Bob Nightengale Names Chicago Cubs "Hot Stove's Biggest Sleeper"

[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!

View full rumor

[ILMindState]

Story of every off-season:

• Cubs expected to be very active
• Cubs are listed as a finalist for high priced free agent
• Cubs don't get high priced free agent
• Cubs were never close to high priced free agent because it costs too much money or years
• Cubs sign mid tier free agents to short term deals

[NorthsideAvenger]

36 minutes ago, ILMindState said:

Story of every off-season:

• Cubs expected to be very active
• Cubs are listed as a finalist for high priced free agent
• Cubs don't get high priced free agent
• Cubs were never close to high priced free agent because it costs too much money or years
• Cubs sign mid tier free agents to short term deals

And this is why Heyman put the Cubs on blast not-too-long ago about not spending to their potential. 

[WhyCantWeWin]

Thats not going to happen lmao. This may finally be the season i stop watching anymore cubs games. Jed and Tommy have ruined my love for the sport 

[sneakypower]

yeah they'll be the biggest sleeper alright, they'll sleep right through the whole off-season