Cubs’ World Series Wishlist: 3 Blue Jays and Dodgers Gems to Snag This Winter – Bieber, Bichette, and Dominguez Lead the Charge.vc
Chicago, October 28, 2025 – The 2025 World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t just a clash of titans—it’s a treasure trove for the Chicago Cubs, who enter offseason mode after a 92-70 NLDS heartbreak to Milwaukee. With Kyle Tucker’s $427M free-agent exodus looming, Jed Hoyer must get creative: No $400M splurges, but smart buys to replace 4.5 fWAR in the outfield and bolster a bullpen that ranked 22nd in ERA (4.12). Enter three Fall Classic standouts: Shane Bieber’s post-TJ resurgence, Bo Bichette’s second-half sizzle, and Seranthony Dominguez’s swing-and-miss fire. These aren’t pipe dreams—they’re attainable upgrades for a Cubs squad eyeing 95 wins in 2026. Wrigley’s waiting: Who’s next?
1. Shane Bieber: The Post-TJ Ace to Anchor the Rotation
Bieber’s 2025 was redemption poetry: Traded midseason from Cleveland to Toronto for prospects, the 30-year-old righty posted a 3.57 ERA and 4.47 FIP over 120 innings, including a pivotal six-inning, two-run gem in the NLCS Game 3. His 9.5 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 echo his 2020 Cy Young form, with velocity rebounding to 94 mph post-Tommy John (2024). For the Cubs, reeling from Justin Steele’s oblique (missed May–July) and a 3.85 rotation ERA (12th MLB), Bieber’s durability (28 starts) and groundball tilt (48%) fit Truist-like Truist Park—no, wait, Wrigley’s confines. Projected at 3 years, $75M ($25M AAV), he’s a steal compared to Corbin Burnes ($210M). “Bieber’s the buy-low ace Hoyer covets,” MLBTR’s Mark Polishuk said. Risk? Shoulder history, but upside: A Steele-Bieber duo for 7+ WAR.
2. Bo Bichette: The Shortstop Spark to Ignite the Infield
Toronto’s 28-year-old shortstop slashed .311/.387/.483 with a 134 wRC+ in 2025, his second-half 178 wRC+ (post-knee sprain) a reminder of 2021 All-Star glory (.298/.341/.484). A sprained PCL in September cut him short, but his return for Game 1 vs. LA showed resilience. For the Cubs, Bichette’s switch-hitting pop and 80-grade speed (20 SBs) upgrade Dansby Swanson’s .244 slump (1.2 WAR), creating a dynamic Hoerner-Bichette keystone. Projected 3 years, $45M ($15M AAV), he’s a bargain amid Swanson trade buzz. “Bo’s market dip is Chicago’s gain—elite contact at short,” FanGraphs’ Jay Jaffe noted. Fit: Wrigley’s short porch boosts his 15% barrel rate; risk: Knee durability.
3. Seranthony Dominguez: The Bullpen Bulldog to Lock Down Late Innings
The 31-year-old righty, flipped from Baltimore to Toronto at the deadline, torched hitters with a 3.00 ERA and 3.37 FIP in 36 innings for the Jays, his 11.35 K/9 second-best career mark. High-90s heat and a devastating sweeper (35% whiff rate) make him a setup man supreme, addressing the Cubs’ 4.12 bullpen ERA and Héctor Neris’ implosion (5.40 ERA). At 2 years, $12M ($6M AAV), Dominguez is low-risk fire for high-leverage spots. “He’s the swing-and-miss we crave,” Hoyer insider leaked. Risk: 5.17 BB/9 walks, but Toronto’s success tamed it.
| Player | 2025 Key Stats | Projection | Cubs Fit | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Bieber | 3.57 ERA, 9.5 K/9 | 3 yrs, $75M | Rotation anchor | Medium (TJ recovery) |
| Bo Bichette | .311/.387/.483 (2H) | 3 yrs, $45M | Shortstop pop | Low (knee) |
| Seranthony Dominguez | 3.00 ERA, 11.35 K/9 | 2 yrs, $12M | Bullpen fire | Low (walks) |
The Stakes: Hoyer’s Winter Heist
Tucker’s void (4.5 fWAR) demands ingenuity—no Ohtani chases, but Series scraps like these. Bieber stabilizes Steele’s injury shadow, Bichette ignites Swanson’s slump, and Dominguez slams the pen door. Total cost: $132M over 3 years, fitting under the $210M tax. “Creative wins championships,” Hoyer vowed. On X, #CubsWinterWishlist trends: “Bieber to Wrigley? Let’s go!”
Conclusion
The 2025 World Series isn’t Cubs heartbreak—it’s opportunity. Bieber’s arm, Bichette’s bat, Dominguez’s bite: Three Series stars to steal for under $150M, turning 92 wins into 95+. Hoyer, raid the Fall Classic—Wrigley’s hungry for hardware.
