The Chicago Cubs appear to be in pursuit of a frontline starting pitcher. They continue to show interest in several different pitchers, and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer even confirmed last month that pitching would be the team’s biggest focus this offseason. 

But who are realistic pitcher targets for the Cubs this winter?

With Michael King off the board and Framber Valdez likely out of Chicago’s price range, here are three pitchers the Cubs could land before Opening Day. 

Tatsuya Imai 

It feels like Tatsuya Imai is currently the Cubs' No. 1 pitcher target. They have been interested in him for multiple weeks now, and numerous insiders have linked him to the Windy City in recent days. 

Jim Bowden listed the Cubs as the top fit for Imai. Mark Feinsand believes the Cubs are one of the favorites to sign the Japanese pitcher, and Francys Romero said the North Siders “are expected to be finalists” for the right-hander. 

Therefore, Imai to the Cubs is a real possibility this offseason. Chicago has been active in the Japanese market in recent years -- with signings of Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga -- and Imai could be the next big-time Japanese star to play at the Friendly Confines. 

It might really be Imai or bust for the Cubs this offseason. 

Zac Gallen

Since Imai has to sign with a Major League team by January 2nd, we should know whether the Cubs land him within the next two weeks. If they don’t, Zac Gallen could be a nice fallback option for Chicago. 

The Cubs are reportedly interested in Gallen, and fans all remember those 10 minutes earlier this offseason when Bob Nightengale reported that the two sides agreed to a deal. However, a deal could eventually work out if Imai goes to another team. 

Gallen would cost less than some of the other pitchers on the free-agent market, and the Cubs like to take gambles on pitchers whose value might be down following a poor season. That’s exactly the case with the former Diamondbacks pitcher, who finished with a 4.83 ERA in 2025. 

MacKenzie Gore/Edward Cabrera 

If the asking price for both Imai and Gallen is too high for Chicago, the front office could realistically look to trade for a top-of-the-line starting pitcher this winter. 

The two biggest names that continue to be thrown around in trade rumors are MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals and Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins. The Cubs were interested in both pitchers at the Trade Deadline, so it makes sense for Chicago to potentially add one of them this winter. 

However, acquiring one of those pitchers will depend on whether Imai signs with the Cubs in the next few weeks. The Japanese pitcher is very likely the team’s top pitcher target at this point in the offseason.