Jed Hoyer confirmed the Cubs have payroll flexibility and intend to be “active,” but that activity will be “heavily focused” on pitching. The question remains: does “active” include a $400M move for Kyle Tucker?
LAS VEGAS — The Chicago Cubs’ front office has departed the 2025 MLB General Managers’ Meetings, leaving a clear and direct message for the rest of the league: they plan to have an “active offseason.”
For a team that ended a four-year postseason drought only to lose in the NLDS, that “activity” is a necessity. But comments from President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer this week have provided crucial insight into what that “activity” actually means.
While fans may be dreaming of a nine-figure deal to retain superstar Kyle Tucker, Hoyer’s public focus is squarely on the mound.
“We have a lot of position players,” Hoyer told reporters in Las Vegas. “Our biggest focus this offseason will be bolstering the rotation and bullpen.”
Based on those comments and the team’s roster needs, here is what the Cubs’ “active offseason” entails.
1. “Active” Means Aggressively Rebuilding the Pitching Staff
This is the team’s top priority, and it’s not a secret. The Cubs are facing a “glaring” need for multiple high-end arms.
- The Rotation: Justin Steele is not expected back until the second half of 2026 after Tommy John surgery. Shota Imanaga is a free agent who is widely expected to decline the $22.025 million qualifying offer.
- The Bullpen: The team lost a slew of key relievers, including Andrew Kittredge, Brad Keller, and Taylor Rogers.
Being “active” here means the Cubs will be major players at the top of the pitching market. They have already been linked to top free agents like Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez, as well as Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai. “Active” means acquiring at least one, and likely two, frontline starters and multiple high-leverage relievers.
2. “Active” Means Making a Final Decision on Kyle Tucker
The “biggest variable” and “shadow” hanging over the Cubs’ entire offseason is Kyle Tucker. Hoyer’s comments at the GM meetings were non-committal, as expected, but the decision on Tucker defines the entire budget.
“Active” could mean one of two things:
- Going all-in: Committing to the $400 million+ contract it will take to keep the 2025 Silver Slugger, making him the long-term face of the franchise.
- Actively replacing him: Allowing Tucker to walk, forfeiting the draft pick (since he can’t receive a QO), and actively re-allocating that $400 million to build a deeper, more well-rounded roster—starting with the pitching staff and promoting #1 prospect Owen Caissie to the outfield.
3. “Active” Means Spending Money
Hoyer’s message in Las Vegas confirmed the Cubs have significant payroll flexibility. With money coming off the books, the Cubs are one of the few large-market teams with both the need and the capital to make multiple, $100M+ splashes.
The GM meetings are the unofficial start of the offseason. Hoyer’s comments have set the stage: the Cubs are not rebuilding or retooling. They are in “win-now” mode and are ready to spend to plug the holes on their roster—starting, and ending, with the pitching.
