The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with third baseman Alex Bregman, marking a significant offensive upgrade and breaking expectations with a high $35 million annual salary, as part of their active offseason moves.
The MLB offseason is ongoing with key free agents like Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman still unsigned, and teams like the Cubs, Yankees, and Blue Jays actively making moves or planning for trades and signings to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.
The Chicago Cubs are focusing on strengthening their pitching staff this offseason, with potential signings including free agent Shota Imanaga, while their lineup is largely set with key players locked in. The team is considering adding a rotation arm and bullpen reinforcements, but is cautious about high-cost free agents, aiming to balance competitiveness with financial prudence.
Veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks, known for his cerebral approach and key role in the Cubs' 2016 World Series win, has announced his retirement after a career spanning over a decade, including stints with the Cubs and Angels, with notable achievements such as leading the majors in ERA in 2016 and earning over $86 million.
Justin Turner, a 41-year-old infielder, is entering free agency after the Cubs declined his mutual option for 2026, resulting in a $2 million buyout. His 2025 season was below average, with struggles against right-handed pitching, and his future playing plans remain uncertain. The Cubs are also looking to overhaul their bench this winter.
FanGraphs releases detailed MLB free agent projections, highlighting key players like Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Dylan Cease, Kyle Schwarber, and Munetaka Murakami, with insights into potential deals and how they compare to other sources, emphasizing the Cubs' interest and market opportunities.
Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga has rejected his contract options and is now a free agent, after declining a $15 million player option for 2026 and the team's offer to extend his contract. Imanaga, who had a strong 2024 season but struggled later, is seeking a new deal after his initial four-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs' 2025 season ended with a loss in the Division Series, leading to offseason discussions about key players like Kyle Tucker, whose free agency is highly anticipated, and Shota Imanaga, whose future with the team is uncertain. The team is also considering their pitching rotation and coaching staff stability for the upcoming season.
Kyle Tucker, a Cubs outfielder and four-time All-Star, expressed uncertainty about his future after the Cubs' playoff loss, indicating he will become a free agent and considering options, including potential interest from the Yankees.
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS, celebrating their victory by mocking Cubs traditions with an 'L' flag, escalating their rivalry and adding a personal edge to their postseason clash, which ended with the Brewers advancing to the NLCS.
Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Chicago Cubs' season ended after a 3-1 loss to the Brewers in the NLDS, with Crow-Armstrong reflecting on the team's resilience and his desire to compete in October again, despite a disappointing offensive performance in the decisive game.
The Cubs' season ended with a loss to the Brewers in the NLDS, despite a strong effort and a comeback that forced a Game Five. The game featured solid pitching from the Cubs but limited offensive production, with Seiya Suzuki's early home run being the only run scored. The Cubs showed resilience but ultimately fell short of advancing further in the postseason.
Drew Pomeranz will start Game 5 for the Cubs as an opener, having performed well in previous appearances during the NLDS, with the Cubs potentially using a variety of relievers or a bulk pitcher after him. The Brewers have not announced their starter yet.
In Game 5 of the NLDS, the Cubs will start left-hander Drew Pomeranz, who has been effective in relief this postseason, as they aim to advance against the Brewers, with the series highlighting the importance of early innings and bullpen strategy.
The article discusses the Cubs' strong postseason pitching performance and the dilemma facing Brewers' manager Craig Counsell in choosing a starter for Game 5 of the NLDS, considering options like Shōta Imanaga, Colin Rea, Ben Brown, and Aaron Civale, each with their own recent performance and familiarity with the Brewers.