The Chicago Cubs have some big decisions to make this offseason. Obviously, the biggest one is what will happen with Kyle Tucker, who, at this point, is not expected to return.
Chicago's starting rotation was very up and down in 2025. On one hand, they found a future star in rookie Cade Horton, and Shota Imanaga also continues to look like an ace. However, Chicago also faced some depth issues that may have held them back in the playoffs.
Dylan Cease predicted to sign $125 million deal
In a recent contract predictions piece by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, Dylan Cease is predicted to sign the ninth-largest free agent deal this offseason:
"Predicted Contract: 5 years, $125 million"
"This contract would put him a tick below the five-year, $136.5 million extension that Tyler Glasnow signed after he was traded to the Dodgers, and those two have comparable profiles as swing-and-miss starters who are ace-level performers when everything is clicking."
For the Cubs, who aren't known as huge offseason spenders, this would be a big splash to make, but it would also be a very welcome addition to their starting rotation.
Cease made 32 starts this season, which is pretty much the maximum, and posted a 4.55 ERA, but also struck out 215 hitters in 168 innings. Some of the underlying numbers suggest that Cease was unlucky.
The San Diego Padres are still likely the frontrunner to re-sign Cease, but Chicago should consider targeting him and entering a bidding war with other MLB teams.
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