Ranking the available free agent starting pitchers for the Cubs to target heading into 2025

The Chicago Cubs pitching staff had a strong 2024, finishing the season with a 10th-ranked 3.78 Earned Run Average.

If the Cubs want to remain competitive going into 2025, however, they should look into adding another starter or two.

Here are five potential options for the Cubs to consider.

5. Michael Wacha.

If Wacha chooses not to exercise his player option, the former Cardinal could be a good candidate for rotation support. The 33-year-old right-hander went 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA in a strong season for the Kansas City Royals. He is not much of a strikeout pitcher, but his game could play well on a Cubs team that was ninth in Outs Above Average in 2024.

4. Jack Flaherty

The 29-year-old righty put up a 13-7 record and a 3.17 ERA in a 2024 season split between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Flaherty has been inconsistent in terms of health, as 2024 was his first qualified season since 2019. The Cubs should look to sign Flaherty to a short-term deal with a higher AAV. Such a deal would place trust in Flaherty without taking too much of a risk on his overall longevity. 

3. Max Fried

As one of the top free-agent pitchers this year, Fried won’t be cheap. If the Cubs want to compete, however, they should look into adding at least one top starter and one top bat. Fried was his usual self this season, pitching to a 3.25 ERA. Fried likely won’t be available for much less than $25 million AAV, but if the Cubs sign him, they could have another ace lefty in the fold like they did with Jon Lester during their last championship run.

2. Blake Snell

Snell does have a player option with the San Francisco Giants, but if he opts out, he will be one of the top lefties on the market. He only pitched 104 innings this year, but still picked up 144 strikeouts and pitched to a 3.12 ERA.

1. Corbin Burnes

Burnes is the best starter on the free agent market this year and with good reason. In 194.1 innings with the Baltimore Orioles this year, Burnes posted a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts. Burnes’ last four seasons have been very strong and he could provide the extra push that an already solid Cubs rotation needs.