Although the Chicago Cubs are technically still in the running for a wild-card spot in the National League, it’s very unlikely that they’ll make it. Never say never, but the Cubs will likely go into the offseason and make some moves to get back to the playoffs in 2025.
Jed Hoyer has made it no secret that he wants to get the team back into the league next year, and if he really wants to do that, he’ll have to be aggressive in getting some of his needs met.
A quick list of needs shows that Chicago could use some reinforcement at catcher, although they may already have that in their system in the form of Moises Ballesteros. They also need a closer, that was very clear. Certainly the Cubs could use more help in the bullpen as well.
Although the offseason is still a while away, Chicago is already being linked to a few elite starters, but rotation reinforcements are arguably the position that needs the least help.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Cubs have four of their starters in Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad.
Corbin Burnes is one name being discussed as a potential free agent target, and now there’s another starter being linked to Chicago.
Mark Feinsand from MLB.com looked at the top 10 free agents for the upcoming offseason. When it came to soon-to-be Atlanta Braves free agent Max Fried, he named the Cubs as one of the most likely candidates for him.
Here’s what he had to say about Fried’s upcoming free agency:
“Fried is one of the few homegrown Braves who has not yet signed a long-term contract extension, putting him on track to test the free agent market after his second All-Star season in three years. The left-hander’s ERA of 3.62 after 21 starts is actually his highest since 2019, but Fried – a three-time Gold Glove winner – will be one of the best starting pitchers available this winter.”
So far in the 2024 MLB season, Fried has started 22 games. He has gone 7-7, has a 3.57 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, a 2.6 K/BB ratio, and 128.2 innings pitched.
Signing another starter would complete the rotation, but Chicago should focus its money on positions where more personnel is needed.
It’s interesting to think about the Cubs and whether Fried might fit in. He could be a good addition if the team truly believes that adding another starter is the right move to remain competitive.
Still, it’s not very likely that Chicago will spend a lot of money on a starter, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
