Cubs Target Blake Snell in Free Agency: A Cy Young Ace to Supercharge Chicago’s Rotation.vc
Chicago, October 26, 2025 – The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a splashy offseason pursuit of Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner and free-agent ace whose dominance could transform their pitching staff, according to reports from MLB Trade Rumors and insider Bruce Levine. After a 2025 season that saw the Cubs reach the NLDS but falter without a true No. 1 starter, Snell’s high-velocity arsenal and playoff grit position him as the “game-changer” president Jed Hoyer craves. With a projected 5-year, $125 million deal, Chicago’s interest signals bold ambitions—but can they outbid the Mets and Dodgers in a heated bidding war?
Snell’s 2025 Resurgence: Cy Young Form Returns
Snell, 32, rebounded spectacularly in 2025 with the San Francisco Giants, posting a 3.12 ERA, 197 strikeouts in 162 innings, and a 1.15 WHIP across 30 starts, earning his third All-Star nod and a Cy Young finalist finish. His signature fastball-slider combo generated a 35.2% whiff rate, leading MLB starters, while his curveball induced a .178 opponent average. Career highlights include 2018 and 2023 Cy Youngs (Rays and Padres), a no-hitter in 2022, and a 2024 World Series title with the Dodgers, where he logged 2.93 ERA in four starts.
“Snell’s a beast when healthy—elite stuff, zero fear in October,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who faced him in San Diego. Snell’s durability (career-high 162 IP in 2025) addresses Chicago’s injury woes, like Justin Steele’s Tommy John rehab.
MLB ERA (3.85) but lacked a shutdown ace, relying on Shōta Imanaga (3.15 ERA, 174 Ks) and breakout rookie Cade Horton (2.67 ERA). With Colin Rea hitting free agency and Steele sidelined until mid-2026, Hoyer eyes Snell to anchor a staff featuring Matthew Boyd and Javier Assad. Snell’s lefty power (97 mph fastball) complements Imanaga’s finesse, creating a devastating 1-2 punch for NL Central battles.
Insider Bruce Levine told 670 The Score: “The Cubs see Snell as their Gerrit Cole—proven winner who elevates everyone.” Chicago’s aggressive spending (e.g., Cody Bellinger’s $80M extension) signals willingness, especially after rejecting qualifying offers for years.
On X, fans are hyped: “Snell to Cubs? That’s Cy Young fire at Wrigley—sign him yesterday!”
The Hurdles: Price Tag and Rivals
Snell’s market is scorching. MLB Trade Rumors projects 5 years, $125 million ($25M AAV), potentially with opt-outs, rivaling Corbin Burnes’ $210M deal. A qualifying offer from the Giants could cost Chicago a draft pick, a deterrent for mid-market teams. Rivals include the Mets (rotation rebuild post-Senga), Dodgers (reloading after Yamamoto’s breakout), and Orioles (trade suitors in July).
Hoyer’s budget—strained by Kyle Tucker’s $401M projection and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s extension talks—may force creativity, like bundling prospects in a sign-and-trade. Snell, repped by Scott Boras, prioritizes contention: “I want rings, not just checks,” he said post-2024 Series.
Conclusion
Blake Snell’s free-agency pursuit could ignite the Cubs’ 2026 World Series dreams, pairing Cy Young pedigree with Wrigley magic. His 2025 mastery (3.12 ERA, 197 Ks) fills Chicago’s ace void perfectly, but a $125M price and big-market foes loom large. As Hoyer plots his winter blueprint, landing Snell isn’t just a signing—it’s a statement. Cubs fans, get ready: The rotation revolution starts now.
