The Chicago Cubs are clearly prioritizing bolstering their starting rotation this offseason, with recent developments narrowing their potential targets.
While the team was linked to Jesús Luzardo last month, trade talks with the Miami Marlins fell through, and Luzardo ultimately landed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Additionally, despite being mentioned in connection with Roki Sasaki, the Cubs seem to be on the outside looking in, as the Japanese star is heavily favored to sign with a West Coast team like the Dodgers, Padres, or Giants.
This leaves the Cubs exploring other options, including Jack Flaherty, whose free agency is generating interest from several teams, including the Giants, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Cubs, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Flaherty, who regained his form in 2024 while splitting time between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, is projected by *The Athletic* to command a four-year, $92 million deal.
Signing Flaherty would represent a departure from the Cubs’ recent approach to free-agent pitching contracts.
Unlike prior deals for Shota Imanaga, Marcus Stroman, and Jameson Taillon, Flaherty’s projected contract offers more certainty in terms of his ability to anchor a rotation. With 2025 shaping up as a critical “all-in” season for Jed Hoyer and the Cubs’ front office, Flaherty could provide the type of stability and upside they need to contend in a competitive National League.
