Cubs Pass on Dylan Cease, Plan to Prioritize Rotation Upgrades

The 2025 MLB offseason is underway, with free agents beginning to sign and teams looking to strengthen their rosters. One of the season’s most sought-after pitchers, Dylan Cease, agreed to a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, fueling speculation about other suitors, including the Chicago Cubs.

According to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Cubs were initially engaged in talks for Cease but withdrew once negotiations reached the $200 million threshold. The Cubs’ front office reportedly considered the contract too expensive, particularly given the structure of the Blue Jays’ deal, which included deferred payments.

Historically, the Cubs have avoided massive financial commitments for starting pitchers. The last time Chicago signed a big-ticket arm was when Yu Darvish joined the rotation eight years ago on a $126 million deal. Cease’s asking price appears to have exceeded what the Cubs were willing to invest.

Despite missing out on Cease, team president Jed Hoyer has emphasized that improving the pitching staff remains a top priority. Chicago appears ready to explore other avenues, whether through free agency or trades, to bolster a rotation that struggled at times in 2025.

1. Cease Contract and Cubs’ Withdrawal

Cease’s seven-year deal with Toronto includes deferred payments, a structure the Cubs have generally avoided in recent years. The high price tag, combined with financial philosophy differences, reportedly prompted Chicago to bow out of the bidding. At 29 years old, Cease is entering the prime of his career. His combination of strikeout ability, durability, and effectiveness made him a highly coveted free agent, drawing interest from multiple clubs across MLB. Chicago’s reluctance to match Cease’s contract reflects a conservative approach to long-term pitching deals. While willing to invest in talent, the Cubs have historically prioritized flexibility over committing massive sums to a single starter. Ultimately, the Blue Jays’ willingness to meet Cease’s demands gave them a clear edge, allowing them to secure a potential rotation anchor for the next seven seasons.

2. Cubs’ Rotation Needs

The Cubs’ rotation remains a focal point for improvement, particularly after an uneven 2025 campaign. Despite having promising arms, the team has lacked consistent performance from the back end of the rotation, highlighting the need for upgrades. Hoyer and the front office are reportedly prepared to explore other options, including free-agent signings and trades. The willingness to “add a big-money pitcher” this winter marks a notable shift from recent offseason strategies, reflecting a renewed commitment to contention. Even without Cease, Chicago has a track record of identifying and acquiring pitching talent through alternative methods, including the trade market or targeted free-agent signings. The Cubs may seek a mix of established veterans and younger arms to stabilize the rotation. Improving pitching is viewed as a critical step toward supporting an offense that has remained competitive but not dominant. By prioritizing the rotation, the Cubs aim to balance the roster and strengthen their playoff outlook for 2026.

3. Looking Ahead

While Dylan Cease will headline Toronto’s rotation, the Cubs’ focus is shifting to other viable solutions. Hoyer’s public commitment to pitching upgrades signals that Chicago is actively exploring options and willing to invest where necessary. The front office must weigh cost, contract structure, and potential performance when targeting new starters. Strategic acquisitions could provide a rotation capable of competing in the NL Central and positioning the Cubs for a postseason push. This offseason may define Chicago’s trajectory, as securing reliable starting pitching is widely viewed as essential to contending in a division featuring strong teams. Whether through free agency, trades, or internal development, the Cubs are signaling a proactive approach to addressing rotation needs. The team’s next moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts eager to see how Chicago balances fiscal discipline with competitive ambition.