Chicago Cubs Target Pitching Upgrades, Express Interest in Free Agent Trevor Rogers

LAS VEGAS — The Chicago Cubs have made starting pitching their primary focus this offseason, zeroing in on free-agent left-hander Trevor Rogers as an early target. Rogers posted a 4.03 ERA across 169 2/3 innings for the Baltimore Orioles in 2026, but caught attention by recording a 2.86 ERA and a 26.7 percent strikeout rate over his final 17 starts after increasing his sweeper usage.

Chicago's aggressive search comes as the club faces a near-total rebuild of its starting rotation for the 2027 season. Key rotation pieces Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Matthew Boyd, and Shota Imanaga have all hit free agency. Meanwhile, top prospect Cade Horton is recovering from elbow surgery and remains sidelined until late 2027, Justin Steele has managed very few innings over the past two seasons, and Ben Brown recently underwent a spinal procedure.

Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins confirmed that pitching conversations dominated the opening hours of the general managers' meetings. Beyond Rogers, the team is evaluating multiple avenues, including a potential reunion with Holmes, whose high groundball rate fits well with Chicago's infield defense. The front office is also monitoring right-hander Dustin May and veteran Zac Gallen, who struggled with a 6.07 ERA and elbow issues last season, as potential rotational depth.

What to watch next: Expect the Cubs to pursue multiple starting pitchers through free agency and trade talks as winter meetings approach.