What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs are contemplating a significant move in the upcoming MLB offseason by targeting pitcher Dylan Cease, who is predicted to sign a five-year, $125 million contract. This potential acquisition
comes as the Cubs seek to bolster their starting rotation, which showed inconsistency during the 2025 season. Cease, who made 32 starts with a 4.55 ERA and 215 strikeouts in 168 innings, is seen as a valuable addition despite some unlucky underlying numbers. The San Diego Padres are currently the frontrunners to re-sign Cease, but the Cubs are considering entering a competitive bidding process.
Why It's Important?
Securing Dylan Cease would represent a major investment for the Cubs, who are not typically known for large offseason spending. Adding Cease to their roster could significantly enhance their pitching depth and performance, addressing one of the key issues that affected their playoff run. This move could also signal a shift in the Cubs' strategy towards more aggressive player acquisitions, potentially impacting their competitiveness in the league. The decision to pursue Cease could influence other teams' strategies in the free agency market, particularly if a bidding war ensues.
What's Next?
The Cubs will need to weigh the financial implications of signing Cease against their overall team strategy and budget constraints. If they decide to pursue him, they may face stiff competition from the Padres and other MLB teams. The outcome of this decision could set the tone for the Cubs' offseason activities and their approach to building a competitive team for the next season. Observers will be watching closely to see if the Cubs make a formal offer and how the market for Cease develops.
