Cubs Offseason Outlook: The pitching market takes center stage |
Anthony Pasquale
· · 20 hours ago
The Winter Meetings begin this week in Orlando, and many teams will begin showing their cards, revealing the types of moves they intend to make this offseason.
Jed Hoyer has been relatively vocal about the Cubs' plans this offseason. They are looking to add pitching, both in the rotation and in the bullpen. Late in the season and into the postseason the Cubs did not have many healthy starters that they trusted. Their bullpen, on the other hand, morphed into a strength as the season wore along — but three of their top relievers from 2025 are currently free agents (Brad Keller, Caleb Theilbar, and Drew Pomeranz). Craig Counsell spoke to reporters in Orlando and said that last year the bullpen had some unlikely heroes. The tenor of the conversation seemed to indicate that the Cubs are planning to target more established relievers to bank on the bullpen being strong again in 2026. The Cubs have begun their offseason by inking Phil Maton to a two-year contract, coming off a 2.79 ERA in 63 appearances. With rumored target Dylan Cease already signing a seven-year contract worth over 200 million dollars, the Cubs have shifted their sights to a number of available starters. There is mutual interest with Zac Gallen, a 30-year-old right-hander fresh off his worst season. However, many around the industry believe a return to form is imminent for Gallen, who has three top-10 Cy Young finishes under his belt. Jeff Passan nixed what Bob Nightengale initially reported about a deal in place with Gallen for Chicago, but it appears the Cubs are firmly in on the bidding for Gallen. Besides Gallen, Michael King, and Japanese phenom Tatsuya Imai are among the names that have been linked to Chicago, as well as Astros ace Framber Valdez, who is on the market as well. As for bullpen pieces, there are a plethora of options. I anticipate the Cubs would first try to re-sign any or all of the trio of free agents: Theilbar, Keller, or Pomeranz. Theilbar gives the Cubs a strong, high-leverage lefty in the pen. Keller has emerged as a back-end-of-the-bullpen type of pitcher as well. While Pomeranz isn’t getting any younger, he is coming off perhaps his strongest season yet as a pro. Beyond that, there are a few former Cubs who may garner interest from their old ball club: Andrew Chafin, Chris Martin, Mark Lieter Jr and David Robertson, among them. Plus, the Cubs have had rumors linking them to or predicting signings of players like Pete Fairbanks, Shawn Armstrong, or Kyle Finnegan. Many anticipate the Cubs to sign a starting pitcher and at least two or three relievers this offseason. What better time to get the Christmas shopping underway right after the Winter Meetings?
