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Rival execs brace for Cubs to fix glaring need with shocking aggression

Cubs offseason could start with a bang as execs brace for bold moves
ByJordan Campbell|
Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jed Hoyer President of the Chicago Cubs walks onto the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jed Hoyer President of the Chicago Cubs walks onto the field before a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele was spotted running the outfield of Wrigley Field over the weekend, which led to the dream of Steele being the Cubs' Game 1 starter against the San Diego Padres this week. Of course, a 6-month recovery from Tommy John surgery would defy logic, but Steele's presence was a reminder that the Cubs never quite replaced his spot in the starting rotation this season.

An ill-timed reminder, considering the injury to Cade Horton likely derailed the original pitching plans the Cubs had for their Wild Card series. The Cubs were believed to be in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher at the MLB trade deadline but wound up scoffing at the asking prices.

While Steele is expected to be ready at some point during the early months of the 2026 season, the Cubs are expected to prioritize pitching this offseason. Rival executives and agents told MLB insider Bob Nightengale that the Cubs will be among the most aggressive teams to address their need for pitching this winter.

Rival execs expect Cubs to chase big moves to fix glaring offseason hole

Now, to be fair, it wouldn't be an offseason if the Cubs weren't rumored to make an aggressive move. Despite the fact that the Cubs haven't been among the needle-movers of the offseason in quite some time, agents love to use them as a way to create leverage for their dealings across the league.

The Cubs certainly will need pitching, but with a work stoppage looming after the 2026 season, the same reservations the team had at the deadline will likely emerge again this offseason. In other words, the Cubs suddenly won't be inclined to move their top prospects even though their contention window is fully open.

Many of the same names the Cubs were interested in at the deadline--Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Mitch Keller, Joe Ryan, and MacKenzie Gore--will likely be on the trade market this offseason. The Cubs almost certainly will check in on each of those pitchers once again, but finding another Matthew Boyd-type deal will likely be the priority of Jed Hoyer's front office.

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