"The Cubs' pitching woes continue, with Porter Hodge set to undergo season-ending UCL surgery and righty prospect Jaxon Wiggins heading to the IL with right elbow inflammation. They have already lost de facto ace Cade Horton to a UCL injury and are awaiting the return of Justin Steele from a similar issue suffered last year."
"Lucas Giolito, by far the highest-profile free agent remaining, struggled with performance for a couple of years before missing 2024 with a UCL tear, but he bounced back well enough with the Red Sox in 2025 to opt out of a guaranteed $19 million."
"The Cubs are already over the $244 million competitive balance tax threshold by an estimated $1.3 million, but Tom Ricketts is certainly willing to push past that figure with in-season acquisitions."
The Cubs are experiencing significant pitching issues, with multiple players on the injured list, including Porter Hodge and Jaxon Wiggins. Cade Horton is also out due to a UCL injury. The team is considering signing Lucas Giolito, a high-profile free agent, as they are the only team with financial flexibility to pursue him. Giolito, who previously struggled but rebounded with the Red Sox, is now open to a one-year contract after initially seeking a two-year deal. The Cubs are willing to exceed the competitive balance tax threshold to strengthen their roster.
Read at Cubsinsider
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]