Concerning Cubs' free agency update suggests they are ready to make a familiar mistake

The stage could be set for the Chicago Cubs to repeat a mistake they made at the MLB trade deadline last season. The Cubs entered the deadline with a need in the rotation and only came away with an oft-injured swingman in Michael Soroka. The Cubs' stated goal this offseason was to add a power pitcher to their rotation, and it seems that they are already moving the goalposts.

The Cubs remained linked to Tatsuya Imai, and it's possible that's the reason they have had a hard cap in their bidding elsewhere, and could be one of the reasons why they have moved to the background of the Michael King sweepstakes.

Chicago Cubs Rumors: Free-agent starting pitchers may not be the priority this offseason

The Athletic's (subscription required) Patrick Mooney reports that while the Cubs have "varying levels of interest" in Imai, King, and Zac Gallen, they don't view another of those three as a priority addition. Mooney also adds that the Cubs remain interested in a scenario where they sign third baseman Alex Bregman and then trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher.

Mooney also floats one scenario where the Cubs could look to use their open 40-man roster spots as a way to offer a longer leash to some of the pitchers already in their organization. If we reach February and that is the scenario that has unfolded, there would need to be serious questions about the resources available to the front office moving forward.

In a sense, it does feel like the Cubs are still trying to map out the direction they want to take this offseason. That could explain why they have been easily outbid in their other pursuits and weren't inclined to match the multi-year deal Brad Keller signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

It could also explain why Nico Hoerner's name keeps surfacing in trade rumors. As the Cubs explore all possibilities, that includes certain scenarios that are far from likely. If nothing else, it helps them get an understanding of not only Hoerner's value and a possible contract extension, but what trade paths could be open that they weren't expecting.

One thing needs to be made very clear: the Cubs can't walk away from this offseason repeating the same mistake they made with Soroka in July. Soroka was never a clear answer for what the Cubs needed most at the deadline, and if that type of settling happens this winter, it's only going to lead to further disappointment in 2026.