High-octane free agent pitcher has all the makings of a Cubs offseason target

The Chicago Cubs are going to be looking for a proven performer to add to the starting rotation this winter and longtime Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler could be the perfect fit.

Heading into free agency for the first time, Buehler is in the midst of the worst season of his professional career. He's made just 13 starts, working to a 5.95 ERA and 6.09 FIP across 59 innings of work. The two-time All-Star missed two months with a right hip injury that came on the heels of his missing the entire 2023 campaign because of his second Tommy John surgery. Needless to say, this wasn't the platform season Buehler was hoping for.

Given his checkered injury past and his ineffectiveness since returning from the IL, his market will undoubtedly be watered down. He's just three years removed from an All-Star selection and a fourth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting, but he's been unable to replicate that dominance since.

Jed Hoyer has to be chomping at the bit to talk with Buehler because he's got all the makings of a guy who might take a one or two-year deal in hopes of re-establishing his value and then dipping back into free agency looking to score that major payday.

As fun as it would be to see Corbin Burnes in this rotation alongside Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, it's hard to imagine the Cubs doling out their first $200 million contract to get that done. A far likelier path forward to add proven velocity and results to the rotation is a pursuit of Buehler or someone like Nathan Eovaldi, both of whom should be available on shorter-term pacts.

There's risk with Buehler. But with major dollars coming off the books, it's a risk the team can afford to take. When he's at his best, he's one of the most dominant arms in the game. And if he stumbles, the Cubs' internal pitching depth is in place to help the club weather the storm. If there's a short-term deal to be offered here, Hoyer has to be first in line to do so.