With their playoff hopes all but dashed for this season, the Chicago Cubs are gearing up to retool for contention in 2025.
A critical aspect of their strategy will be to build a strong and effective starting rotation. While the Cubs already have key players like Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports that acquiring another experienced starter will be a top priority this offseason.
Mooney suggests that free agent Walker Buehler could be a target for a short-term contract. “The Cubs will look into ways to enhance their rotation and utilize their pitching infrastructure,” Mooney said. “This might include offering a significant one-year deal to a pitcher aiming to prove his health and regain his high value, such as Walker Buehler.”
Buehler, who is set to become a free agent, may be looking at a “prove-it” deal after a challenging 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had impressive All-Star seasons in 2019 and 2021 but missed most of 2022 and all of 2023 due to injuries. This year, he has struggled with a 5.54 ERA in 14 starts and has been sidelined by injuries again.
Despite these setbacks, there is still potential for Buehler. He has shown some promise with a 4.50 ERA in September and a strong performance against the Atlanta Braves, limiting them to three hits over six innings.
If Buehler can capitalize on his recent form and contribute significantly to the Dodgers’ postseason run, he may attract substantial interest in free agency. However, as of now, a substantial one-year offer from the Cubs could be enough to bring the two-time All-Star to Chicago.
Curt Bishop of The Sporting News notes, “There are teams that might take a chance on Buehler with a one- or two-year deal, allowing him to boost his value for the future. It will be interesting to see what his market looks like in the offseason.”
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