The Chicago Cubs have been linked this offseason primarily to Cody Bellinger, who was with the team last year on a one-year deal and is now the top available Bat in free agency. At the same time, rumors have swirled around Wrigley about potential trades for Shane Bieber or Dylan Cease, and recent rumors online linking the Cubs to Blake Snell. The Cubs haven’t done anything to benefit this upcoming season besides signing Craig Counsell as their new manager; I’m not sure he’s enough to get this club back to the playoffs alone. The Cubs finished second last year and fell short late in the year in the attempt to grab a wild card seat. So, who is my under-the-radar target for the Cubs???
RHP – Brandon Woodruff
Brandon Woodruff will most likely miss all of the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery to repair his anterior Capsule in the right shoulder in October, but on the right deal with the right legal jargon, adding Woodruff would be a win for the Cubs. The Six-foot-four, 244-pound right-hander would be a great addition with the understanding that the benefits come in 2025. I am not saying he couldn’t pitch at the tail end of 2024, but it would be a cherry on top if he were able to rehab that quickly. Corbin Burnes often overshadowed Woodruff’s success, but as you can see, his numbers are impressive when healthy. In 2022, he was 13-4 with a 3.05 ERA, 27 games started, 153 innings pitched, 190 Strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.070. Woodruff would be 31 years old entering the 2025 season and could be a top of the Rotation arm needed on this Cubs team over the next three to four years if he can stay healthy.
Recap
The Cubs currently have Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, James Taillon, Jordan Wicks, and Javier Assad as the starting five without any new additions to the roster. 2025 could look a lot different, and having Woodruff and Steele anchor a staff that could include Caleb Kilian and DJ Herz could benefit the Cubs. A deal of Three years worth 13 million a year with the right opt-outs and incentives would make a ton of sense for the Cubs; it just isn’t the big signing everyone is looking for.
