4 Cubs players playing their way out of the team's 2027 plans

For contending teams, the end of the regular season is somewhat of a balance. The focus certainly is on the playoffs, but some conversations begin to shape around the decisions that will need to be made during the offseason. The Chicago Cubs aren't exempt from this reality, and while they've pushed their chips to the middle of the table for the 2026 season, there's no ignoring that things will look different for the team this offseason.

Most of the turnover will be across the Cubs' pitching staff. A bulk of the names occupying roles in their starting rotation and bullpen will be free agents this winter. Though, they shouldn't ignore Seiya Suzuki, and they have the space to make him a priority while focusing on adding pitching this offseason

Here are the Cubs players who are headed the wrong way fast as the end of the season approaches

Shota Imanaga

Matthew Boyd, Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, and Shota Imanaga are all free agents this offseason. Chances are the Cubs prefer to bring at least one pitcher back from that group, but it's likely that Imanaga would be the last option considered under that scenario. Imanaga has largely been good for the Cubs this season, but recent trends offer some concern. Nothing too alarming at the moment, but enough that the Cubs probably won't race to be at the front of his market this offseason.

Colin Rea

It feels like the Cubs have exhausted the magic that has been Colin Rea over these past two years. He's been the unsung hero for the pitching staff, but it also feels like the act is up. Rea has an ERA of 4.55 ERA on the season, but his FIP is 4.92 and he's carrying an xERA of 5.58. He has a $7.5 million club-option for the 2027 season, and it would seem the easiest thing for the Cubs to do is to let him walk while allowing Javier Assad to serve in the defined swingman role next season.

Kevin Alcantara

Kevin Alcantara has to make his obligatory appearance on a list like this. The Cubs might have a need for a left fielder and right fielder next season, but there's been nothing to suggest Alcantara is legitimate option to be in the starting lineup. Perhaps he sticks around as the fourth outfielder on the bench, but his future with the Cubs doesn't look great.

Phil Maton

Phil Maton will be entering the second and final year of his contract with the Cubs in 2027, and if his struggles returns once he puts this current knee injury behind him, the Cubs probably won't waste much time cutting him loose. Such a fate was never going to happen this season, but far easier to picture next season, assuming Maton doesn't quickly return to form.

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