Chicago Cubs 2026
this is very true. there are cub fans who have done this for a couple of others on the team. Seiya takes a lot of abuse online and he has been easily one of our most productive guys when you look at him in totality.
Let's discuss who's left on the roster to pitch in August and September (and October?)
With JT gone, what should our rotation be? What do we need to add?
I'd love another ground ball-oriented starter (or two) and a fire balling reliever. The other eight positions are well-manned by decent hitters and superior fielders (with the possible exception of right field where Suzuki is a very good hitter and a so-so fielder.)
So, what do we need to strengthen our non-pitching players? What can we afford to give up for that pitching and not cripple our future?
With JT gone, what should our rotation be? What do we need to add?
I'd love another ground ball-oriented starter (or two) and a fire balling reliever. The other eight positions are well-manned by decent hitters and superior fielders (with the possible exception of right field where Suzuki is a very good hitter and a so-so fielder.)
So, what do we need to strengthen our non-pitching players? What can we afford to give up for that pitching and not cripple our future?
Bregman has raised his OPS from .682 to .713 in the last two games.
Pretty nice to win the worst pitching matchup on paper of the series 10-2. Split the last 2 far more favorable matchups and that’s a 5-2 roadtrip.
Good lord he has needed this stretch. since his back to back homer games against Cincy he is slashing .314/.386/.627. He so badly needs an extended hot streak. Like a month or more, just to feel good heading into the playoffs.
Sieya is so-so in right but this year he is grading out above average. We do not have a single fielder that is an average big leaguer by advanced metrics all of them are at least better then average. This defense is the best I've seen from the Cubs.
and love a reliever and the dream is Mason from the As. I would center a package around Wiggins and Shaw but unfortunately it will take quite a bit more.
The entire list of starting pitchers on likely sellers that produce ground balls at a league average or better rate:
Framber Valdez, Detroit - First year of a massive contract with 2 years and $80+ million guaranteed remaining. Detroit might want to cut bait at this point and he could probably be gotten without giving up much in the way of prospects, but I don’t see the Cubs taking on that contract given his performance this year. Still 52.5% ground ball rate on the year, 60.6% for his career, would probably play amazingly well with the Cubs defense behind him.
Logan Webb, SF - obviously should be a top target if made available. Another year on a reasonable contract. I suspect the Giants will hold on to him and try to extend him in the off season. Would take a massive haul of prospects to get from the Giants.
Jose Soriano, Angels - One arbitration year after this one. Would be pricey in terms of prospects, but this is a guy that could get got if the Angels are reasonable and actually decide to try to rebuild. Would expect something on the order of the package that got Cabrera. Something like Shaw or Alcantara plus another couple lesser prospects.
Landon Raup, SF, JT Ginn, A’s, Nolan McLean, Mets; Keider Montero, Det - All have 4+ years of team control left. Not going anywhere.
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Mason Miller from the Padres?
I think there is a more pressing need for a starter or 2 to get the game in one piece to the relievers.
Also, with all these guys that are allegedly coming back to the bullpen (Palencia, Milner, Steele, Harvey, Brown), even if just a couple stick, the bullpen is getting crowded. Rea might be back in the bullpen too if we get 2 starting arms.
I realize that none of these are Miller but he might be a luxury we can't afford.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
I would like to see them add someone like Kevin Gausman. He hasn't been great this year, but he's been better of late. His main selling point is that he's an innings eater.
Clay Holmes?
I missed him because he didn’t have enough innings to qualify for the list I was looking at. He’d totally be a guy to go after with that 55% ground ball rate. Basically a rental. He has a player option for next year that he’s almost certain to decline.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Who?
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