Cubs Rumors: Japanese ace offers intriguing solution to looming pitching need

The Chicago Cubs are expected to prioritize pitching during the offseason, and that's partially designed to the numbers of pitchers they have becoming free agents. Every current starting pitcher in their rotation will be a free agent, in addition to most of their bullpen.

There likely will be some interest from the Cubs in retaining some of their departing pitchers. For the aisle in which the Cubs are expected to be shopping in this offseason, Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes should be among the priorities for the team. Short of regression to close out the regular season, Matthew Boyd is probably in that conversation as well.

That doesn't mean the Cubs won't look at other options. One option that could be on the Cubs' radar is 26-year-old Japanese starting pitcher Kaima Taira. There's been little talk of Taira making the jump to the majors this offseason, but he's eligible to be posted. Perhaps that is why the Cubs are doing some early homework on the right-hander, considering they had scouts at his most recent start.

Not eager to go to to the top of the market, Kaima Taira should be in the Cubs' offseason price range

As was the case last offseason with Tatsuya Imai, it can be difficult projecting contracts for pitchers making the jump from Japan that aren't in the same stratosphere as Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Imai, for example, was initially expected to receive a contract north of $100 million. Instead, he signed a thee-year deal with the Houston Astros under $60 million.

At first blush, it would seem that is the range that Taira's contract will fall in. Since making his debut in the NPB during the 2019 season, this season is only the second time that he's been used exclusively as a starting pitcher. Through his first 117 innings pitched this season, he's carrying an ERA of 1.46 while striking out over 23% of the hitters he's faced.

The knock on the Cubs' rotation in recent years is that they've lacked pitchers with velocity who are also capable of missing bats. Taira, in theory, would check that box. But, it's important to note that his swing-and-miss stuff hasn't exactly matched the level it's been at when he's been used as a reliever, but nothing that should shy the Cubs away from his profile.

In a world where Taira becomes highly coveted, it would be fair to suggest that the Cubs will look in other directions. But, for right now, he looks like an ideal target, considering the needs Jed Hoyer and Co. will have.

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