Chicago Cubs Rumors: No-brainer offseason move predicted by local insider

With the Chicago Cubs no longer having a path to making the postseason in 2024, the focus has shifted to what the team needs to become to close the gap between them and the Milwaukee Brewers.

The crutch that kept the Cubs in the postseason conversation for as long as they was the starting pitcher. Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga have proven to be to two of the best starting pitchers in the National League while Jameson Taillon has proved capable of being a No. 3 in a starting rotation.

It's an ideal starting point for the Cubs, and one they may double down on this offseason. We've already seen the connections being made between Corbin Burnes and the Cubs, suggesting that the Cubs will be focusing on improving their run-prevention strategy this offseason. While not mentioning Burnes by name, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic (Subscription Required) confirmed that the Cubs are planning on adding an established starting pitcher this offseason.

The Cubs are planning to add an established starting pitcher to a group that includes Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad. There’s ample room for a free agent who would be expected to make 30 starts and could be trusted in a playoff game. It’s a clear way to improve one of the team’s strengths while also creating options for the bullpen and more depth at Triple-A Iowa.

There's not a clear path for the Cubs this offseason to improve their offense. There likely will be a move or two to add a different profile to the team's starting lineup, but it likely won't be the major move they make this offseason. Instead, it seems that the Cubs are planning on prioritizing the addition of a starting pitcher.

It may not be the move that Cubs fans have at the top of their wish list but it is a move that makes complete sense. Given the philosophy of Jed Hoyer, the Cubs are never going to be an offensive juggernaut unless their prospects find immediate success next season. If the Cubs are going to reach the postseason in 2025, it will be due to their pitching staff.

The addition of an established starting pitcher gives the Cubs flexibility when using a pitcher like Ben Brown. Instead of moving back to the rotation, if the Cubs add a veteran starter this offseason, Brown could serve as an ace out of the bullpen.