I'm really not sure why we are even talking about starting pitching. Cubs are more than OK there.
The offense is where moves are going to have to be made.
The offense is where moves are going to have to be made.
*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***
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Chris Flexen was also the best relief pitcher the first 2 months of the season.
Because we had to throw a guy on short rest followed by the guy who has given up more homeruns than anyone else since the All Star break in the NLDs.
Because the two best pitchers we have were injured.
Yeah, let's compare Flexen for 2 months to Assad who has been pitching regularly since 2022 with the organization.
I think this might be an important issue. Who are the guys on the team that are true leaders in the clubhouse? I hear that Schwarber is fantastic this way…and surprisingly find that I keep coming back to him as a potential target.
something happened at the break that split this team apart. before they were all together but after it was like everyone for them self and no fun
Here's how I would look at our rotation mixed with potential proposals within here:
Financially, both options are similar. I would easily give up a prospect or two for option 2.
If I've learned anything over the course of the last week, it's a lot harder to hit a 100 mph mistake pitch than it is to hit a 92 mph mistake pitch.
I can also say, very confidently, this front office is looking to add A LOT of velo this offseason. They will not be spending heavily on the bullpen, so I'll let y'all figure out how you think that added velocity is going to happen.
| Lock | Option 1 | Option2 |
| Boyd | Imanaga | King |
| Horton | Assad | Cabrera |
| Taillon | ||
| Steele |
Financially, both options are similar. I would easily give up a prospect or two for option 2.
If I've learned anything over the course of the last week, it's a lot harder to hit a 100 mph mistake pitch than it is to hit a 92 mph mistake pitch.
I can also say, very confidently, this front office is looking to add A LOT of velo this offseason. They will not be spending heavily on the bullpen, so I'll let y'all figure out how you think that added velocity is going to happen.
I’m not ready to give up on Shota because he clearly wasn’t healthy the second half of the season. If he gets healthy and gets his velocity back to normal, he’s a fine SP option next year.
Will be an odd WS in that I’m cheering for the AL team (with exceptions such as STL making the series). Would be cool to see the Mariners or Jays win.
Dodgers will roll the Brewers so I just hope the Blue Jays or Mariners can take down the team that buys everyone.
I will be happy to wave Tucker goodbye. Dude was a complete bust in the second half and playoffs.
I will be happy to wave Tucker goodbye. Dude was a complete bust in the second half and playoffs.
The only question in the Dodgers-Brewers series is if it lasts 4 or 5 games.
The Brewers won their World Series last night.
The Brewers won their World Series last night.
The dodgers would have rolled the cubs too. It’s impressive how far the cubs got with their limited pitching and slumping bats.
Not sure why some are throwing shade at Colin Rea, dude was really good for us this year; in fact, he was one of the two or three best #5 starters in baseball. He easily gets brought back at just $6MM, even if he’s strictly a long reliever next time.
The guy I do not want to see back is Kittredge. The stuff is too pedestrian and the price is way too high at $9MM.
Look, I realize that this is a Cubs thread - but that is such an absolutely ridiculous statement. I've been a Brewers fan my whole life and have seen them make ONE WS (1982) - but not win. Was I ecstatic we won last night? Of course! But that is because it means our season isn't finished and we have a chance to advance! I don't feel great about our chances against the Dodgers - but beating the Dodgers, honestly, is much more important and big of a deal than the Cubs right now. Why - because they are the next obstacle for a chance at a WS berth. I have nothing against you, personally, but your statement is straight out of the Hawkeye handbook on how to deal with a loss to the Cyclones. BTW, and this is in all seriousness, if the Cubs had won, I would be rooting for them to beat the Dodgers because it represents just how good the top two teams in the Central have been this season.
I think the general consensus is this team reached its peak. If that's the case, we have to find ways to improve.
Rea was very good. Easily outperformed the back of his baseball card. I would guess this FO anticipates him taking on a similar role to this year - long relief and step in when we need a SP.
You can lock in Boyd, Horton, Taillon, and Steele into the rotation. You need a bonefied top of the rotation arm. That's raising the ceiling. Penciling in Rea or Assad at the 5th spot would be keeping status quo.
I'll be pulling for the Brewers. I can't stand the Dodgers and the idea of a WS with two teams that haven't made it in 30-40 years is alot more exciting to me than last years.
Would love to see a Seattle-Milwaukee series.
The Cubs are OK with starting pitchers. But it isn't a pitching group that can carry a team in the Playoffs. Playoffs are about having a lot of high velocity arms. In today's game, Palencia is the Cubs on high velo arm.
Having Steele back before mid-2026 will be a big addition. But the Cubs need another Horton type arm in a 5 man rotation. And they need a couple more big arms in the bullpen to go with Palencia and Keller.
But your point on the offense is correct. There probably needs to be 2-3 everyday lineup changes. If anything to create a different culture. Plus there needs to be a plan to platoon a couple guys among: Caissie, Ballesteros, Long or Alacantara. No reason between platoon & rest days a couple prospects can't get 150+ AB's in 2026.
