Cubs will reportedly prioritize starting pitching this offseason |
The other day, we discussed what the Cubs needed to focus on this offseason if they wanted to return to the playoffs. As expected, adding a star to the lineup and adding a closer were discussed. However, starting pitching continues to be the topic of discussion as the Cubs are expected to pursue another starting pitcher this season, most likely one who can be a front-line starter according to The Athletic.
When you look at the Cubs season, starting pitching was the one area that fans never had to question. From start to finish, their starting pitching was excellent, and at times, it was elite when you look at the rest of the National League. With Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga set to lead the rotation next season, the Cubs have not only two of the best lefties in the game setting the tone, but one of the better 1,2 punches in the National League. After that, the questions begin, which is the main reason why the Cubs may want to look at another option. Jameson Taillon is coming off a double-digit win season, but he is more of a back-of-the-rotation arm, and with his name being floated around at the deadline, who knows what the future holds? Javier Assad, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and Cade Horton all have the potential to land in this rotation next season, but apart from Horton and maybe Brown, most of them are No. 4 starters at best, which isn't what the Cubs are looking for. You could say that the Cubs are ideally looking for a No. 3 pitcher, but in particular, an ACE-caliber pitcher, to give the Cubs one of the best rotations in baseball. Having Kyle Hendricks come off the books is going to help with that, as it will clear close to 20 million in salary to put toward solid pitching, as you can never have enough pitching in today's game. Should the Cubs have the funds to go out and get an ace, it becomes a question of which direction they want to take. The Cubs will have plenty of long—or short-term options. Two of the long-term options were discussed the other day, so there is no need to get into them again, as Roki Sasaki and Corbin Burnes appear to be their top targets. Burnes is especially a name to keep an eye on, given his relationship with Craig Counsell and the fact that he was linked to the Cubs all offseason last year. He is a bit older than some of these options, but for four or five years, he would be well worth the investment. Sticking with the long-term options, Max Fried is emerging as a potential target. Being the youngest of the free agent arms, he could be the one you sign to the longest deal. Fried has dealt with his share of injuries the past two seasons, but when he is healthy, he is a Cy Young-caliber pitcher, which the Cubs have found out far too often. Pairing Fried with Steele and Imanaga would be a unique approach, with three lefties atop your rotation, but three lefties capable of winning tons of games. The only concern with him is the injuries, as anything more than a four-year deal would be risky.
In addition to the long-term options, there are short-term options where two current Los Angeles Dodgers come into play. Walker Buehler is the most notable name, but you also have to look at the turnaround Jack Flaherty has made this season. Buehler, like Fried, has dealt with his share of injuries the past few seasons but was once one of the best in the game.
Had he not gotten hurt, the Dodgers would've locked him up long-term by now, but given his struggles this season and the recent string of injuries, it may be time for a change of scenery. The same can be said about Flaherty, who rebounded from a tough 2023 showing to put forth a great 2024. Another guy who has had arm issues the past few seasons, Flaherty, is still only 29 years old, so a two-year deal would be worth the risk on being one of these guys.
Should the price tag be too high on any of these guys, the Cubs could also look to trade for an arm, as they have the ammo to do so. If that is the case, 35-year-old Chris Bassitt could be an option. He is set to make 22 million for the Blue Jays next season and will be in the final year of his deal.
Not an ace by any means, Bassitt is just what you are looking for in a middle-of-the-rotation arm. He not only will give you innings but can also win you plenty of games. This just goes to show you the urgency this team has to win right now. But saying you are going after starting pitching and actually getting it done are two different things, as the Cubs have had issues closing the deal in recent years.
