Full Breakdown
Cubs Seek to Strengthen Starting Pitching Amid Market Activity
11/28/2025, 4:51:55 PM
Current State of the Cubs' Pitching Roster
The Chicago Cubs are actively seeking to enhance their starting pitching rotation following a challenging season marked by injuries and underperformance. General manager Carter Hawkins acknowledged the team's need for improvement, particularly in light of Cade Horton’s emergence as a top pitcher in the second half of the season, boasting a 1.03 ERA. Despite this success, the Cubs' farm system lacks depth in pitching talent, with only three of their top 15 prospects being pitchers: Jackson Wiggins, Brandon Birdsell, and Kaleb Wing. Wiggins had a brief stint in Triple-A, Birdsell underwent elbow surgery, and Wing is just beginning his professional career.
Recent Moves and Market Dynamics
Last offseason, the Cubs signed left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year contract but continued to explore options to bolster their rotation. The team made a significant trade for right fielder Kyle Tucker and attempted to acquire third baseman Alex Bregman, but the focus on pitching intensified as injuries, including Justin Steele's season-ending elbow surgery, depleted their rotation. The Cubs' only notable addition was right-hander Michael Soroka, who was viewed as a swingman prior to suffering a shoulder injury.
As the offseason progresses, the Cubs are poised to pursue starting pitching aggressively. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer indicated that the team would explore both trades and free agency, including minor-league free agents to strengthen the bullpen. The starting-pitching market is currently active, with teams reassessing their positions based on second-half performances and available resources.
Recent Transactions in the Pitching Market
In a notable move, the Cubs recently traded for veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, sending right-hander Richard Fitts and left-hander Brandon Clarke, their No. 5 prospect, to the St. Louis Cardinals. This transaction reflects the Cubs' commitment to addressing their pitching needs as the market heats up. Concurrently, the Toronto Blue Jays made headlines by signing right-hander Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract worth $210 million, indicating a competitive landscape for starting pitchers.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Cubs are making strides to improve their pitching staff, some analysts question the long-term viability of their strategy, particularly regarding the reliance on veteran pitchers like Gray. Critics argue that investing heavily in established players may not yield the desired results if younger prospects do not develop as expected.
Official Statements & Responses
Carter Hawkins emphasized the importance of elite performance in competitive environments, stating, “Cade is an example of someone who had elite performance in an elite competitive environment that continued to perform at an elite level once he got to pro ball.” Meanwhile, Hoyer expressed optimism about exploring various avenues for improvement, stating, “I expect to explore trades... both at the top of the market, but then also looking at minor-league free agency.”
What's Next for the Cubs?
As the Cubs navigate the starting-pitching market, they will need to make strategic decisions regarding trades and free agency to enhance their rotation. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as they assess their options and respond to the evolving landscape of the MLB pitching market.
