With the Winter Meetings in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Cubs still have a long way to go in order to improve the team heading into the 2026 season. While they came out of this week without a major move, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told reporters that he expects action to pick up again across the league in the coming weeks. 

While Cubs fans may have a reason to be suspicious, here are three names Hoyer and Co. could target to help put their minds at ease.

3 big names Cubs fans would love to see added post-Winter MeetingsAlex Bregman

With Pete Alonso signing with the Baltimore Orioles, Alex Bregman remains one of the top bats not named Kyle Tucker that’s still on the market. Reports of a secret meeting with Alonso prove the Cubs are at least willing to make a splash if the deal is right. Bregman would not only supplies a strong right-handed bat to the lineup, but brings a wealth of winning experience to the table as a two-time World Series champion.

.@ihapp_1 thinks that Alex Bregman’s bat would fit very well in the Cubs’ lineup 👀 pic.twitter.com/xSDe0SELDA

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) December 11, 2025

Bregman and the Cubs certainly aren’t strangers, as evidenced by last year’s contract negotiations that nearly brought him to the North Side. If the Cubs can resume talks, it would provide a huge boost to an already strong lineup.

Tatsuya Imai

Entering the offseason, the Cubs are set to welcome back Shota Imanaga on a qualifying offer, while also regaining Justin Steele at some point to begin the 2026 season. Still, the Cubs are a team desperate to add to their rotation after multiple starters either regressed or battled injuries in 2025. Japanese sensation Tatsuya Imai certainly checks off that box, as the right hander struck out 178 hitters with a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings with the Seibu Lions in NPB.  

The Cubs have been linked to a lot of starting pitchers in free agency, but the name that keeps popping up the most for them is Tatsuya Imai, @JonHeyman told @mullyhaugh. pic.twitter.com/ss4KeeIbQz

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) December 10, 2025

With a fastball that can touch triple digits and solid breaking stuff to boot, Imai is not only a top target for the Cubs, but one of the best starting pitchers on the market. Given the Cubs recent success with Japanese ballplayers, expect them to be a major player in the Imai sweepstakes.

Edward Cabrera

If they can’t connect through free agency, the Cubs could find themselves improving their roster through the trade market. One such player that could easily bolster the rotation is Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins. The Cubs are already familiar with him from last year’s trade deadline, but were unwilling to part with Cade Horton, Owen Caissie and Matt Shaw in the same package. This time around, the Marlins seem keen to keep starter Sandy Alcantara, but are willing to shop Cabrera, meaning the Cubs will almost certainly take another look.

Cabrera has had his share of injury struggles in his career and would cost significant prospect capital, but having a front-line starter under team control through the 2028 season means the Cubs may be more willing to make a move this time around.