work to be done on the arsenal and developing a consistently usable third pitch. Even so, Wing has shot up boards this spring into day one consideration."

      As a senior at Scotts Valley High School, he only pitched in 10 games, but had a 1.23 ERA. At the plate, he had 108 plate appearances, hitting .307 with four home runs, 22 runs, and 24 knocked in. His dad, Ryan, was a two-way player as well, but he never went higher than Triple-A in the A's organization. Being a two-way player, Kaleb could provide a lot of production if he elects to skip college and begin his professional career. 

      What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.

      Bryan Jaeger

      The Cubs selected Kade Snell at #151 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Snell is a left fielder at the University of Alabama. The slot value for this pick is $465,400. 

      Here's what MiLB.com says about Snell:

      "Recruited by Auburn as a left-handed pitcher, Snell redshirted while dealing with injuries in 2021 before transferring to Wallace-Dothan (Ala.) CC and starring as a two-way player. The national junior college player of the year in 2023, he played both ways at Alabama in 2024 before becoming a full-time left fielder this spring. He's one of the more attractive discount hitters available as a Southeastern Conference performer with intriguing data and also no college eligibility remaining.

      Snell offers one of the better combinations of swing decisions, contact, and exit velocities in the college ranks. He has a quality left-handed stroke, rarely misses a fastball while handling all types of pitches, and drives the ball to all fields. While he's a hit-over-power guy, he has enough strength to provide 15 homers per year and perhaps more if he learns to lift balls in the air more regularly.

      While Snell will flash close to average speed at his best, he's more of a below-average runner with limited range in left field. He has an average arm and topped out at 93 mph with his fastball as a redshirt junior. Scouts love his competitiveness and leadership, and his all-star summer with wood bats in the Cape Cod League in 2023 is another point in his favor."

      Last season, Snell hit .363/.464/.575 with 10 home runs, 49 runs, and 52 knocked in. He has good plate vision, drawing 38 walks while only 18 strikeouts over 261 plate appearances. The lefty is a contact hitter primarily, but has the lift and exit velocity to produce runs. 

      What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.

      Steve Drumwright

      Needing a jolt of energy following a three-game sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers, an injury situation will bring a newcomer to the Chicago Cubs' roster.

      Infielder Pedro Ramirez, North Side Baseball's No. 3 prospect, was called up by the Cubs from Triple-A Iowa to make his MLB debut as right fielder Matt Shaw went on the 10-day injured list with back tightness.

      Shaw has been dealing with the back issue all week and the Cubs decided Friday to put him on the IL. Shaw has a .242/.291/.400 slash line with three homers and 12 RBIs in 42 games.

      Ramirez has made a steady climb up the minor-league ladder, spending each of the last three seasons at Low-A (2023), High-A (2024) and Double-A (2025), then beginning this year at Triple-A. At Iowa, Ramirez has a slash line of .312/.395/.547 with nine homers, 40 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.

      Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Ramirez won't be thrown into the starting lineup, instead the Cubs will take this opportunity to expose him to the MLB clubhouse and get his bearings.

      “It’s not going to be a big playing role,” Counsell said. “If it’s not going to be a playing role, it’s probably going to be a shorter stint. But I think it’s also good for him to get exposure to the Major Leagues, get exposure to the group, get exposure to the schedule, so that if we run into a situation where it is a lot of playing time, he doesn’t have to go through it for the first time while playing.”

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Right fielder Seiya Suzuki is making his much-anticipated return to the Chicago Cubs' lineup Friday.

      Suzuki was activated from the 10-day injured list following his sprained right posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic while playing for Japan. Outfielder Dylan Carlson was designated for assignment.

      Today's roster moves presented by @NuveenInv:

      [image or embed]

      — Chicago Cubs (@cubsbot.bsky.social) April 10, 2026 at 9:50 AM

      The Cubs also made a move in their bullpen, putting right-hander Phil Maton on the 15-day IL with tendinitis in his right knee and calling up Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa.

      Suzuki will be a welcome addition to a Cubs offense that entered Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a .680 OPS, which ranked 14th in MLB. He is coming off a 2025 in which he slashed .245/.326/.478 with career highs of 32 homers and 103 RBIs.

      Carlson signed a minor-league contract in January and made the club out of spring training primarily due to Suzuki's injury. But Carlson appeared in just three of 12 games, going 0-for-4 with a run scored and two strikeouts. If he clears waivers, it is possible that he reports to Triple-A to remain in the organization.

      Maton had struggled in his five appearances, posting a 13.50 ERA in four innings with four walks and five strikeouts. Roberts is back for his second stint with the Cubs this season after being the extra player for Sunday's doubleheader, getting the final two outs of the 6-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The New York Mets have poached a Minor League Hitting Coach from the Chicago Cubs organization to fill the same role in their organization.

      Mike Puma of the NY Post is reporting that the Mets have hired Rachel Folden, who was the Iowa Cubs Hitting Coach in 2025, as their Double-A Binghamton Hitting Coach.

      Folden, a four-time All-American softball player at Marshall University and a five-year professional catcher in National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), was with the Cubs organization for six seasons. She was the first female coach in the organization's history when hired in 2019. Folden coached three different levels in her tenure with the Cubs, as well as serving as the organization's Minor League Hitting Coordinator in 2023.

      In an article by Jordan Bastian of MLB.com before the 2025 season, multiple top prospects had glowing remarks about Folden. Owen Caissie was quoted as saying, "She knows her stuff...and there’s no nonsense with her. She just calls it the way it is..." Moises Ballesteros had similarly positive remarks, saying, "She’s really good. I liked to hear she’ll be together with me at Triple-A. She’ll be working with me every single day. That made me happy."

      Now, she'll be looking to help one of baseball's best farm systems develop its top prospects. The New York Mets are expected to have multiple top-20 organizational hitting prospects at Double-A Binghamton in 2026. She is the first female coach in the history of the Mets organization.

      How do you think this will impact the Cubs' minor league hitting development at Iowa? Let us know in the comments!

       

      Matthew Lenz

      It's been a very good off-season for the Chicago Cubs, and now they are rewarding three members of their front office.

      Jordan Bastian of MLB.com shared an official communication from the Chicago Cubs, announcing Garrett Chiado being promoted to assistant general manager, Ben Martin being promoted to assistant director of Major League development, and Brad Moylan being promoted to coordinator of Major League Video and Technology.

      Chiado previously held two titles, Director of Pro Strategy and Director of Pro Analytics. Per the release, he will "we're closely with executive leadership on broader organizational strategy and acquisition initiatives."

      Martin, previously the assistant Director of player develop, will "lead evidenced base planning and analysis for Major League position players, while ensuring alignment with the Player Development department", per the release.

      Moylan, who was the International Scouting Data and Technology assistant, will "oversee the club's instant replay process, providing video and technology support, and assisting with advanced logistics."

      What do you think of these promotions? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs continue to add pitching depth after recently acquiring one of the best arms in the market. Their most recent moves come in the form of a non-guaranteed, low-risk bullpen arm.

      Jordan Bastian of MLB.com is reporting that the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a minor league contract with pitcher Jeff Brigham. He also received a non-roster invite to big-league camp.

      Brigham, 33, has spent parts of six seasons in Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins, New York Mets, and, most recently, the Arizona Diamondbacks. He threw 3 1/3 innings across four appearances in 2025. Over his career, he has 94 appearances (4 starts) and more than 120 innings pitched. He has a career 4.85 ERA (5.21 FIP) and a below-average 13.1% K-BB rate due to a high walk rate.

      Obviously, this move doesn't move the needle. At best, he's an arm that will stay game-ready in Triple-A Iowa and be called upon in the event of a doubleheader or if the Cubs' bullpen is down bad with injuries. Like a lot of injuries.

      Matthew Lenz

      It sounds like the back-and-forth between the Chicago Cubs and starting pitcher Shota Imanaga will continue. After the team declined their option to extend Imanaga for a fifth year, he declined the player's option that was triggered afterward. While most thought that was the end of it, it was somewhat surprising to learn that the Cubs then tendered him a qualifying offer. 

      Now, Jon Heyman of the NY Post is reporting that Shota Imanaga is expected to decline that qualifying offer. However, all is not lost, according to 670 The Score's Bruce Levine. Despite the back-and-forth that has resulted in Imanaga becoming a free agent, he cites the president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, in saying that there is no disconnect between the two sides. He adds that "a two-year deal of some kind could be worked out."

      Limited to 25 starts in 2025, Imanaga posted a 3.73 ERA (4.86 FIP) and a 16.% K-BB rate due to a low strikeout rate. He walked opposing hitters at an impressive 4.6% clip. His fastball accrued a Run Value (RV) of -10 in 2025, after an RV of +4 in 2024. While opponents hit just .227 off the pitch, they slugged .567 and had a .356 wOBA against the offering, including an astonishing 24 home runs. This was coupled with less effective secondary offerings, particularly his split finger, whose RV was cut in half from 2024 to 2025. MLBTR predicts Imanaga to get $45 million over three years.

      Do you think the Cubs should look to bring him back or pursue a higher-end starter? Let us know your comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs will have some work to do to rebuild their rotation for the 2026 season after the announcement of an option decision on one of their top starting pitchers.

      Jesse Rogers of MLB.com is reporting that  "the [Cubs] rejected their option to extend [Shota Imanaga's] contract out to a fifth year. That triggered his ability to exercise a $15 million player option for 2026. He declined that as well." He will now become a free agent after two seasons with the club, though they could make a $22 million qualifying offer in the lefty.

      Limited to 25 starts in 2025, Imanaga posted a 3.73 ERA (4.86 FIP) and a 16.% K-BB rate due to a low strikeout rate. He walked opposing hitters at an impressive 4.6% clip. These numbers were all down from an impressive rookie season that earned him an All-Star appearance, as well as Rookie of the Year and Cy Young votes.

      The biggest difference in his two seasons was the effectiveness of his fastball. A pitch that accrued a Run Value (RV) of +4 in 2024, accumulated an RV of -10 last season. While opponents hit just .227 off the pitch, they slugged .567 and had a .356 wOBA against the offering, including an astonishing 24 home runs. This was coupled with less effective secondary offerings, particularly his split finger, whose RV was cut in half from 2024 to 2025.

      Despite his struggles, this announcement strengthens the otherwise weak upcoming free-agent starting pitcher class a bit. Do you think the Cubs should try to bring Imanaga back? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs see themselves as contenders in 2026. After the offseason they've had, that is a completely justifiable viewpoint to have. In fact, a recent report suggests that they are willing to do what it takes to topple the modern-day "evil empire known" as the Los Angeles Dodgers.

      Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports that Chicago Cubs general manager Cody Hawkins has said paying the luxury tax in 2026 is "less of a consideration." He added that the team will remain active in the free-agent and trade markets if something presents itself.

      Although not off the table, realistically, this likely indicates the Cubs' willingness to add payroll via trade. Cody Bellinger and Framber Valdez represent the two biggest names left on the free agent market, and the Chicago Cubs have not been tied to either player. However, the Alex Bregman signing created an opportunity to shop Matt Shaw and/or Nico Hoerner to two teams in need of versatile infield help.

      It would be in those trade talks, which have reportedly already been presented, where the Cubs would be willing to add a high-impact player to their roster regardless of what it would mean for their payroll and luxury tax situation.

      If the Cubs were to pay the luxury tax, which player(s) currently available would be worth it? Let us know in the comments!

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