The Chicago Cubs have a few clear priorities as they look to retool their roster for the 2026 season.
Perhaps the most important is getting relievers signed, since they lost many key bullpen pieces to free agency this offseason. While finding a way to replace Kyle Tucker’s offensive impact is surely something Jed Hoyer and the rest of the front office will look into, it isn’t an absolute necessity, given that talent and depth Chicago’s outfield already has.
But the Cubs’ brass has asserted that adding another quality starting pitcher is at the top of their to-do list. The general thought is that they would be doing so through free agency, perhaps acquiring a name like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Dylan Cease, or Michael King.
Then again, free agency isn’t the only option. Hoyer could execute a trade for an ace-caliber pitcher, which would be a way to improve the rotation while keeping money in the budget for the bullpen and improving the Cubs’ offense.