Cubs persist in exploring avenues for enhancement as the market for starting pitchers escalates

The Chicago Cubs have not completely finished reshaping their starting rotation following the acquisition of Matthew Boyd, according to league insiders ahead of the upcoming Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas. As Jed Hoyer’s team seeks impactful talent, there remains a chance they could trade for an additional starter, while also exploring various strategies to enhance the roster that extend beyond merely strengthening their pitching.

If any trade were to include Cody Bellinger, who may be considered a Plan B for other teams, it likely won’t transpire until after the most significant free agency moves take place. Like others in the baseball world, the Cubs are observing which team secures Juan Soto. This sought-after free agent is projected to ink the largest contract in baseball history, potentially altering the entire landscape. Only once this domino falls can the Cubs deeply contemplate trade scenarios involving Bellinger.

The Cubs are anticipated to add another viable option to their rotation. If this objective is realized in the coming weeks, it will likely occur through trade. However, should they decide to pursue free agency, they may opt to wait for the current surge in starting pitcher signings to settle, which has resulted in significantly increased costs.

For instance, the Cubs have been monitoring Walker Buehler, although the rising expenses for pitchers could possibly place the right-hander outside their desired financial range. Buehler, having recovered from two Tommy John surgeries, recorded a 5.38 ERA across 16 starts this year, yet excelled in critical moments during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series campaign.

It’s possible Buehler won’t have to resort to a prove-it deal, especially since he did not receive a qualifying offer, meaning draft-pick compensation won’t influence his next contract. The current demand for starting pitchers this offseason certainly augurs well for his immediate prospects.

Matthew Boyd marked the Cubs’ first pitching acquisition, but they are in pursuit of additional talent. (Nick Cammett / Getty Images)

By the Thanksgiving holiday, the Cubs had a sense of the direction the pitching market was heading and moved swiftly to finalize a two-year, $29 million agreement with Boyd. While this guarantee surpassed initial expectations — the left-hander hasn’t completed a full season since 2019 — it aligns with recent trends.

The Cubs are not alone in their preference for short- or medium-term contracts with elevated average annual values to maintain flexibility for their long-term goals. The demand for starting pitchers is high.

Yusei Kikuchi, who preferred the West Coast, secured a three-year, $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Frankie Montas, who had a 4.84 ERA over 30 starts this year, landed a two-year, $34 million deal with the New York Mets. Despite receiving a qualifying offer, Luis Severino still managed to secure a three-year, $67 million commitment from the A’s, a franchise currently in limbo with a temporary base in Sacramento as they contemplate a future move to Las Vegas.

Given this backdrop, Boyd’s contract could be considered a reasonable investment, although it carries some risk. Boyd will turn 34 next year and had difficulty attracting major-league offers just months ago.

Last June, the Cubs dispatched a scout to Boyd’s showcase at UCLA, where teams observed his recovery progress following Tommy John surgery. Ultimately, the Cleveland Guardians signed Boyd, who earned about $5 million. He achieved a 2.72 ERA in eight starts for Cleveland’s division-winning squad, allowing only one run in 11 2/3 postseason innings as the Guardians advanced to the American League Championship Series.

The Cubs are optimistic that this is the version of Boyd they’re acquiring, but the inherent uncertainty means they won’t cease their search for additional pitching.

(Photo of Walker Buehler: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images)