Cubs Predicted To Replace Shota Imanaga With Huge Trade For $6 Million Ace
After a shocking turn of events, the Chicago Cubs ended up watching Shota Imanaga head into free agency this winter. The Cubs need to add pitching this offseason, as it seems like it’s the biggest hole on the roster right now.
They’ll need to work to either re-sign or replace Imanaga. Considering the fact that they opted out of his fifth year, it seems as though the Cubs will be looking to replace him.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman recently suggested the Cubs could make a trade for Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan this offseason.
“Ryan has ace upside, and is under cheap club control through the 2027 campaign,” Rotman wrote. “The Twins should strongly consider trading him now, as teams would be willing to trade more for two full years of him rather than one and a half or one, but they’re not in a position where they have to move him. They can hold out for an absurd offer, which might come through, but I’m not so sure it actually will.
“If Ryan is traded, the Chicago Cubs are a team that could desperately use a frontline starter. Ryan could fill that void without breaking the bank for them financially. The Cubs have tradable prospects, and if they want to get back to the postseason in 2026, adding to their rotation feels like a must.”
Ryan would be a huge addition for the Cubs. He’s one of the best pitchers expected to be on the trade market this winter.
The Cubs have some solid prospect capital to make a deal like this happen. After potentially losing Imanaga, a move like this is crucial to make for Chicago.
Dodgers rumors: Will LA pursue Bo Bichette in free agency after World Series?
The World Series is over, and MLB free agency is around the corner. After the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, they could become one of the big teams to chase Bo Bichette, if the star shortstop does not extend with Toronto, according to MLB writer Mark Feinsand.
“No list of potential suitors for a major free agent is complete without Los Angeles, which seems to be in the mix for several players every offseason,” Fensand wrote.
The Blue Jays made a qualifying offer to Bichette, hoping he would accept, and extend his time in Toronto. However, if the shortstop does not accept, he could make the transition to MLB free agency and explore his options.
Bichette is coming off a solid regular season, where he hit .311 while slugging 18 home runs and 94 RBIs while scoring 78 runs over 139 games before suffering an injury in September. This caused him to miss the ALDS and ALCS. Then, he had an explosive World Series, hitting .348 with one home run, six RBIs, and two runs with an on-base percentage of .444.
The consensus against the Dodgers chasing Bichette is that they already have a shortstop, as Mookie Betts has played the position for several seasons. However, Feinsand reasoned that it is not something that would necessarily prevent them from going after Bichette.
“Mookie Betts made a smooth transition to shortstop, but the Dodgers can always move him to second base or back to the outfield if they choose to. Second baseman Tommy Edman can also play the outfield, giving the Dodgers a wealth of options if they decide to pursue Bichette,” the baseball insider added.
While the baseball world waits on Bichette's decision, there is the possibility that he can hit free agency. If he does, Bichette could decide that “if you can't beat them, join them” by joining a team that is a consistent contender for the World Series.
Time will tell what Bichette will do, but the Dodgers are always looming, threatening to make a major signing, and Bichette would be another prize on their trophy mantle.
