The Chicago Cubs are making their intentions clear this offseason — they’re going all in to bolster their starting pitching rotation ahead of a highly anticipated 2026 postseason run. After an inconsistent 2025 campaign, the Cubs’ front office, led by Jed Hoyer, is prioritizing elite pitching talent — and one name stands out above the rest: Shane Bieber.
Cubs’ Offseason Mission: Strengthen the Rotation
Following a season marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency on the mound, the Cubs are determined to reinforce their rotation. Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations, confirmed the team’s active pursuit of top-tier pitching options this winter.
“We’re always looking to improve, especially in our starting rotation,” Hoyer said. “Shane Bieber is a talented pitcher, and we’ll consider any opportunity that strengthens our team as we aim to compete for the top next season.”
The message is clear — the Cubs are building for contention, not just for 2026 but for the long term.
Why Shane Bieber Fits Chicago’s Vision
Shane Bieber, the 2020 Cy Young Award winner and former All-Star, has long been regarded as one of MLB’s most polished and dependable starters. Despite missing significant time in 2024 due to a UCL injury, Bieber’s return in 2025 proved that his dominance remains intact.
Since returning to action in August 2025, Bieber made seven starts, posting a 4–2 record with a 3.57 ERA. His command, velocity, and breaking ball movement looked sharper each outing — suggesting that the ace-level version of Bieber may be back.
For the Cubs, adding Bieber would mean more than just acquiring another arm. It would give the rotation a legitimate ace — a stabilizing presence alongside young pitchers like Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks.
Contract and Trade Dynamics
Bieber is currently under contract through 2027, giving any acquiring team three full seasons of control. That makes him one of the most attractive trade assets in the league this winter.
Reports indicate that his current team — the Cleveland Guardians (not the Tennessee Titans, as mistakenly reported in some sources) — may be open to trade discussions as they look to restock their farm system and shed salary. This creates a window of opportunity for the Cubs to act decisively.
Given the Cubs’ growing farm depth, a package built around mid-tier prospects could be enough to land Bieber without gutting the system.
Why Bieber Could Be the Cubs’ Missing Piece
The Cubs’ 2025 season highlighted one glaring weakness: rotation depth. Despite strong performances from Justin Steele and Shōta Imanaga (when healthy), the team lacked a consistent third ace capable of dominating in October. Bieber’s postseason experience and proven durability would immediately elevate the Cubs to NL Central favorites.
A potential rotation featuring Bieber, Steele, Imanaga, and Wicks could rival any in the National League. More importantly, it would give Chicago a frontline leader who can set the tone every five days — something the franchise hasn’t truly had since Jon Lester’s prime.
The Bigger Picture: Cubs’ Championship Window
Hoyer’s recent moves — including re-signing key offensive players and developing homegrown talent like Michael Busch and Moises Ballesteros — signal a clear shift: the Cubs are entering a win-now window. Adding Bieber would accelerate that timeline, transforming the team from a Wild Card hopeful into a legitimate World Series contender.
With the 2026 MLB season on the horizon, the Cubs know that their time is now. The front office has been patient in rebuilding, but this winter could mark the turning point where they shift from “retooling” to “ready to win.”
Will the Cubs Pull the Trigger?
The Chicago Cubs’ pursuit of Shane Bieber could define their offseason — and their trajectory for years to come. His combination of experience, control, and leadership makes him the perfect addition for a franchise looking to reclaim its championship identity.
If the Cubs can strike a deal before the trade deadline, Bieber could be the ace that leads them back to the postseason spotlight. But the competition will be fierce — and the clock is ticking.
