If we follow the rumor trail, it seems as though the Chicago Cubs are going to be big players in free agency this offseason. They currently have a qualifying offer out to Shota Imanaga worth more than $22 million, though it’s believed he will decline it. Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma are reporting the Cubs’ interest in additional big names.
They’re reporting that the Cubs want to “build more pitching depth, both at the top of the rotation and throughout the organization,” and specifically go on to name Michael King and Dylan Cease as potential targets.
King had a bit of a lost season in 2025 due to injury. However, in 2024, he threw 173 1/3 innings in his first full year as a starter. In that season, he posted an impressive 3.33 FIP and a 19.0% K-BB rate. That’s why MLBTR predicts he’ll earn a four-year, $80 million contract in free agency this year. It will be up to King if he wants the extra couple of million over long-term security he’ll receive by becoming a free agent.
Cease, who is a free agent, has been a modern-day iron man, making 32 starts in five consecutive seasons. His productivity has alternated each season he’s been with the club, receiving Cy Young votes in 2022 and 2024 while sporting ERAs north of 4.00 in 2023 and 2025. About to enter his age-30 season, MLBTR predicts Cease will get a seven-year, $189 million contract via free agency. Given the security and an extra $5 million in 2026, it’s hard to imagine Cease will accept the qualifying offer.
As a reminder, a team receives compensatory draft picks if its free agent rejects the qualifying offer and signs with a new club. Conversely, the team making the signing must forfeit draft picks, with the exact picks exchanged depending on the financial status of both organizations (e.g., whether they pay the Competitive Balance Tax or receive revenue sharing).
Which pitcher should the Cubs prioritize? Let us know in the comments!