One weakness the Cubs must address in the offseason is pitching. Whether acquiring arms for the rotation or shoring up the bullpen, the Cubs need help in this area.
The Cubs have three big-name pitchers who are free agents: starters Jake Arrieta and John Lackey, and closer Wade Davis. The team will look for at least two starting pitchers and probably at least three relievers.
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Presuming the 39-year-old Lackey will retire, oddsmakers at SportsBettingDime.com project where the Cubs’ pitching free agents will land — and it’s likely not in Chicago.
Jake Arrieta
- Rangers: 3/2
- Nationals: 4/1
- Brewers: 5/1
- Cubs: 12/1
- FIELD: 17/3
Wade Davis
- Astros: 2/1
- Cardinals: 7/2
- Twins: 6/1
- Cubs: 10/1
- Braves: 15/1
- FIELD: 6/1
Handicapping the rest of the top pitching free agents:
Yu Darvish (starter, Dodgers)
- Cubs: 3/2
- Blue Jays: 4/1
- Phillies: 10/1
- Cardinals: 15/1
- Dodgers: 30/1
- FIELD: 7/2
Shohei Otani (starter/OF, Japan)
- Mariners: 5/2
- Dodgers: 7/2
- Cubs: 6/1
- Angels: 8/1
- Yankees: 10/1
- FIELD: 6/1
Lance Lynn (starter, Cardinals)
- Cubs: 8/1
- Rangers: 9/1
- Brewers: 11/1
- Orioles: 12/1
- Cardinals: 15/1
- FIELD: 3/4
CC Sabathia (starter, Yankees)
- Yankees: 1/2
- Angels: 9/1
- Brewers: 11/1
- FIELD: 11/2
