Cubs may want to dodge Bleacher Report’s latest free agent prediction entirely

While the Chicago Cubs didn't make any moves of consequence during the Winter Meetings, signing Hoby Milner the day after, there seems to be a clear sense of the starting pitchers they are targeting. If they aren't able to trade for one of Edward Cabrera or MacKenzie Gore, it would seem likely that the Cubs will sign a free agent from the group of Tatsuya Imai, Michael King, or Zac Gallen.

There haven't been too many connections between the Cubs and Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez. While both have been models of consistency during their respective tenures with the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies, for the type of contract they might demand, it would seem that Chicago would prefer to get a pitch with a swing-and-miss profile.

Bleacher Report's Post Winter Meetings free-agent predictions have the Cubs landing Ranger Suarez.

That would be the reason why it's hard to put too much stock into Bleacher Report's latest round of free-agent predictions. In a show of the Cubs addressing their need in the rotation, they have the team inking Suarez on a four-year deal worth $110 million with an opt-out available after 2027.

That feels like a contract the Cubs would be willing to do, but only if all of their preferred options were no longer available.

Dealing with back issues over the last few years, Suarez isn't quite the workhorse who could eat up innings for the Cubs, but if nothing else, he would manage to get outs. In 26 starts last year, Suarez posted a 3.20 ERA with a ground ball rate of 46.8%. With the defense that he would be playing in front of with the Cubs, there would be a belief that he could be even better.

But, again, part of the reason why the Cubs are looking for a starting pitcher is that they need someone who can miss bats in their rotation. Suarez wouldn't check that box for the Cubs.

In a world where Suarez is still on the market in February, and the Cubs still have a need in the rotation, it would be only natural for Jed Hoyer to check in. But before then, he probably will aim for greater impact while addressing his top priority this winter.