"Tatsuya Imai signing with the Astros took a lot of Cubs fans by surprise, as the 27-year-old was one of the team's top options this winter. The opt-out-heavy deal he accepted wasn't appealing to the Cubs, which makes total sense, as the upside isn't nearly as high for a team in need of long-term rotation help as it is for the player. Now that Imai is off the market, signs are pointing towards the Cubs shopping near the lower tier of free agent starting pitchers."
"The righty is coming off the worst year of his career, having posted a 4.83 ERA in 192.0 innings, but he has three top-10 Cy Young finishes under his belt. Gallen came in 5th place in 2022, with an MLB-best 0.913 WHIP. His 2023 was even better, as he was voted to his first All-Star game and finished third in the Cy Young race while also receiving some MVP consideration."
Tatsuya Imai signed with the Astros, removing one of the Cubs' top winter rotation targets. The opt-out structure of his contract reduced his appeal to a Cubs club seeking long-term starters. With Imai off the market, the Cubs appear to be targeting lower-tier free-agent starting pitchers rather than marquee names. Zac Gallen is a possible target despite a down year, given his prior top-10 Cy Young finishes and strong 2022–2023 performance history. Other veteran options mentioned include Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt, and Zack Littell as affordable rotation additions or reclamation projects.
Read at Cubsinsider
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