Heartbreak for Cubs fans! Just when it looked like Tatsuya Imai was heading to Wrigleyville, he inked a deal with the Astros. This unexpected turn of events leaves a gaping hole in the Cubs' pitching rotation plans, and now it seems they're shifting their focus. But here's the big question: are they settling for less? It appears the Cubs are now eyeing mid-tier free agent starters, a move that could leave some fans feeling underwhelmed.
The initial plan seemed straightforward: solidify the rotation with a rising star like Imai. At 27, he was poised to make a significant impact. However, his final contract with Houston, loaded with opt-out clauses, apparently didn't align with the Cubs' long-term vision. The Cubs, needing a pitcher for the long haul, weren't willing to gamble on a player who could potentially leave after just a season or two. It's a calculated risk assessment, but one that leaves them scrambling.
So, with Imai out of the picture, where do the Cubs turn? According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, don't expect a blockbuster move for another top-tier arm like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez. While those names might excite the fanbase, the Cubs seem to be taking a more measured approach. Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' President of Baseball Operations, may instead consider a pitcher like Zac Gallen. Remember the rumors from December about Gallen potentially joining the Cubs? And this is the part most people miss... It turns out Gallen was busy getting married at the time! A humorous side note to a serious situation.
Gallen is an interesting case. Coming off what was statistically his worst year (a 4.83 ERA over 192 innings), he's also a pitcher with a proven track record of success. He boasts three top-10 Cy Young finishes, including a 5th place finish in 2022, where he led MLB with a sparkling 0.913 WHIP. His 2023 was even better, earning him his first All-Star selection and a 3rd place Cy Young finish, even garnering some MVP votes. While 2025 wasn't his best, the talent is undeniably there.
Gallen predominantly relies on his fastball, throwing his four-seamer almost half the time. However, his changeup and knuckle curve have proven to be effective weapons as well. Acquiring Gallen would be something of a reclamation project, aiming to unlock his previous potential. He could slot into the bottom of the rotation. But here's where it gets controversial... Is that really enough for a team that desperately needs a dynamic presence at the top of their starting staff? A short-term, low-cost contract might be appealing if the Cubs' pitching development team believes they can iron out the kinks in his game and get him back to his former glory.
Feinsand also suggests Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt, and Zack Littell as potential targets. None of these pitchers are considered elite, but each brings something different to the table. Giolito is coming off a season where he struggled with hard contact, allowing an average exit velocity of 90.3 mph. A UCL injury sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, and an elbow issue hampered him in the 2025 postseason. Although he managed a 3.41 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in 145 innings, those numbers masked underlying problems. His strikeout rate plummeted to its lowest since 2018, and his expected ERA (4.99) was higher than in any of the previous five seasons. While his velocity remained consistent with his career average (around 93 mph), his inability to generate swings and misses is a major concern.
Bassitt, on the other hand, might be the most intriguing option of the three. He made 31 starts for the Blue Jays in 2025, posting a solid 3.96 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. He was used as a reliever in the postseason, but remains a viable starting option. His hard-hit rate (36.6%) ranked in the 80th percentile, and his average exit velocity against (87.7 mph) was among the league's best. Even though he'll be 37 in February and his fastball velocity has dipped below 92 mph, Bassitt boasts an impressive repertoire of eight different pitches (according to Statcast). While his strikeout rate (22.6%) is only slightly above his career average, he maintains a low walk rate, a crucial attribute for a pitcher who doesn't rely heavily on strikeouts. Bassitt has consistently produced at least 2.0 fWAR in every full season since 2019, showcasing his reliability.
Littell experienced some positive regression last season, pitching 186.2 innings with a 3.81 ERA, significantly lower than his 4.88 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching). This discrepancy was largely due to a career-low .249 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play) against him, suggesting he benefited from good luck and strong defense behind him. One of Littell's strengths is his command; his 4.2% walk rate ranked among the best in baseball. However, he struggled to miss bats, allowing a considerable amount of hard contact, resulting in a low 17.1% strikeout rate and a concerning 36 home runs allowed.
Of course, Hoyer could also explore the trade market. A pitcher like Edward Cabrera of the Marlins might be an option, but acquiring him would likely require parting with a significant package of prospects. As the Cubs continue their search for rotation help, the reality is sinking in: they're likely to target middle-to-lower-tier arms, either through free agency or trade. This raises a crucial question: Is this approach enough to propel the Cubs back into contention? Will these potential additions provide the stability and upside the team needs? Or are the Cubs settling for mediocrity? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
