Why the Pitching-Needy Team Is Reportedly Already Leaving Tarik Skubal Out of Its Sweepstakes

Cubs unlikely to pursue Skubal

The Cubs are not expected to join the bidding for Tarik Skubal, according to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma. Sharma reported that Chicago appears unlikely to pursue the left-hander, who is widely considered the top ace available this offseason.

That would not mean the Cubs are sitting out the pitching market. Sharma said the team will check in on every other free-agent pitcher this winter.

Rotation faces major turnover

With so many potential departures, the Cubs are likely to be active this winter even if Skubal is not part of their plans. The team’s 2027 rotation is expected to look substantially different.

Other possible pitching targets

San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King could be among Chicago’s leading targets. The 31-year-old is expected to draw strong interest, and he threw seven scoreless innings against the Cubs in the playoffs.

Freddy Peralta is another possible option. The 30-year-old finished the season well with the Tampa Bay Rays and previously played for Cubs manager Craig Counsell in Milwaukee.

Holmes could return

Chicago could also bring back Clay Holmes, one of its starters from the past season. He is known as an effective ground-ball pitcher, a trait that could fit well with the Cubs’ strong infield defense. The team’s eventual signings will determine how its rotation takes shape, but the available options extend well beyond Skubal.