The Cubs are preparing for the 2025 season. The starting rotation is shaping up to be a key factor. It plays a crucial role in their quest for contention. The top four appear set, with Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon anchoring the staff. The biggest question remains: Who will claim the fifth spot? Let’s break down the rotation and analyze the battle for that final slot.
The Projected Front Four
Shota Imanaga
The Cubs’ marquee signing last offseason, Imanaga lived up to expectations in 2024. He has a 15 win season for the Cubs and only lost three of his 29 starts last year. The left-hander showcased elite command. He posted a strikeout rate north of 25%. He also kept his walks to a minimum with 28 total last year. His splitter was especially devastating, generating a high whiff rate and limiting hard contact. After a season where he logged 173.1 innings with a 2.91 ERA, while striking out 174 batters with a 1.02 WHIP. Imanaga enters 2025 as a key figure atop the Cubs’ rotation.
Justin Steele
Coming off a 2024 season that saw him miss time early after leaving the season opener with a hamstring injury. He returned to re-establish himself as a legitimate frontline starter, Steele will be counted on heavily. The lefty put up a stellar 3.07 ERA with over 134.2 innings of work striking out 135 reinforcing with a five and five record over the year in 24 starts. that his success was no fluke the year before. He is skilled at generating weak contact. This is particularly true with his slider and fastball combo. It has made him one of the most consistent pitchers in the NL Central.
Matthew Boyd
The Cubs took a calculated risk by bringing in Boyd. He has battled injuries in the last year that kept him to only eight games pitched. Boyd’s strikeout ability remains intriguing when healthy, though his susceptibility to home runs has been a lingering concern. In 2024, he put up a respectable 2.72 ERA in limited innings. If he can stay on the field, he will provide much-needed depth to the rotation.
Jameson Taillon
Taillon rebounded from an inconsistent 2023 with a solid 2024 campaign, posting a 3.27 ERA and showing improved command. He recorded a 12-win and eight-loss season. His reliance on a mix of cutters and sinkers helped him neutralize right-handed hitters more effectively. While he’s not a frontline ace, he provides valuable innings and stability in the middle of the rotation.
The Fifth Starter Battle: Who Has the Inside Track?
Four spots are seemingly locked in. The final rotation slot will be decided through a competition between Colin Rea, Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, and Javier Assad. Let’s examine their cases.
Colin Rea
Rea provided surprising value in 2024, delivering a 4.29 ERA over 167.2 innings over 32 games. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff. However, he can limit walks. He pitches deep into games. This makes him a reliable option. However, his ceiling may be lower compared to some of the Cubs’ younger arms.
Ben Brown
Brown is the wild card in this competition. Armed with a high-velocity fastball and a sharp slider, the right-hander flashed upside in brief stints last season. With his 2024 numbers of a 3.58 ERA, 28% strikeout rate) suggest he has the tools to be an impact starter, but his command remains the key to his success. He could force his way into the rotation if he sharpens his control in Spring Training.
Jordan Wicks
Wicks had an up-and-down 2024 but showed promise, especially against left-handed hitters. His changeup remains his best weapon, though his fastball command wavered at times. If he refines his pitch mix, he has the potential to solidify himself as a long-term rotation piece. Wicks only appeared in 11 games last year for the Cubs before going to the minors. He had only two wins. He was on the hook for four losses with a 5.48 ERA over 46 innings pitched.
Javier Assad
Assad has quietly been one of the Cubs’ most dependable arms in various roles. His ability to generate ground balls and limit home runs (3.73 ERA in 2024) makes him an intriguing option. While he lacks elite strikeout ability, his durability and consistency could give him the edge in a close competition. Last year he appeared in 29 games. He had a seven and six record over 147 innings. He struck out 124 batters with a 1.40 WHIP.
Final Prediction
While all four pitchers have a legitimate case, Ben Brown and Javier Assad stand out as the top contenders. Brown’s upside could make him the most intriguing choice if he can harness his command. However, if the Cubs prioritize reliability, Assad’s steadiness may give him the inside track. My pick is Ben Brown. Assad will go to long relief and be ready to step in if Brown struggles out the gate!
As Spring Training unfolds, this battle will be one of the most compelling storylines to watch. Regardless of who secures the fifth spot, the Cubs’ rotation could become a strength. They aim to chase a playoff berth in 2025.
