Having starting pitchers in Major League Baseball is perhaps more important than anything else. For the Chicago Cubs, it's something the organization will continue to focus on moving forward.
There have been parts throughout the year when the Cubs' rotation has performed at a decent level, but some injuries have also slowed that down.
As the Cubs look toward the future, even if it isn't in the immediate term, given that the postseason is almost here, there will be a few under-the-radar options for Chicago to pursue.
Could Cubs take a chance on Alek Manoah?
That includes right-hander Alek Manoah of the Toronto Blue Jays, who was recently designated for assignment (DFA) and whom Jordan Campbell of FanSided suggested the Cubs should take a chance on.
“Obviously, we are past the point where Manoah could be an option for the Cubs this season. That said, if claimed, the Cubs would have control over the right-hander through the 2027 season. Manoah earned $2.2M this season with the Blue Jays, and that likely will be his price tag for the 2026 season, considering he hasn't pitched at the Major League level since 2024.
“The Cubs almost always have an eye on reclamation projects during the offseason, and at a low cost, Manoah could be a worthwhile gamble. If the Cubs can fix him, they have a clear top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. If not, they can end the experiment in a similar way that the Blue Jays did,” he wrote.
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Manoah has an interesting case to be claimed by other teams around Major League Baseball, considering how well he performed in 2022. He was decent in 2024, posting a 3.70 ERA, but he appeared in only five games. His 2023 campaign was the worst of his career, posting a 5.87 ERA in 19 appearances.
As long as the Cubs don't view him as the ace that he once was, there's reason to believe this type of move could work out, even if he transitions into a different role.