Chicago Cubs linked to high-end free agent starter by multiple analysts

The Chicago Cubs went into the NLDS with only two starting pitchers in manager Craig Counsell’s circle of confidence– Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd (and Boyd started off the series with a rocky performance). Predictably, that lack of pitching dominance and depth helped lead to the team’s exit from the postseason.

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And even though blame could be heaped on Cade Horton’s late season injury and the absence of Justin Steele due to elbow surgery, everyone knows that the Cubs were pulling into the playoffs, all along, at least one big arm short of being true contenders for a championship.

Chicago Cubs focused on pitching?

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The team has reportedly acknowledged that as well, starting the offseason with a dedicated focus on pitching and, supposedly, a desire to acquire a front-of-rotation starter to facilitate a deep playoff run.

Confidence in actions over words is hard to come by, however, when it comes to the frugal and budget-minded Cubs ownership and their front office, led by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, perpetually tasked with finding overachieving assets at a bargain price.

But, for what it’s worth, the buzz about the Cubs spending on pitching this winter has been intense and non-stop. And even after reportedly bowing out of the Dylan Cease hunt when numbers started going too high, insiders are still talking up Chicago’s desire to go after a top starter.

Linked to Ranger Suarez

The name of Ranger Suarez, who is one of many remaining free agent pitching options still on the market, has recently been brought up several times by several different media voices in connection with the Cubs.

With the Philadelphia Phillies last season, the 30-year-old notched a 12-8 record with a 3.20 ERA over 26 starts. Over the course of his 8-year major league career, the left-hander has posted a 3.38 ERA. In his last four seasons as a full-time starting pitcher, Suarez has established himself as one of the top tier starters in the game.

It’s questionable whether he can be called an “ace,” especially with his velocity having dipped in each of the previous three seasons. But the loss of speed has been accompanied by an increased understanding of location and a feel for throwing the right pitches at the right time. The complete package ranks him as, easily, a front-of-rotation starter who may downgrade to a mid or back-of-rotation asset by the end of his career run.

Tori Sheffer of the Phillies blog, That Ball’s Outta Here, has named the Cubs as one of the top landing spots for Suarez.

Per Sheffer:

“Even with Chicago Cubs Japanese southpaw Shota Imanaga surprisingly accepting the club’s qualifying offer, they’re still reportedly looking for pitching. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said that acquiring additional pitching help is a main priority this offseason.

They need another established veteran to throw opposite their ace, righty Justin Steele when he returns. With three of their projected starters already over 34, Suárez would help secure their starting five for the long term, with youngster Cade Horton. Who better to fill the void as a No. 2 than Ranger Danger himself?”

MLB insider Ben Verlander has also issued his prediction of a Cubs-Suarez union.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report went so far as to include Suarez on his projected Cubs start-of-season starting rotation.

Per Reuter:

“With a 52.0 percent career groundball rate, Ranger Suárez looks like the ideal target to pitch in front of a strong defensive infield anchored by Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson up the middle. The Cubs will also get Justin Steele back at some point in 2026, though he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.”

Cubs-Suarez union is actually doable

ESPN is projecting Suarez to get a 4-year, $92 million contract, a price that would put him just a notch below the elite tier free agents like Cease and Framber Valdez. But for the Cubs, who’ve shied away from spending big on pitchers since signing Yu Darvish in 2018, Suarez’s projected price may actually be doable– especially considering that the contracts of Taillon, Boyd, and Imanaga will all be up at the end of the 2026 season.

Seriously, though, what’s not to love about a savvy sinker ball pitcher working in front of, arguably, the league’s best infield defense? The question will be whether the Cubs will be able to outbid several other teams who are similarly hungry for starting pitching and, historically, more willing to spend to get it.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-ranger-suarez-free-agent