Tatsuya Imai might be the curveball behind Cubs’ silent Winter Meetings strategy

Entering the final day of the Winter Meetings, it seems that we've reached the point where the likeliest scenario is that the Chicago Cubs won't be making a move of consequence. In part, that's tied to other teams. For example, it feels like the Cubs are waiting for the Boston Red Sox to move off of Alex Bregman before ramping up their pursuit of the All-Star third baseman. However, the largest reason could be that their top priority is not close to making a decision.

Adding a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher is the goal for the Cubs this offseason, and if the Winters Meetings pass with no such addition, there will be plenty of hot takes to be had about the "Cubs being the Cubs".

There's often a level of laziness when it comes to being critical of the Cubs' offseason approach, as many talk with absolutes instead of letting the offseason play out. Patience is needed this offseason because if nothing else, one takeaway from this week could be that Tatsuya Imai is the preferred target of Jed Hoyer and Co.

The Cubs eyeing Tatsuya Imai could be why they have been dormant at the Winter Meetings.

Imai's posting window doesn't close until January 2, and he's not expected to start meetings with teams until next week. There wasn't a scenario where the Japanese starting pitcher was going to sign with a team this week.

That would explain why the Cubs haven't exactly stepped up their efforts to sign Michael King or Zac Gallen. Imai could be the costliest addition, and while there is some question of his pitch mix, his fastball reaching triple digits, along with his swing-and-miss profile, make the 27-year-old starting pitcher a clear answer for the Cubs' need for another ace. He is also one of the younger options available to the Cubs this winter.

There's always an uneasiness when the Winter Meetings come and go without the Cubs making a move. However, it's important to remember that while a deal may not be finalized before Thursday, the framework could be established. That was the case last offseason when the Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker a few days after the meetings concluded.