Chicago Cubs Must Pursue This ‘Dream’ Target in Free Agency

As the Chicago Cubs look to build on a promising season, one name stands out on their offseason wishlist: Corbin Burnes.

The addition of the Baltimore Orioles’ ace could elevate an already formidable rotation, transforming it into the best in baseball.

The Cubs’ 2024 campaign was marked by the strength of their pitching staff, led by Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. With the addition of Burnes, they could create an unstoppable rotation.

Pairing Burnes with the likes of Jameson Taillon, who posted a solid 3.27 ERA — only the third-best in the rotation — and the aforementioned Imanaga and Steele would make for a fearsome starting four, capable of shutting down even the most potent lineups in the league.

Beyond his talent, Burnes has ties to Cubs manager Craig Counsell from their time in Milwaukee. This connection could play a significant role once free agency opens up, as Counsell’s insight and relationship with Burnes might make Chicago an attractive destination for the right-hander.

With Counsell now managing the Cubs, he will surely be pushing President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer to make the necessary moves to upgrade the roster and make a serious push for October baseball.

Adding Burnes won’t come without a cost. Acquiring a pitcher of his caliber would require a significant financial investment. However, with the Cubs seemingly just a few pieces away from becoming legitimate World Series contenders, the move could be well worth the price.

An elite rotation is a crucial ingredient for a deep postseason run, and Burnes could be the missing piece that helps the Cubs get over the hump.

This winter, Cubs fans can dream of a rotation featuring Imanaga, Steele, Taillon, and Burnes — a group that could make all the difference when it comes to competing for the ultimate prize in baseball.

Adding Corbin Burnes to the Chicago Cubs’ rotation wouldn’t just be about assembling talent; it would also provide a psychological boost to the team and its fanbase. The Cubs have been on the fringe of serious playoff contention in recent years, and a marquee acquisition like Burnes would signal that Chicago is ready to go all-in on a championship run.

Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, brings a wealth of experience and a dominant presence that could set the tone for the entire pitching staff.

The 2024 Cubs’ rotation, while impressive, occasionally struggled with consistency beyond their top arms. Bringing in Burnes would not only give the Cubs another ace but also help solidify the roles for the rest of the starters.

It would take some of the pressure off other pitchers, such as Taillon, allowing them to settle into more manageable matchups. In addition, it would enable Chicago to maximize the potential of its bullpen by reducing the strain of extended innings on relievers, giving them a better chance to stay fresh throughout the season.

Burnes’ competitive edge, coupled with the familiarity and trust built with Counsell, could create an environment where the Cubs’ pitching staff thrives.

With an elite rotation, the Cubs would be in an excellent position to challenge for the NL Central crown and make a deep postseason run, ultimately aiming for another championship banner at Wrigley Field.

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