The Chicago Cubs are in the market for a Cy Young candidate, and with a need for both starting pitching and bullpen support, they are looking to make a big impact this offseason. Adding Phil Maton to their bullpen is a positive step, but the real game-changer could be their move on Brad Keller. However, the consensus is that starting pitching is the most critical area to address.
The Cubs have been linked to several top names, but after missing out on Dylan Cease, their need has intensified. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com suggests that Michael King, Cease's former teammate with the San Diego Padres, is the perfect fit for the Cubs. King, who made a full-time transition to the starting rotation after being acquired by the Padres in the Juan Soto trade, had a stellar first season with a 2.95 ERA and 4.1 bWAR, finishing in the top ten in NL Cy Young voting.
Despite a rather disappointing 2025 season for Cease, the Cubs were linked to him due to the possibility of a one-year prove-it deal. However, the Toronto Blue Jays offered Cease a $200 million contract, while King, who missed a significant portion of his second season as a starter due to injuries, may be more attractive to the Cubs with a shorter-term commitment. King's potential as a short-term deal makes him the ideal target for the Cubs, offering a balance between financial viability and high performance.
With an open window and the need for starting pitching, the Cubs are poised to make a significant move. King's talent and potential make him a perfect fit, and his ability to provide a high ceiling of performance while being financially viable could be the key to the Cubs' success in the upcoming season.
