[The Athletic] What we’re hearing about the Cubs’ pitching pursuits, from Dylan Cease to Michael King
November 14, 2025
A lot of names mentioned in here. Worth a read
12 comments
Non-paywall link?
I’ll believe it when I see it. At this point I think the Cubs kick the tires on big free agents merely to generate articles like this. It makes it look like they have a desire to spend and keeps people off their back about spending. The problem is, when you do that for 10 years it stops working. Maybe they’re gearing up for a labor stoppage, but my guess is that’s just another convenient excuse to draw back spending. Jason Heyward continues to be our biggest FA signing in franchise history and I don’t believe that’s gonna change this off-season.
Edit: thankfully that little gremlin Ken Rosenthal started calling them out for their spending habits this year, so hopefully the media keeps that up
I’d be shocked if the cubs got a QO type pitcher. Really hope the Bubic rumor is legit
Need to replace Shota so I hope they get someone.
I would imagine Shota’s decision to accept the QO would derail all of this. I cannot see cubs front office paying another pitcher 20+ to be a 6th starter. Unless there’s reports of Steele not being ready, this front office hasn’t been one to spend like that.
I think Shota is more likely to accept the QO than decline. I’m sure his agent will say the draft comp will make his FA market less appealing than a 22mil 1 year deal. Which team is going to give him 2+ year contract with lockout implications and draft pick?
We need a guy to pair with Horton. If Steele comes back and can be a 3 for us that would be fantastic.
I saw an article yesterday saying we were going to trade Horton and Suzuki to the padres for prospects.
I would love Cease back with the Cubs for no other reason than I’m friends with him on Oldschool RuneScape
I’m sure they’ll pursue.
Can someone give the TLDR? The comment talking Bubic intrigued me…
This article sets the tone that they’ll be out on Imai due to costs
12 comments
Non-paywall link?
I’ll believe it when I see it. At this point I think the Cubs kick the tires on big free agents merely to generate articles like this. It makes it look like they have a desire to spend and keeps people off their back about spending. The problem is, when you do that for 10 years it stops working. Maybe they’re gearing up for a labor stoppage, but my guess is that’s just another convenient excuse to draw back spending. Jason Heyward continues to be our biggest FA signing in franchise history and I don’t believe that’s gonna change this off-season.
Edit: thankfully that little gremlin Ken Rosenthal started calling them out for their spending habits this year, so hopefully the media keeps that up
I’d be shocked if the cubs got a QO type pitcher. Really hope the Bubic rumor is legit
Need to replace Shota so I hope they get someone.
I would imagine Shota’s decision to accept the QO would derail all of this. I cannot see cubs front office paying another pitcher 20+ to be a 6th starter. Unless there’s reports of Steele not being ready, this front office hasn’t been one to spend like that.
I think Shota is more likely to accept the QO than decline. I’m sure his agent will say the draft comp will make his FA market less appealing than a 22mil 1 year deal. Which team is going to give him 2+ year contract with lockout implications and draft pick?
We need a guy to pair with Horton. If Steele comes back and can be a 3 for us that would be fantastic.
I saw an article yesterday saying we were going to trade Horton and Suzuki to the padres for prospects.
I would love Cease back with the Cubs for no other reason than I’m friends with him on Oldschool RuneScape
I’m sure they’ll pursue.
Can someone give the TLDR? The comment talking Bubic intrigued me…
This article sets the tone that they’ll be out on Imai due to costs