Offseason Pitching Priorities
Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers Make Starting Pitching Their Top Offseason Priority
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The Cubs could face an unusually broad rotation rebuild: Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman were all identified as likely free agents. Boyd said, “I believe my best is still ahead of me. I hope it gets to be here.”
2
Hoyer said Milwaukee had “the best record in baseball the last two years,” and acknowledged that the Brewers’ pitching had been “exceptionally good”—a specific measure of the division rival’s recent edge over Chicago.
3
Imanaga’s 2026 season included 174 strikeouts in 174 innings and a 112 ERA+, but he allowed 35 home runs in 32 starts; the report suggested the Padres might consider a two- to three-year deal.
4
Detroit’s Drew Anderson moved into the starting rotation after the trade deadline and performed better in that role. Tigers president Scott Harris praised the team’s identification of Anderson as talent found “away from the conventional streams of acquisition.”
The Chicago Cubs are making pitching their top priority this offseason after an 89-win season ended in a wild-card sweep. Cubs president Jed Hoyer acknowledged that his rotation could face an unusually broad rebuild, with Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Kevin Gausman all likely to become free agents Chicago Sun-Times. The team has been linked to Padres free agent Michael King as it tries to close the gap with the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
The Detroit Tigers are also expected to pursue starting pitching this winter. The team must decide whether to exercise Drew Anderson's $10 million club option after he posted a 3.97 ERA with 114 strikeouts in 108 innings Heavy. Kevin Gausman has been floated as a potential veteran addition for Detroit, while Max Scherzer could return if he does not retire, despite injury concerns.
Cubs Face Sweeping Rotation Overhaul
The Cubs' pitching staff is in flux heading into the new year. Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Kevin Gausman were all acquired or developed but now face free agency Chicago Sun-Times. Boyd said, 'I believe my best is still ahead of me. I hope it gets to be here,' signaling his desire to stay but uncertainty about the team's plans.
Chicago is unlikely to enter a bidding war to retain outfielder Seiya Suzuki, freeing up resources for pitching acquisitions Chi City Sports. Hoyer has pointed to Michael King, a free agent from the Padres, as a potential target to strengthen the bullpen after acknowledging that his recent bullpen decisions fell short Baseball RealGM.
Brewers' Pitching Has Created Division Gap
Hoyer cited Milwaukee's dominance as motivation for the Cubs' aggressive offseason approach. The Cubs president said the Brewers had 'the best record in baseball the last two years,' and he specifically praised their pitching as 'exceptionally good' Chicago Sun-Times. Closing this gap will require significant roster improvements to compete for the World Series.
Imanaga Could Head to San Diego
Shota Imanaga, the left-hander the Cubs acquired, has been linked to the Padres as a possible rotation replacement Baseball RealGM. In 2026, Imanaga posted strong strikeout numbers with 174 strikeouts in 174 innings and a 112 ERA+. However, he allowed 35 home runs in 32 starts, which limited his value.
San Diego is believed to be considering a two- to three-year deal for Imanaga if the team loses other key starters Baseball RealGM. This would reunite the left-hander with a division rival and further deplete Chicago's rotation options.
Tigers Balance Budget and Talent in Rotation
Detroit must make a key decision on pitcher Drew Anderson this offseason. Anderson moved into the starting rotation after the trade deadline and performed better in that role, posting a 3.97 ERA with 114 strikeouts over 108 innings Heavy. Tigers president Scott Harris praised the team's ability to identify Anderson as talent found 'away from the conventional streams of acquisition.'
The Tigers are weighing whether to exercise Anderson's $10 million club option or explore the free agent market Heavy. Max Scherzer has been suggested as a possible reunion if he does not retire, though injury concerns and a poor season make him uncertain Sports Yahoo. Kevin Gausman remains a more reliable veteran option if Detroit wants to add established arms.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
17
Articles
10
Reach
27
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
