Cubs should go after $125 million predicted starter in free agency
The Chicago Cubs have some big decisions to make this offseason. Obviously, the biggest one is what will happen with Kyle Tucker, who, at this point, is not expected to return.
Chicago's starting rotation was very up and down in 2025. On one hand, they found a future star in rookie Cade Horton, and Shota Imanaga also continues to look like an ace. However, Chicago also faced some depth issues that may have held them back in the playoffs.
Dylan Cease predicted to sign $125 million deal
In a recent contract predictions piece by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, Dylan Cease is predicted to sign the ninth-largest free agent deal this offseason:
"Predicted Contract: 5 years, $125 million"
"This contract would put him a tick below the five-year, $136.5 million extension that Tyler Glasnow signed after he was traded to the Dodgers, and those two have comparable profiles as swing-and-miss starters who are ace-level performers when everything is clicking."
For the Cubs, who aren't known as huge offseason spenders, this would be a big splash to make, but it would also be a very welcome addition to their starting rotation.
Cease made 32 starts this season, which is pretty much the maximum, and posted a 4.55 ERA, but also struck out 215 hitters in 168 innings. Some of the underlying numbers suggest that Cease was unlucky.
The San Diego Padres are still likely the frontrunner to re-sign Cease, but Chicago should consider targeting him and entering a bidding war with other MLB teams.
49ers Make Major George Kittle Announcement Before Falcons Game
The 49ers activated George Kittle off of injured reserve ahead of their Week 7 action
Injuries have played a large part in the San Francisco 49ers‘ 2025 campaign to this point. From the get-go, the Niners have been hit hard by the injury bug, but they haven’t let it derail them, as they have posted a 4-2 record through their first six games. And now, heading into Week 7, it looks like the team is set to get a major boost on offense.
One of the first injuries the 49ers were dealt this season involved star tight end George Kittle, as he was forced out of the team’s season-opener against the Seattle Seahawks with a hamstring injury. After landing on injured reserve, Kittle hasn’t played since then, but he appears set to finally make his return to action for the Niners.
49ers Activate George Kittle from Injured Reserve Ahead of Week 7
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Looking across the league, it’s tough to say that another team has dealt with more injuries than the 49ers. On offense, more than half of their starters have been forced to miss time, and on defense, their two best players, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, have suffered season-ending injuries. The fact that this team is even 4-2 at this point is nothing short of a miracle.
In Week 7, San Fran is still going to be without several starters on offense, as quarterback Brock Purdy will miss another game, while wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is also out. Reinforcements have arrived in the form of Kittle, who should immediately take on a big role in the offense once he officially returns to action.
Kittle caught four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown before being forced out of San Francisco’s season-opening win over Seattle, and now, it looks like he’s set to add to those numbers. Ahead of the team’s upcoming contest, Kittle was officially activated from injured reserve, giving him the green light to suit up for the first time since Week 1.
49ers Hoping George Kittle Can Help Them Beat Falcons in Week 7
GettySan Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle takes the field prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card playoff game
With Kittle back, the Niners’ offense figures to be much improved moving forward. Not only should Kittle be a top target in the passing game, but he figures to be able to help open up rushing lanes on the ground for Christian McCaffrey. While San Francisco has largely managed to overcome its injury woes to this point, it’s always been clear that they would need to get guys like Kittle back sooner rather than later.
Kittle’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, as the 49ers may need him to immediately be at his best in Week 7 with a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on deck. The Falcons have a strong defense, which they showed in Week 6 when they handed the Buffalo Bills their secondary straight loss. With kickoff for this game scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football, all eyes will be on Kittle to see how he fares in his return to action for San Fran.
