The Chicago Cubs placed the focus on pitching for the 2025 season well before the hot stove league got even marginally warm.
The focus, according to reports, was going to be on starting pitching and, then, on bullpen depth. Thus far, some of that has been accomplished, but even Cubs brass would admit that the job hasn’t been finished just yet, as everyone puts the holidays behind them and focuses on adding more to their respective teams.
Here’s a look at what the Cubs have added– and subtracted– to their pitching staff so far this off season:
Additions:
Rob Zastryzny
Eli Morgan
Matthew Boyd
Cody Poteet
Caleb Thielbar
Subtractions:
Heyden Wesneski
Yency Almonte
Drew Smyly
Adbert Alzolay
Kyle Hendricks
Jorge Lopez
The Starter Situation
Right now, the Cubs have a pretty solid 5-man rotation set for the coming season. Cleveland Guardians lefty Matthew Boyd was brought aboard to essentially take the place of Kyle Hendricks on a 2-year, $29 million deal.
The Rehabbed Boyd, who dazzled after returning from Tommy John surgery in late 2024, will most likely be an upgrade over the beloved but inconsistent Hendricks, even in a worst case scenario.
As of right now, the rotation is set with Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Boyd, and Javier Assad making up the starting 5. Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown will be young backup, just in case. Losing Heyden Wesneski in the Kyle Tucker trade takes one big arm out of contention, but it won’t likely be too large of a factor.
It’s quite likely that the Cubs will add another starter before spring training, adding to the rotation depth and, perhaps, forcing Assad into a long relief role.
Thus far this offseason, the team has been tied to rumors regarding Jesús Luzardo, Luis Castillo, and Pablo López, so it’s clear that they’re serious about adding someone. They also still have their line cast for the big fish, Japanese star Roki Sasaki
The Reliever Situation
The Cubs have yet to add that big closer so many wanted them to pursue. The probable reason for that is that they feel they already have him in the form of Porter Hodge, who was shutdown-excellent over the last part of the season.
Most likely, the Cubs will pursue a solid middle relief presence– if they choose to dip into the deeper end of the remaining free agent talent pool at all. Picking up Eli Morgan and Cody Poteet attest to that possible mindset, as does the recent one-year free agent acquisition of former Minnesota Twin, lefty Caleb Thielbar and the waiver wire acquisition of Milwaukee Brewers lefty Rob Zastryzny at the end of last season.
Young talent like Wicks and Brown will be around to boost the rest of the relief corps.
The Chicago Cubs Final Tally
The Cubs pitching staff is clearly still a work in progress. All in all, most of the pieces are there. Maybe one or two additions, plus some good coaching, will deliver a post-season-prepared staff.
Proposed trade idea sends Chicago Cubs outfielder to the Red Sox for this starting pitcher
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