3 flawed free agents the Cubs must avoid at all costs this offseason

2. RHP Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler is a former first-round pick and two-time All-Star entering his age-30 season. At one point, he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, culminating in a Cy Young-caliber campaign in 2021. That year, he amassed 207 2/3 innings, with a 2.47 ERA and 212 strikeouts. He's never come close to replicating those numbers since.

Buehler underwent several procedures in 2022, including his second Tommy John surgery, bone spur removal and a flexor tendon repair. The former Dodgers ace was sidelined for all of 2023 and returned this year looking like a different pitcher. In 16 starts, Buehler had a 5.38 ERA (5.54 FIP) with a 1.55 WHIP.

Buehler is hitting free agency after the postseason, where he will be one of the Dodgers' main starters given their list of extensive pitching injuries. His postseason performance could seriously impact where he ends up playing in 2025, but regardless it should not be with the Cubs.

The Cubs have an impressive list of starting pitching depth who will hopefully be more healthy in 2025. That depth needs to be supplemented by high-end starting pitching like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. Buehler admittedly has a high ceiling, but his lackluster performance since returning from injury is concerning. Gambling on Buehler runs the risk of blowing up in the Cubs' face if he doesn't return to his old self.