Cubs Set Sights on Pitching Talent This Offseason
The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for an active offseason, zeroing in on bolstering their pitching staff. The front office has made it abundantly clear: acquiring quality arms is at the top of their to-do list. With the right mix of starters and bullpen options, the Cubs aim to reinforce their roster for a stronger 2024 campaign.
A Shift in the Starting Pitcher Market
While this year’s free agency landscape for starting pitchers may not feature the same marquee names as last year’s crop—where the likes of Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell were all on the table—there remains a slew of talented pitchers ready to command hefty contracts. The Cubs are reportedly eyeing several potential acquisitions, notably former San Diego Padres pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, both of whom could significantly elevate the starting rotation.
A Bullpen Full of Options
On the reliever front, the market is rich with some of baseball’s most dynamic arms. The Cubs are exploring options that include established closers and dependable relievers. Among the names circulating are former Phillies closer Robert Suarez, ex-Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, and former Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Yet, one name stands out above the rest: Edwin Diaz.
The Case for Edwin Diaz
Diaz, a longtime closer for the New York Mets, is widely regarded as the cream of the crop in the bullpen market. He has been a model of consistency, boasting an impressive 1.63 ERA along with 28 saves and 91 strikeouts over 62 appearances this past season. With 66.1 innings pitched, Diaz has proven time and again that he can handle high-pressure situations, making him an attractive target for the Cubs as they look to solidify their late-game strategy.
In a competitive landscape where pitching is paramount, the Cubs’ pursuit of both starting and relief talent signals their commitment to returning to contention. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Cubs navigate the market and whether they can land the arms necessary to elevate their performance in the coming season.
