Cubs Could Circle Back to Marlins Pitchers During Winter Meetings -

"The Winter Meetings start tomorrow, which typically supercharges the offseason. The hot stove continues to spit out rumor after rumor, with one of the latest regarding the Miami Marlins and their starting pitching availability. I feel like a broken record with how many pieces I've written about the Cubs' search for starters, but that's likely to be the theme of this offseason until they solidify their rotation with at least one more arm."

"Jed Hoyer will have the opportunity to restart negotiations with counterpart Peter Bendix, as Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon have reported that the Marlins are listening to offers on all of their starting pitchers other than Eury Pérez. The Athletic reported that Ryan Weathers has received a lot of interest from other teams, but his injury-riddled 2025 season creates some hesitation. Alcántara had a 5.36 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, but a strong second half showed that he could bounce back to his previous ace-level performance."

"His fastball sits around 97 mph, but he throws his changeup and curve more frequently and gets lots of grounders in addition to whiffs. Even if he only threw his offspeed pitch, its 94.2 mph average would make him the second-hardest thrower in the Cubs rotation. A sprained right elbow caused Cabrera to miss three weeks late in the season, but he made two starts at the end of September and the upside he offers is worth the risk."

Winter Meetings begin tomorrow and typically accelerate offseason activity. Rumors center on the Miami Marlins' starting pitching availability and the Cubs' ongoing search for at least one rotation arm. The Cubs engaged with the Marlins around the 2025 trade deadline and nearly acquired Jesús Luzardo before medical concerns halted the deal; the teams also explored trades for Sandy Alcántara and Edward Cabrera. The Marlins are reportedly open to offers on all starters except Eury Pérez. Ryan Weathers has drawn interest despite an injury-shortened 2025 season. Alcántara struggled early but showed a strong second half. Cabrera recorded 150 strikeouts in 137.2 innings and offers high-end velocity and upside despite a late-season sprained elbow.

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