With their playoff hopes nearly dashed for this season, the Chicago Cubs are set to revamp their roster with an eye on contention for 2025.
A crucial aspect of succeeding in Major League Baseball is building a strong and reliable starting rotation. The Cubs already have key components like Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, but according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, adding another experienced starter will be a focus for the team this winter.
Mooney suggested that free agent Walker Buehler might be a viable option for a short-term deal.
“The Cubs will seek to enhance their rotation and capitalize on their pitching infrastructure,” Mooney noted. “This might involve offering a substantial one-year contract to a pitcher looking to demonstrate his health and reclaim his high-level performance, possibly someone like Walker Buehler.”
Following a lackluster 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Buehler could be looking at a “prove-it” contract with another team. After stellar All-Star seasons in 2019 and 2021, he struggled with injuries in 2022 and missed all of 2023. This year, he has faced more injuries and has a 5.54 ERA in the 14 games he has pitched.
Nevertheless, the 30-year-old still shows potential. He posted a 4.50 ERA in September and limited the Atlanta Braves to just three hits over six innings in his most recent outing.
If Buehler can build on his recent performance and contribute to a deep playoff run with the Dodgers, he could attract significant interest in free agency. For now, a substantial one-year offer from the Cubs might be enough to secure the two-time All-Star.
“Teams might look to buy low on Buehler with a one- or two-year deal, giving him a chance to boost his value for the future,” Curt Bishop wrote for The Sporting News. “It will be intriguing to see what his market looks like in the offseason.”
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