Cubs Roundup, Oct 22: Reid's Six-Pitch Arsenal, Webb Contract Decision, Imanaga's 2026 Outlo

[North Side Baseball]

Here is some of the latest Cubs analysis from around the internet. The roundup covers Cubs prospects like Dominick Reid, pitching priorities, Jacob Webb's contract decision, Seiya Suzuki's re-signing potential, and evaluations of Shōta Imanaga and Webb's inconsistent performances.

• Cubs' 2025 third-rounder Reid running with six-pitch arsenal in Fall League (MLB.com). Notes that Cubs' 2025 third-rounder Dominick Reid, now the club's No. 28 prospect, has expanded from a two-pitch hurler to a six-pitch arsenal in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 14 in 12 innings and showcasing an elite changeup that accounted for 66 of his 112 strikeouts in college.
• Here’s why pitching is Cubs’ top priority this offseason (MLB.com). Argues that rebuilding the Cubs' pitching staff is a top priority this offseason, citing injuries and poor performance in 2026, with key free agents including David Peterson, Kevin Gausman, Shota Imanaga, and Aaron Civale, along with contract options for Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, and Colin Rea.
• Cubs have an easy Jacob Webb contract decision despite his frustrating finish (Cubbies Crib). Argues the Cubs should pick up Jacob Webb's $2.5 million club option despite his poor finish, citing his strong 2026 season (3.36 ERA, 25.7% strikeout rate) and potential for effectiveness in a less demanding role.
• Cubs have a simple offseason solution that Seiya Suzuki's Gold Glove nod reinforces (Cubbies Crib). Argues that the Cubs should prioritize re-signing Seiya Suzuki despite financial challenges, citing his 2026 defensive improvements, including +14 Defensive Runs Saved and 4.6 fWAR, and his overall value as a key player.
• A few thoughts about the Cubs and Shōta Imanaga (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes the Cubs' complicated decision to make Shōta Imanaga a qualifying offer after he opted out of his five-year deal following a inconsistent 2026 season, highlighting his 24.6 percent strikeout rate, 5.2 percent walk rate, and 35 home runs allowed, along with his fluctuating performance across starts and venues.
• A few thoughts about the Cubs and Jacob Webb (Bleed Cubbie Blue). Notes that Jacob Webb's 2023 season with the Cubs was highly inconsistent, featuring a 3.36 ERA overall but marked by extreme fluctuations, including a 0.51 ERA over 17.2 innings and an 14.85 ERA over 6.2 innings, raising questions about whether the Cubs should exercise his 2027 option.