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  • Trade Rumors

    Follow the latest Chicago Cubs trade rumors and free agent targets from around the league, with analysis.

    183 rumors in this category

      Brock Beauchamp

      Roki Sasaki has nudged Juan Soto out of the limelight, at least for a day. The young Japanese phenom announced he will come to Major League Baseball in 2025.

      Sasaki, unlike last year's import Yoshinobu Yamamoto, will post under the minor league rules due to his age and experience in NPB. Remember when Shohei Ohtani came to America to play and all teams were in on him? Same thing here. There will be no $300 million contracts in play as with Yamamoto, meaning most teams should be courting the young right-hander this offseason.

      Sasaki has been simply phenomenal in Japan. He pitched all of the 2024 season as a 22-year-old and only turned 23 this week. In parts of three seasons in NPB, he has a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts in only 394 innings pitched.

      Matthew Trueblood

      Tuesday brought the release of Baseball Prospectus's 2025 Top 101 Prospects, an annual source of intrigue for those who love tracking the progress of the farm system. This year's will both excite and frustrate some fans. The two highest-ranking prospects with Cubs ties here are Zyhir Hope (No. 8 ) and Cam Smith (No. 20), whom the team traded for Michael Busch and Kyle Tucker, respectively. Then again, BP is going to end up much higher on Hope (and a bit higher on Smith) than anyone else, and the good news begins thereafter.

      Matt Shaw comes in at No. 25, making him the highest-ranking prospect on this list to be penciled into the Cubs lineup for a coming season in recent memory. It's a good reminder that he's a legitimately excellent prospect and a solid choice for third base. After that, three Cubs cluster into the back quarter of the list:

      • Moises Ballesteros, No. 73
      • Owen Caissie, No. 77
      • Cade Horton, No. 85

      These guys are lower here than on some other lists you've likely seen recently, but the rankings feel fair. At the same time, they're obviously not gospel. FanGraphs's list of the top Cubs prospects lists Kevin Alcánatara second, behind only Shaw, which is a good reminder of the volatility and room for debate around all of these players. The Cubs don't have an elite farm system, but they sure do have a collection of intriguing players in the uppermost levels of the minors.

      Brock Beauchamp

      The Oakland Athletics currently hold a semi-respectable 19-25 record in the American League West but given their current payroll and stadium situation, are likely to be early wheelers and dealers on the trade market.

      Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently wrote that A's closer, Mason Miller, is drawing significant trade interest from other teams. The trade deadline seems to be heating up quite early this year as teams like the White Sox and Marlins throw up white flags after abysmal starts to the season.

      Miller, 25 years old, has broken out in 2024 with a 0.98 ERA in 14 games. He made his debut with Oakland last season so is still pre-arbitration and cannot become a free agent until the 2029 season.

      The asking price for Miller will be very high but he's also a luxury a rebuilding A's team doesn't need in the here and now, making him somewhat expendable. The Cubs have both a pressing need for a closer and the farm system to easily negotiate this deal, it's a matter of whether Hoyer is ready to take a risk on a formerly-injured pitcher with a short track record.

      Bertz

      Here on the first day of the winter meetings, he Athletic provided an article touching on a number of Cubs subjects.  Among them Sahadev Sharma provided an update on the Cubs plans at catcher:

      Quote

      Despite the addition of Matt Thaiss, adding a viable catcher who can work in a timeshare with Miguel Amaya is a priority. Danny Jansen was an option the Cubs pursued, but ultimately the veteran chose the one-year, $8.5 million deal offered by Tampa Bay where he’ll be the starter. The team doggedly pursued an upgrade at the position at this past summer’s trade deadline but were rebuffed in their attempts.

      Again this winter, they’re finding it similarly difficult to find a regular starter at catcher via trade. Hardly a surprise considering the scarcity of talent at the position and the desire teams have to cling to their impactful catchers. The most likely path appears to be adding via free agency and with Jansen and Kyle Higashioka both off the market, the options are dwindling, with Carson Kelly the most obvious remaining free-agent backstop.

      Carson Kelly was written up last week as a Cubs target by Bruce Levine.  Given his place as the last remaining starting caliber catcher on the market, it seems likely his free agency comes to a head here at the winter meetings.

      If free agency doesn't prove a viable path for upgrading the position, it will be interesting to see what the team attempts via trade.  Logan O'Hoppe was reportedly the team's target at the trade deadline, but the Angels seem intent on attempting to compete in 2025.

      Brandon Glick

      A cloud of uncertainty hangs above the Houston Astros’ heads. The team is off to a wildly disappointing start this season, as they currently sit in third place in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. Many pundits are predicting a firesale for the team if they don’t right the ship soon, and we discussed Jon Heyman connecting the Cubs to Justin Verlander yesterday.

      Now, speculation has arisen surrounding star third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman, 30, is in the midst of the final year of his contract ($28.5 million salary, $16.6 million AAV against the luxury tax) and having one of the worst years of his pro career. He’s slashing just .223/.284/.349 through 183 plate appearances, which is good for a disappointing 84 OPS+. However, he was far better in 2022 and 2023 (OPS above .800 in both seasons), and he isn’t too far removed from two consecutive top-five finishes in AL MVP voting in 2018 and 2019 (when he had an OPS+ above 155).

      It is worth noting that Bregman has a history of starting slow, though, and has done by far his best work in August (.996 OPS) throughout his career.

      Christopher Morel has done a nice job at the hot corner since starting slow defensively, which could make the Cubs hesitant to pay the asking price on Bregman, who hasn’t played a position other than third base since 2019 (65 games at shortstop). Like Verlander, his rental status would drive down the prospect cost to acquire Bregman, though his large salary could make the Cubs’ front office hesitant to pull the trigger.

      What do you think? Should the Cubs reinforce a lineup that can’t seem to stay healthy in 2024? Should they make that bet on a hitter that’s been ice cold to start the season?

       

      Brock Beauchamp

      Bob Nightengale (yes, I know) reported today that the Cubs have internally discussed pursuing the Blue Jays' star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

      The Blue Jays could find themselves in a difficult position come July. While they're currently only two games out of the third Wild Card spot, they're also in last place in the American League East. The Jays' recent window of contention could be closing with several of their star position players entering free agency in the next year and a half while their MLB.com 24th-ranked farm system won't be providing much in the way of cost-controlled young talent in the immediate future.

      Guerrero Jr is back to raking (137 OPS+) after a mildly disappointing 2023 season. The 25-year-old slugger will become a free agent after the 2025 season.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle recently reported that the San Francisco Giants are looking for a second baseman and have checked in on the Cubs' Nico Hoerner.

      Hoerner,  an Oakland native and former Stanford shortstop, is under contract through 2026 on the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in March 2023, and will reach free agency after the 2026 season.

      In MLB Pipeline’s midseason farm-system rankings, the Giants were labeled as the most improved system since the preseason, rising from No. 28 to No. 18. Bryce Eldridge was the organization’s lone Top 100 prospect, and he reached Triple-A at age 20.  The system was also noted for Rookie-ball performers, including shortstops Josuar Gonzalez and Jhonny Level and right-handers Argenis Cayama, Keyner Martinez, and Alberto Laroche.  Pipeline also called out the outfield group, led by Bo Davidson and Dakota Jordan.  In a Top 30 midseason update, Pipeline graded Eldridge with 70 power, Jordan with 60 run, Carson Whisenhunt with a 70 changeup, and Gerelmi Maldonado with a 65 fastball. 

      Bertz

      The Philadelphia Phillies are an absolute powerhouse this season, currently sporting the best record in the game. One of their few holes in the lineup are at center field; Johan Rojas currently leads the team in plate appearances at the position and his dismal 60 OPS+ is a clear spot to upgrade down the stretch.

      The Phillies will have some choice in acquisitions, though. Along with Cody Bellinger potentially being available (pending medical results of his hit by pitch last night), the White Sox are looking to trade Luis Robert Jr.and the Marlins recently announced Jazz Chisholm Jr.is also on the block.

      While that's stiff competition, a healthy Bellinger should require far fewer trade assets to acquire.

      It's Ralph so take with all appropriate grains of salt.

      Edit: Additionally, it appears the Houston Astros, a team that has completely turned it around after a bad start to the season, are also interested in the services of Bellinger.

      Brock Beauchamp

      As we near the MLB Trade Deadline at the end of the month, rumors are starting to become more substantial and significant trades are now happening (AJ Puk and Randy Arozarena moved in two separate deals last night).

      When it comes to the Chicago Cubs, it seems like most of the rumors are swirling around starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. His contract, while not inexpensive, it reasonable and goes through the 2026 season at $18 million per season.

      The Astros' pitching staff has been devastated by injury and after an awful start to the season, they now find themselves in first place after passing the faltering Mariners in the AL West (a Mariners team that was on the receiving end of the Arozarena deal).

      At this point, it feels almost inevitable that Taillon will be traded given the amount of interest in him.

      Brock Beauchamp

      USA Today's Bob Nightengale mentioned that the Astros have checked in with the Cubs about Marcus Stroman and Cody Bellinger.

      Starting pitching always has high demand at the trade deadline but it appears there are several teams that should be interested in acquiring a right-handed center fielder who can hit; along with the Astros, the Yankees and Twins are two contenders with gaping holes at center.

      Bellinger is also making a hell of a case for maximum return as a rental: over the past 14 days, he has posted a 1.357 OPS with five home runs and is on pace for a 5+ win season over 550 plate appearances.

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs finished a once-promising 2025 season below expectations. While the team has mostly disappointed fans in previous offseasons, that may not be the case this year.

      In a recent column, Bob Nightengale of USA Today named the Chicago Cubs the "hot stove's biggest sleeper" this offseason. Nightengale goes on to say, "They want another corner outfielder [after losing Kyle Tucker to free agency], and will be shopping in the expensive aisle for starting pitching, with fellow GMs predicting they could land Framber Valdez and/or Dylan Cease." It's worth noting that they have tendered a qualifying offer to Shota Imanaga, as well.

      While Nightengale didn't name any potential outfield fits, top names include Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Kyle Schwarber (who's primarily a DH at this point and was tendered a qualifying offer), Teoscar Hernandez, and Michael Conforto. They could look at making a trade as rumors swirl around the Boston Red Sox Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, as well as the Los Angeles Angels Taylor Ward and Jo Adell, though none of those names would really be considered "expensive".

      Looking at the pitching market, Cease, a free-agent modern-day iron man making 32 starts in five consecutive seasons, is predicted to get a seven-year, $189 million contract by MLBTR. His productivity has alternated each season he's been with the club, receiving Cy Young votes in 2022 and 2024 while sporting ERAs north of 4.00 in 2023 and 2025. The San Diego Padres tendered him a qualifying offer.

      Valdez, another durable pitcher, made 31 starts for the Houston Astros in 2025. Across 192 innings, he posted a FIP of 3.37, supported by a so-so 14.8% K-BB rate. His high groundball rate (58.6%) would fit well within the windy confines of Wrigley Field. Valdez was tendered a qualifying offer and is predicted to net $150 million over five years by MLBTR.

      Do you think the Cubs will be aggressive this offseason after landing Tucker last year? Let us know what you think in the comments!

      Bertz

      Tucked in an article about the Cubs' efforts to trade Cody Bellinger, Bruce Levine today also clarified targets for two other items on the to-do list: catcher and the bullpen.

      As the top two catchers on the (pretty weak) free agent catching market, Danny Jansen and Carson Kelly have long made sense as Cubs fits, but neither has had many tangible ties. Further, the note about Jansen's trade talks this winter appears to be new reporting.

      On the relief front, Chafin and Yates are both new names.  Again, they make sense logically; the Cubs need left-handed relief help.  Chafin is a long-time quality lefty setup man, and Yates' changeup allows the righty to function like a southpaw.

      Quote

      At the Winter Meetings, the Cubs will be seeking a catcher and bullpen help. Carson Kelly and Danny Jansen are a pair of catchers on the team’s radar.

      The Cubs talked at length with the Blue Jays about Jansen last July before he was traded to the Red Sox.

      Righty reliever Kirby Yates and lefty reliever Andrew Chafin are on the Cubs’ radar. The Cubs have been particularly light on veteran left-handed bullpen arms in the past two seasons, with righty reliever Mark Leiter Jr., who's now with the Yankees, often facing dangerous left-handed hitters because of his reverse splits.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Patrick Mooney of The Athletic wrote a really nice piece about the Cubs' offseason pursuit of rotation arms. In it, he points out that historically, Jed Hoyer & Co. have avoided "bounceback" pitchers such as Luis Severino and Jack Flaherty. If they avoided that  kind of pitcher on a lesser prove-it deal, it makes even less sense for this front office to pursue those same pitchers on a multi-year contract.

      Whereas the Cubs have shown interest, and ultimately signed, pitchers they believe can be workhorses with steady-but-maybe-not-great upside in Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga. In the case of Imanaga, the workhorse portion of that statement was certainly true but the performance level was beyond anyone's reasonable expectations.

      A pitcher that fits that mold this offseason is Max Fried. While the 30-year-old's ERA slipped a little in 2024 (128 ERA+), he has started over 25 games in three of the past four seasons.

      Give the article a read, it's a great early-offseason primer on how the Cubs might look at the rotation this winter.

      Rex Buckingham

      Mike Trout fractured his hamate bone, which means he will be on the injured list through at least the trade deadline and possibly considerably longer than that.

      CBS Sports mentioned that Cody Bellinger is a possible replacement for an injured Trout.

      The Cubs have a difficult decision to make in Bellinger. If they're interested in offering him the qualifying offer, they can retain Bellinger in 2024 for roughly $20m or, if he declines the offer, Chicago can receive a supplemental draft pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

      It should be noted that the Angels have a notoriously weak farm system, ranked 28th by MLB.com going into the 2023 season.

      Matthew Lenz

      It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs will be very active at the trade deadline, and are specifically looking to bolster their pitching staff and possibly add a third baseman.

      Today, MLB insider, "Mocc Bomb", is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs have discussed a deal around starting pitcher Taj Bradley, reliever Pete Fairbanks, as well as infielder Yandy Diaz.

      Bradley's 2025 season with the Rays has seen him post a 4.35 ERA and a 4.01 FIP over 109.2 innings across 20 starts. His K-BB rate stands at 11.8% (20.7% strikeout rate minus 8.9% walk rate). He'd be a strong addition to the middle of the rotation and is controllable through 2029.

      In 38 appearances as the Rays closer, Fairbanks boasts a 2.92 ERA and a 2.93 FIP over 37.0 innings. His K-BB rate is 10.9% (20.6% strikeout rate minus 9.7% walk rate), contributing to his 16 saves. He is controlled through 2026 via a team option that could see him making as much as $3 million.

      Though Mocc does mention Diaz, it seems that talks are just developing on the former third baseman. He's posted an impressive .820 OPS with 15 home runs resulting in a 130 wRC+. His club option for 2026 has already been vested and has a similar option in 2027 if he hits 500 plate appearances in 2026.

      Do you think the Cubs should move on any of these names? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Independent reporter, Francys Romero, is citing "industry sources" saying that the Chicago Cubs are "potential suitors" for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.

      Hayes, 28, is controllable through 2030 on an extremely team friendly deal that has him averaging less than $9 million per season.

      A former top 100 prospect across all of baseball, Hayes' bat hasn't really lived up to the hype, though he is one of the best defensive third basemen in all of baseball.

      Hayes has always been a below average hitter, though this season he is slashing .236/.290/.290 with just two home runs and nine stolen bases. The lack of production puts him an abysmal 38% worse than the average player (62 wRC+).

      Even with his glove and contract, would you like to see the Cubs pursue Hayes?

      Matthew Lenz


      The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their rotation at next week's trade deadline. Yesterday, they were tied to Adrian Houser of the Chicago White Sox - an uninspiring yet solid arm.

      This morning, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic are reporting that the Chicago Cubs are "very interested" in starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore - a big impact arm. One that would require the Cubs to deal high-end assets, which they are open to doing.

      The southpaw Gore has started 21 games this season through July 26, 2025. He has pitched 117 2/3 innings with a 3.52 ERA. His FIP is 3.28, and he has a 29.3% strikeout rate and a 9.0% walk rate. Gore was named to his first All-Star Game in 2025. He is controllable through 2027 via arbitration.

      Do you think the Cubs should do what it takes to land Gore, even if it means depleting their farm system? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      With the Chicago Cubs seemingly out of the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, they are setting their sights on another highly sought-after free agent.

      PJ Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic are reporting that the Chicago Cubs had a "renewed interest" in Alex Bregman. They pursued the superstar third baseman last year before he signed with the Boston Red Sox. It's been reported that the Cubs' ownership group had greenlit a four-year, $115 million contract with opt-outs a year ago; however, it's not clear what budget they've okayed for 2025. MLBTR predicts Bregman will net $160 million over six years.

      Bregman finished the year with an OPS of .821 across 114 games. He hit 18 home runs and scored 64 runs, while adding one stolen base. His advanced metrics include a wOBA of .356 and a wRC+ of 125, indicating an above-average performance relative to the league. Bregman produced a total of 0 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and 1 Outs Above Average (OAA). The veteran infielder was acquired by Boston as a free agent in February 2025. In all, his season was worth 3.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).

      How much should the Cubs pay for Bregman? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

       

      The Chicago Cubs are expected to focus their trade deadline efforts on upgrading the starting rotation, with injuries taking a significant toll on both the rotation and bullpen throughout the season. Position-player additions appear less urgent, with the club more likely to seek a complementary bench bat than an everyday lineup upgrade. If Chicago does make a deal, it’s likely to leverage the organization’s surplus of hitting prospects to address its much greater need for pitching,

      One name that is simmering on the hot stove is Reid Detmers, whom Russell Dorsey of Yahoo! Sports is reporting the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in.

      Through 21 starts, Detmers has posted a 4.05 ERA (3.28 FIP) and a gaudy 20.5% strike-minus-walk (K-BB). The 27-year-old southpaw is controllable through the 2028 season.

      Do you think Detmers is the answer the Cubs are looking for in the rotation? Join the conversation in the comments!

       

       

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs will stop at nothing to improve their chances of winning the 2025 World Series. Currently in a battle with the Milwaukee Brewers for both the NL Central crown and best record in baseball, the Cubs reportedly are not leaving any prospect untouchable.

      While they've been tied heavily to various bats and starting pitchers, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic is reporting that Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias “is one of several options under consideration” to improve the team's bullpen.

      Iglesias has appeared in 43 games, pitching 40 2/3 innings with an ERA of 5.09, though his 4.23 FIP suggests the potential for some positive regression. This is backed by a strong 21.2% strikeout-minus-walk rate. He has recorded 11 saves this season. He would be a very good high-leverage option out of the bullpen that lacks top-end arm talent. Iglesias is set to be a free agent at season's end.

      Given his struggles this year, do you think the Cubs should add Iglesias? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Over the weekend, Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins suggested that the franchise is willing to surpass the competitive balance tax threshold and pay luxury tax in the 2026 season, given the team's status as a contender. While it was initially thought that it would impact a potential return in a Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner deal, recent reports suggest that the Cubs may not be done in free agency.

      While on 670 The Score, Bruce Levine reported that talks between the Cubs and Zac Gallen are (still) "ongoing". It was erroneously reported over a month ago that the two sides had agreed to a deal. Additionally, Jon Heyman of the NY Post is reporting that the Cubs are one of many teams interested in utility man Miguel Andujar.

      For a dive into Gallen, be sure to check out our own Matthew Trueblood's analysis from early December. We at Diamond Centric predict that Gallen will sign a four-year, $74 million deal.

      On the other hand, Andujar is a new name in the fold. At 31 years old, Andujar is coming off his best season with a .822 OPS (125 wRC+) and 10 home runs. With the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds, he played a little bit in each of the corner infield and corner outfield spots. The need for Andujar is questionable as the team is flush with versatile depth after acquiring Alex Bregman, Tyler Austin, and Justin Dean this offseason. However, Andujar would represent an upgrade over the latter two names.

      Do you think the Cubs should sign either or both players? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs are looking to beef up their bullpen at the trade deadline and may do so by acquiring one of the best relievers in baseball history.

      Francys Romero, an independent baseball reporter, is citing industry sources and sharing "the Chicago Cubs are one of the teams most actively monitoring Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase..."

      Clase, controllable through 2028 via team options, has been his usual dominant self for the Cleveland Guardians in 2025, continuing to be one of baseball's elite closers. Through 45 appearances, he boasts a stellar 2.80 ERA (2.31 FIP) over 45.0 innings, along with 22 saves. Clase continues to rely on his high-velocity cutter, generating a lot of weak contact and groundballs. He's maintained an excellent K% of 23.4% and a low BB% of 5.2%, resulting in a superb K-BB% of 18.2%. While he's had a few more bumps than his remarkable 2024 season, Clase remains a top-tier relief pitcher and will come with a heavy price tag considering his production and team-friendly contract.

      Do you think the Cubs should go all-in for Clase? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      After getting off to a hot start, the offseason hot stove has been idling over the holidays. As has been rumored for months now, the Chicago Cubs have their sights set on some of the best bats on the market.

      Ken Rosenthal of "The Athletic" is reporting that the Chicago Cubs remain "in the mix" for superstar free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette. Jon Heyman initially reported the clubs interest in Bichette on New Years Day, and Bregman was first tied to the team by Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic over a month ago. Additionally, Mark Fieinsand of MLB.com recently reported that the Cubs aren't expected to be the highest bidder for Bregman.

      Despite the swirling rumors regarding infield help, the team has expressed confidence in third baseman Matt Shaw as a core part of the team. The 24 year old had a particularly strong 2nd half of the season sporting an .839 OPS with 11 home runs and six stolen bases. However, when a team has the opportunity to add superstars like Bichette or Bregman, you worry about the roster construction after the fact.

      Who do you think the Cub should prioritize? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      If we follow the rumor trail, it seems as though the Chicago Cubs are going to be big players in free agency this offseason. They currently have a qualifying offer out to Shota Imanaga worth more than $22 million, though it's believed he will decline it. Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma are reporting the Cubs' interest in additional big names.

      They're reporting that the Cubs want to "build more pitching depth, both at the top of the rotation and throughout the organization," and specifically go on to name Michael King and Dylan Cease as potential targets.

      King had a bit of a lost season in 2025 due to injury. However, in 2024, he threw 173 1/3 innings in his first full year as a starter. In that season, he posted an impressive 3.33 FIP and a 19.0% K-BB rate. That's why MLBTR predicts he'll earn a four-year, $80 million contract in free agency this year. It will be up to King if he wants the extra couple of million over long-term security he'll receive by becoming a free agent.

      Cease, who is a free agent, has been a modern-day iron man, making 32 starts in five consecutive seasons. His productivity has alternated each season he's been with the club, receiving Cy Young votes in 2022 and 2024 while sporting ERAs north of 4.00 in 2023 and 2025. About to enter his age-30 season, MLBTR predicts Cease will get a seven-year, $189 million contract via free agency. Given the security and an extra $5 million in 2026, it's hard to imagine Cease will accept the qualifying offer.

      As a reminder, a team receives compensatory draft picks if its free agent rejects the qualifying offer and signs with a new club. Conversely, the team making the signing must forfeit draft picks, with the exact picks exchanged depending on the financial status of both organizations (e.g., whether they pay the Competitive Balance Tax or receive revenue sharing).

      Which pitcher should the Cubs prioritize? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      The Chicago Cubs enter the offseason needing to add weapons to their bullpen, so surely they'll be aggressive in the free agent market, right? Right!? Not so fast.

      In an article posted to The Athletic, Sahadev Sharma was told by league sources "not to expect the Cubs to jump in on big-name free agent relievers, at least not early on." In other words, Cubs fans might feel like they're in the twilight zone, reliving last offseason.

      Though it shouldn't be a surprise, it's not the update Cubs were hoping to hear as the team has lost four bullpen arms four days into the offseason. Yesterday, they traded Andrew Kittredge to the Orioles, and Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Caleb Thielbar entered free agency at season's end. In short, the Cubs will need to replace more than 170 innings of sub-3 ERA - a tall task when you're not going after the big fish. However, those names weren't towards the top of the pool last year, and it turned out all right for the Cubs.

      Once again, the Cubs will be operating on the margins, looking to sign cost-effective arms to rebuild a bullpen. As a whole, the 2025 bullpen was roughly league average, posting a 4.03 FIP (16th) and accumulating 3.1 fWAR (19th).

      Do you think the Cubs should be more open to adding a top-end relief arm in free agency? Let us know in the comments!

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