Even with Imanaga back, the Cubs' rotation needs an ace. Will they find a frontline starter to win crucial games?
There are plenty of question marks surrounding the Chicago Cubs right now.
Are they still in the market for a starting pitcher even after Shota Imanaga’s return? Are they content with not adding an impactful bat to replace Kyle Tucker? How will the front office navigate adding to the bullpen this offseason?
While these are all questions that should be answered within the next few months, there is still a clear need for this Cubs team heading into the 2026 season. The rotation needs a No. 1 pitcher.
Even with Imanaga accepting the Cubs’ one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer for next year, he doesn’t really solve that need following an abysmal second half. Chicago simply can’t go into the season hoping that the 2024 version of Imanaga shows up.
Now, Cade Horton could eventually emerge as that elite ace in this rotation as early as 2026. He definitely showed signs of being that pitcher during his rookie campaign, as he finished with a 1.03 ERA and 54 strikeouts in his final 12 starts.
However, it might be too early to thrust Horton into that No. 1 role. He only threw 118 innings pitched last year, and 2026 will be a key year for identifying what type of pitcher the right-hander will be in the big leagues.
The Cubs definitely have some depth at the starting pitcher position, with pitchers like Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad all having experience in that starter role. The team, though, is still missing a pitcher who can go out and win a pivotal playoff game.
That’s on par with Steamer’s current projections for the Cubs' rotation in 2026. Steamer has Chicago’s projected rotation WAR at 11.5 for next season. That 11.5 projected WAR ranks 18th in all of baseball, behind NL Central foes like the Cincinnati Reds (14.2) and Milwaukee Brewers (12.9).
That shows just how pivotal it is for the Cubs to land a frontline starting pitcher this offseason. Whether that comes from landing a pitcher like Michael King in free agency or acquiring a pitcher like Joe Ryan via trade, adding a No. 1 or No. 2 starter to this rotation is almost a must.
There is just too risk in rolling with the current rotation for the entire year. Imanaga is coming off a down second half, Boyd’s numbers regressed after the All-Star break, Steele is still recovering from elbow surgery, and Rea/Assad won’t move the needle as the No. 5 starter.
So, the front office has to do what it can to acquire an All-Star caliber starter this winter.