This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
CHICAGO — The first week following the conclusion of the World Series sets the foundation for the offseason ahead. While the Dodgers were hoisting another trophy and holding a parade, teams like the Cubs were deep into internal discussions about roster construction and potential moves.
That process will continue to gain steam on Monday with the arrival of the annual General Managers’ Meetings in Las Vegas. It is the offseason’s first chance to get representatives from all 30 ballclubs and player agents together to begin dialogue about deals that will (or won’t) play out in the months ahead.
Here are five early storylines to follow for the Cubs during the GM Meetings:
1) Is there a chance Shota Imanaga stays in Chicago?
A series of decisions happened this week that added the 32-year-old Imanaga to the free-agent pool. The Cubs declined a three-year team option in his contract and the pitcher turned down a one-year, $15.25 million player option that was available. Then on Thursday, the Cubs extended Imanaga a one-year qualifying offer ($22.025 million) for ‘26.
Players who received a QO have until Nov. 18 to either accept or decline the one-year deal. While it represents a pay boost for Imanaga, his camp will be able to use the GM Meetings to get an early gauge on what type of multiyear offers might exist elsewhere, or if Chicago might be willing to present a restructured extension.
2) Is a reunion with Kyle Tucker realistic?
While Imanaga’s QO situation is a little more layered, Tucker declining the one-year offer he received looks like a no-brainer for the outfielder. Tucker is arguably the top offensive player on the free-agent market this winter and is likely to command a lucrative long-term deal. By offering Tucker and Imanaga the QO, the Cubs can at least garner Draft-pick compensation if they decline and sign with a new team.
While the Cubs are expected to engage Tucker’s team on the possibility of extending his time in Chicago, the more likely outcome here is that he signs elsewhere. That said, the Cubs will need to begin exploring ways to improve the lineup (with or without Tucker). Alex Bregman and Munetaka Murakami are among the intriguing free-agent fits.
3) How will the Cubs address the rotation?
The Cubs needed to add to their rotation even before the decision to allow Imanaga to reach free agency. One way would be to look to the free-agent market: Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and Michael King are among the top options. Japanese star Tatsuya Imai would also be an interesting fit if/when he is posted by the Seibu Lions. The Cubs could also explore trade, especially after looking into arms like Joe Ryan (Twins), Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Edward Cabrera (Marlins) and MacKenzie Gore (Nationals) at the Deadline last summer.
4) How will Chicago rebuild the bullpen?
The bulk of the Cubs’ late-inning group down the stretch last season are no longer in the fold. Andrew Kittredge was traded back to Baltimore, while Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz hit free agency. Targeting big-name relievers via multiyear offers is not the Cubs’ style (last year’s pursuit of Tanner Scott was a rare exception). Expect Chicago’s front-office to continue to look for shorter-term value signings, small trades or reclamation projects to once again build the relief corps.
5) Will Cade Horton win the NL Rookie of the Year Award?
Not only do the GM Meetings begin on Monday, but that is the night the Baseball Writers’ Association America starts rolling out its annual awards. First up are the Rookie of the Year honorees, and Horton is one of the finalists in the National League. He is up against catcher Drake Baldwin (Braves) and infielder Caleb Durbin (Brewers) with the winner announced on MLB Network (6 p.m. CT) on Monday night.
