REPORT: Cubs Considering Major Free Agency Move for Star Pitcher
The Chicago Cubs are still reeling from a frustrating end to their 2025 Major League Baseball campaign, where they fell to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.
Although the year brought plenty of positive moments overall, the team fell well short of its championship aspirations. As the front office dives into the winter period, speculation swirls around the level of boldness Chicago might pursue in bolstering its roster.
In a piece published on November 14 by MLB experts Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney at The Athletic, the Cubs’ leadership is reportedly keeping tabs on Michael King, the ex-San Diego Padres hurler now hitting the open market.
They view him as a pitcher with “big upside when healthy.”
King stands out as an intriguing fit for Chicago’s needs. He sat out roughly half of the 2025 schedule due to setbacks with his shoulder followed by his knee, but when active, he delivered a respectable 3.44 ERA alongside 76 strikeouts across 73.1 frames on the hill.
Now 30 years old, King demonstrated remarkable durability during his 2024 stint with the Padres, logging a superb 2.95 ERA and fanning 201 batters over 173.2 innings. That breakout performance has fueled widespread interest in him among teams this offseason, even with his injury-riddled follow-up year.
Projections from Spotrac suggest King could land a six-year pact worth $141 million in free agency. Such a deal would rank as the priciest ever for a Cubs pitcher, edging just behind the $155 million extension inked by Jon Lester back in 2015.
Yet, if King maintains his fitness and taps into his full capabilities, this investment might ultimately prove to be a bargain by the end of the term.
Whether or not Jed Hoyer and company will be able to add a top-tier arm remains to be seen. Chicago has struggled to land high level free agents in recent years.
Also, the Cubs will need to make a decision regarding the future of Kyle Tucker.
Expect to continue hearing a lot of rumors about Chicago as the offseason heats up. King might be an option for the Cubs to help improve their pitching staff.
Falcons Hit with Crushing Injury News on Michael Penix Jr. After Week 11 Loss
A bad afternoon for the Atlanta Falcons grew even worse after Michael Penix Jr. suffered a knee injury midway through the third quarter. It was concerning to see Penix exit the game with the issue that caused him to miss the Week 8 loss against the Dolphins, but the worst nightmare of fans everywhere came to life when he didn't return.
When the second-year quarterback exited the clash against the Carolina Panthers, the Dirty Birds led 21-16, but that momentum exited the building as soon as Penix went down. When Kirk Cousins replaced him, the Atlanta offense sputtered before falling 30-27 in another overtime heartbreaker.
And to make matters even worse, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Penix re-aggravated the knee injury suffered back in Week 7 against the 49ers. Back then it was a mere bone bruise, but this time, Rapoport also added there is concern that the 25-year-old "will miss some time" with the issue.
Michael Penix Jr. will miss time with knee injury suffered in Week 11
Prior to his exit, the 2024 first-round pick completed 13-of-16 pass attempts for 175 passing yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Despite the average numbers on the stat sheet, Sunday would have likely marked one of the most impressive starts of Penix's short career if he was able to close it out.
He was throwing the ball around with zip and touch all afternoon long, as he was carving Carolina's secondary. Drake London surpassed 100 receiving yards for the third straight game with a knee injury of his own, while Darnell Mooney had a few nice plays (but also a couple of costly drops).
With Penix sidelined, it means it'll be Cousins likely drawing the start in Week 12 against the Saints. The 37-year-old made one start in 2025 back in Week 8 that ended in total disaster against the Dolphins, so while he's a welcomed insurance option, it's no secret that the veteran has lost a step.
The four-time Pro Bowler completed just six of 14 passes for 48 yards after replacing Penix, as defenses are clearly more scared of his successor. It also saw the run game suffer, but Cousins is equipped with enough talent to hopefully lead the Falcons to victory next Sunday afternoon.
Not a lot of information is known regarding the state of his injury at this time, but any scenario that sees Cousins take the field is a complete and utter disaster. His 2023 Achilles tear still affects him, and he threw a career-high 16 interceptions in 2024, so this update has fans rightfully worried.
