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Cubs Set To Go After These Two Stars In Offseason

As the Chicago Cubs look to bolster their roster after missing the playoffs once again, starting pitching has emerged as a key area of focus.

Among the potential offseason acquisitions, two experienced World Series-winning arms have surfaced: Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried and Texas Rangers veteran Nathan Eovaldi.

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, both pitchers, renowned for their postseason performances, have been highlighted as potential fits for the Cubs’ rotation.

“Max Fried would fit that description as a consistent, high-level performer throughout his time with the Atlanta Braves. So would Nathan Eovaldi, assuming he declines his $20 million player option with the Texas Rangers for next season. Both pitchers also have World Series experience,” Mooney reported.

Fried, who has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ pitching staff, could be heading to free agency after posting a solid 2024 season with an 11-10 record and a 3.25 ERA.

Though his future with Atlanta remains uncertain, the left-hander expressed gratitude for his time in the Braves’ uniform after their disappointing postseason exit.

“[Wearing the Braves uniform] means everything,” Fried said. “It’s the organization that traded for me and gave me the opportunity to come to the big leagues and be an established big-league player. I obviously don’t know what’s going to happen, but I have absolutely loved every minute of it and hope to have many more.”

With Fried potentially seeking a big payday elsewhere, Chicago could be a prime destination for the talented southpaw as they aim to strengthen their starting rotation.

Meanwhile, Eovaldi, fresh off a successful 2023 World Series win with the Rangers, might also be in the Cubs’ sights.

The veteran righty went 12-8 in 2024, posting a 3.80 ERA, and will need to decide whether to decline his $20 million player option to test the market. His wealth of postseason experience could make him a valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation.

While the Cubs are eager to add new arms, they already have a solid foundation in place. Jameson Taillon and Shota Imanaga were standout performers in 2024, with Imanaga winning 15 games and posting a 2.91 ERA, while Taillon recorded a 3.27 ERA.

Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy praised the duo’s contributions, stating, “The one thing that stands out right away with both of those guys is just their pitch-ability. Both of them throw a ton of strikes. Both of them limit walks. Both of them (have) shown the ability to navigate a lineup, throw multiple pitches for strikes, all the little things you want your starter to do.

“On top of that, they’re very similar in terms of personality, too. They’re natural leaders. If I’m analyzing and evaluating in-season routines, those two guys would be No. 1 and 2 on the list. They both take care of themselves. They’re both very diligent about what they do and how they go about doing it.

“They’re not afraid to talk to people about how they go about their business. There’s common themes there and common threads. The last piece of that, though, is just two guys who want to continue to get better. Any time you’re adding somebody new to your group, the big question is: We know what you can do, but what are you willing to continue to work on?”

Beyond Fried and Eovaldi, other high-profile pitchers like Walker Buehler, Shane Bieber, and Nick Martinez have also been mentioned as possibilities for the Cubs.

With an urgency to win now, and Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer at the helm, the team is expected to be aggressive in pursuing top-tier talent this winter.

What are your thoughts on the reports that Chicago will pursue both Fried and Eovaldi? … Who else should they target this offseason???

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