Jed Hoyer's GM meeting comment just revealed the Cubs' offseason plan

While speaking with reporters at the GM meetings, Jed Hoyer not only had a more definitive outlook for the Chicago Cubs' offseason, but also confirmed what the team's priority will be. Considering the number of veteran free agents who have departed the team's bullpen, and Shota Imanaga suddenly becoming a free agent, it's clear the focus for the Cubs is on pitching.

There have already been plenty of rumblings that the Cubs will be focusing on arms this offseason. It was also clear in last year's postseason that more top-end pitching would be useful when the Cubs had to default to a bullpen game in the winner-take-all NLDS matchup in Milwaukee.

It's no secret that pitching is the focus for the Cubs this offseason, but a question remains of how aggressive they will be.

Two big questions that come up are, what are they willing to commit whether it's cash or trade chips, and is the Cubs taking a big gamble on internal position solutions the best approach?

Hoyer confirmed that the Cubs will be active in the trade market, while keeping an eye on the names at the top of the free-agent class, as well as potential minor league deals. Last offseason, Matthew Boyd and Brad Keller were two key additions to the Cubs' pitching staff, and both were referenced by Hoyer while talking about the avenues the team will take this winter.

For the Cubs, it's a matter of what their offseason budget will allow. Notable top free agent starters (assuming nobody picks up QOs) include Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez, and Michael King. The second tier includes Chris Bassitt, Brandon Woodruff, Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Lucas Giolito, among others. There is also Japanese superstar Tatsuya Imai.

That top tier is going to be costly, and with a potential work stoppage looming in 2027, the years in which these guys seek and what the market is willing to give can play a big factor. That second tier honestly feels more on par with what to expect from the Cubs this winter. They are not cheap, nor invaluable, but not the top-priced arms.

Targeting a free-agent arm in the middle tier also wouldn't preclude the Cubs from a big swing in the trade market. With names like Tarik Skubal, Hunter Greene, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, and MacKenzie Gore all potentially available, the Cubs could strike big if they were willing to move some of the prospects at the top of their farm system.