With the 2025 MLB season wrapped up for all but the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, who are vying for the World Series title, attention for most fans has turned to the offseason.
Supporters of the league’s other 28 teams are eager to see how their franchises will bolster their lineups to contend for the championship in 2026. The Chicago Cubs face pivotal choices this winter that will define their chances of a successful postseason run next year.
Among these are whether to focus on re-signing standout outfielder Kyle Tucker and determining the budget for his potential return. The team also needs to decide which of their free agent relievers to target.
Additionally, the Cubs are likely to explore options to strengthen their starting pitching, given the uncertainties surrounding their current rotation. While several intriguing starting pitchers are available in free agency, one particularly compelling option is still competing in the postseason.
MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand identified the Cubs as one of three possible destinations for Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber.
Bieber is a fascinating free agency target for Chicago. Just a few years ago, Bieber was one of the premier pitchers in the entire sport, which is proven by his being a two-time MLB All-Star, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, and the recipient of a Triple Crown in 2020, which is when a pitcher leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
The 31-year-old right-hander encountered a major setback in April 2024, when a torn UCL in his throwing elbow kept him out of action for over a year. Traded from the Cleveland Guardians to the Blue Jays before the 2025 trade deadline, Bieber made his season debut on August 22.
Since returning, he has performed admirably, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA over seven starts in the regular season.Bieber has held his own in three postseason outings.
A strong showing in the World Series against the Dodgers could significantly elevate his market value, potentially convincing the Cubs to pursue him with a contract offer this offseason.
