New report links the Chicago Cubs to star pitcher

The Chicago Cubs remain on the hunt to add one more big name to the roster before Opening Day in Japan against the Dodgers on March 19. Some of the major needs for the team have been addressed already this offseason, but more will be required of the Cubs front office if they want to keep pace with what Los Angeles has done to bolster their roster.

Kyle Tucker has been the biggest fish of them all for the Cubs as he came over in a trade where Chicago sent Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith to the Astros. Ryan Pressly joined Tucker in a move from Houston to Chicago to become the Cubs’ new closer ahead of 2025 and serving as Jed Hoyer’s second big splash of the offseason.

The Cubs are still looking to add before pitchers and catchers report on February 9, and the pitching staff appears to be the main area of the roster they will address. Another starter could be of importance for Chicago, and they can never have too many arms in the bullpen after seeing how things shook out last year. A big time starter is on Chicago’s radar, and a report on Thursday has the organization showing significant interest in him.

Another insider reports the Chicago Cubs interest in Dylan Cease

Insider Jon Morosi believes that Chicago is a team to watch in the Dylan Cease sweepstakes. The right-hander was a sixth-round draft choice of the Cubs back 2014. Cease was apart of the trade with Eloy Jimenez that brought Jose Quintana to the Cubs from the White Sox during the 2017 season. After spending five seasons withe Sox, Cease was dealt to the Padres in March of last year.

Following just one season as a Padre, Cease could very well be on the move once again. The 29-year-old posted a 14-11 record in 33 starts with a 3.47 ERA. Cease tossed 189.1 innings and possessed a 1.06 WHIP, the lowest mark in his career.

The issue with Cease coming back to the Cubs would rely in the cost. While some bigger names might be involved, it is almost a forgone conclusion that Owen Caissie would be on the move as the headliner in a package for the all-star. This would be a full circle moment for Caissie, as he was sent to Chicago in the Yu Darvish trade over four years ago.

Infield prospect James Triantos would surely be another asset that San Diego would look to net in a trade for Cease. Moving off Triantos wouldn’t hurt Chicago as much with all of the infield depth they have in their system and at the big league level.

Dylan Cease would solidify the Chicago Cubs as a top NL rotation

Cease returning the Cubs organization would put them toward the top of the National League in the starting rotation rankings. Pairing him with Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga at the top creates a strong big three for Chicago that could cause some damage in a playoff series.

The Cubs rotation was one of the stronger aspects of their team a season ago, and adding a guy like Cease would only make it stronger moving forward. Whether he becomes the number one starter or slots in between Steele and Imanaga, Chicago would have a tough time saying no to San Diego if they can negotiate a deal for Cease that fits their price range.