Cubs Rumors: Marcus Stroman not expected to return to Chicago

Marcus Stroman declined his $21 million contract option with the Chicago Cubs in favor of free agency. Last season was a roller coaster for the 32-year-old, who began the campaign at a Cy Young pace before injuries sapped away his momentum down the stretch.

He finished the season with a 10-9 record, posting a 3.95 ERA and 1.259 WHIP. While Storman won't get the same long-term financial commitment as other top starters in this free agent class, he's a two-time All-Star who, when right, can match just about anybody pitch-for-pitch.

Stroman's 57.4 percent ground ball rate last season fell in the MLB's 94th percentile, per Baseball Savant. He keeps the ball in play for his defense. He is going to have suitors all over the country, but for the Cubs, it would appear Stroman is no longer part of the plan.

Chicago took an "open-minded approach" at the GM meetings in Arizona, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. The Cubs have three locks in the starting rotation — Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon — and could "see an opportunity" to add a top-of-the-rotation starter, per Mooney. He also notes the possibility of Chicago prioritizing the bullpen given Craig Counsell's history of successful bullpen management.

There's always a chance the two sides can come back together — Jed Hoyer called Stroman "a good match for us" — but after a rocky season, during which Stroman publicly called out the front office's lack of engagement on the extension front, it would appear of change of scenery is the most likely outcome.

Cubs Rumors: Rhys Hoskins could be Plan B if Pete Alonso trade plan fails

The Chicago Cubs are expected to target a power hitter to anchor the middle of their lineup. New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has been a favorite of prognosticators, but it can be difficult to iron out trades for a legitimate star — especially when the Mets aren't committed one way or another with respect to Alonso's future.

Chicago needs a backup plan, and thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies, one is about to create waves in the free agent market.

Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski recently announced that Bryce Harper will remain the everyday first baseman for Philadelphia next season. With Kyle Schwarber already locked in the DH spot, that essentially leaves Rhys Hoskins without a home. The 30-year-old, who has spent his entire major league career with Philadelphia, was absent for the entire 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL in spring training. Now, he's expected back at full strength in the new year. Just not with the Phillies.

According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Cubs view Hoskins as "a good fit for their roster." Cody Bellinger's future hangs in the balance, which only increases the importance of adding another powerful bat to the middle of the lineup.

Before his injury, Hoskins was an essential element of the Phillies' World Series offense. He slashed .246/.332/.462 with 30 home runs and 79 RBIs in 2022. In 2019, he led the MLB with 116 walks. There is always a level of concern with a player returning from a major knee injury, but Hoskins plays a relatively streamlined defensive position at first base and he should be able to return to his previous power level eventually.

Cubs Rumors: Executives view Chicago as Shohei Ohtani favorite outside LA

The Los Angeles Dodgers are widely speculated favorites to sign Shohei Ohtani right now. The two-way superstar reportedly covets the ability to contend, but he also appreciates the comfort and familiarity of Los Angeles. What better way to address both than a simple cross-town move to the Dodgers?

He could also simply re-sign with the Los Angeles Angels. Anticlimactic, sure, but it's hard not to knock a tier-one star for loyalty to a franchise.

That said, league sources speculate that the Chicago Cubs are a favorite to sign Ohtani if he ventures outside LA, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. He also notes the World Series-winning Texas Rangers as a potential landing spot, with the expectation that the San Francisco Giants will offer Ohtani the most money.

The Cubs are in a better position than ever to pitch Ohtani on their competitive aspirations after signing Craig Counsell, considered by many to be one of (if not the best) managers in the sport. Chicago has a strong defense in place, the chance to form a solid pitching staff, and enough financial capital to make their Ohtani dreams a reality.

Chicago finished last season just barely outside the National League postseason picture. There is significant pressure to improve upon that outcome in 2024. It's hard to imagine a better path to improvement than signing the soon-to-be American League MVP.

If the Cubs can land the best player in baseball, of course the front office will jump at the opportunity.