The Chicago Cubs have already made two surprising moves this offseason, and it looks like they may not be finished yet. After acquiring superstar outfielder Kyler Tucker from the Houston Astros and trading Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, the Cubs are still looking to strengthen their rotation with another impactful starting pitcher.
The team has reportedly been in discussions with the Miami Marlins about a potential trade for pitcher Jesús Luzardo, though those talks appear to be losing momentum. As a result, the Cubs might shift their focus to the free-agent market to enhance their starting pitching depth.
One potential target for the Cubs is Walker Buehler, the former Los Angeles Dodgers ace, whom Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report predicts could sign a three-year, $45 million contract with opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Rymer acknowledged that while Buehler was once one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball, his recent performance has been less consistent. However, Buehler’s impressive track record and potential for a bounce-back season make him an intriguing option for the Cubs.
From 2018 to 2021, Buehler was a standout pitcher, posting a 2.82 ERA with an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, his career has been marred by injury setbacks, including missing much of 2022 and all of 2023 due to a second Tommy John surgery. While he struggled to regain his peak form in 2024, Buehler did finish the season strong, posting a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts. Notably, he delivered a strong performance in the World Series, pitching six innings in which he allowed only two hits, no runs, and struck out seven batters.
This late-season resurgence could be a sign that Buehler is on the path to regaining his previous form, and joining the Cubs could provide the right environment for him to bounce back. The Cubs’ current rotation, which includes top pitchers Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, along with solid back-end options like Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd, would offer Buehler a competitive and supportive group to work with.
However, the Cubs would likely face stiff competition for Buehler’s services. After a championship run in 2024, the Dodgers may be interested in re-signing Buehler, as he has spent his entire career with the team. If the Cubs want to secure Buehler, they may need to offer a deal in the $45 million range or higher to prevent the Dodgers from bringing him back. With a strong showing in the postseason, Buehler could be a valuable addition to any team, and it will be interesting to see if the Cubs can land him to further solidify their pitching staff for the 2025 season.
