Chicago Cubs: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Insider Explains Cubs’ Free Agency Plan After Failed Tatsuya Imai Pursuit

For the past several weeks, there have been various reports that the Chicago Cubs were among the top suitors for Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai. In fact, one reporter indicated that the two finalists to sign Imai were the Cubs and the New York Yankees.

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Cubs Reportedly Interested in Bichette, Listening on Hoerner

The Astros signed Tatsuya Imai on Thursday, taking away one of the main options for the Cubs this winter. They now have to look elsewhere to enhance the starting rotation, but Jed Hoyer’s offense will need an upgrade as well.

Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / January 2

5 bold predictions for the 2026 Cubs

In some years, I post an article toward the end of the year revisiting my bold predictions for the Cubs for that season. Why didn’t I do that in 2025? Well… here are my five bold predictions for the year just completed.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / January 2

Cubs’ next move could be $76 million strike after major free agent miss

The Chicago Cubs missed out on Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, as the 27-year-old signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Houston Astros on New Year’s Day.

Philadelphia Phillies News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Active MLB home run leaders' quiz

How many of the most prolific power hitters in baseball today can you name in 5 minutes?

The 'Last 40-home-run season by MLB team' quiz

The 'MLB All-Star Game MVPs' quiz

The '50-home-run MLB seasons' quiz

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / January 2

One Cubs Series Showed Lots Of Promise For Owen Caissie And Matt Shaw

2025 was full of ups and downs for the Chicago Cubs, and it's always easier to focus on the negatives when things don't go the way one hopes. Their season ended after being sent home by their division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers.

NFL News / Yardbarker

The 25 most memorable sports plays of 2025

When it comes to unforgettable plays within the 2025 sports calendar, this was truly a special year. Here's our rankings of the 25 best.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / January 1

Chicago Cubs reportedly fielding calls on former Gold Glove infielder

The Chicago Cubs are in a position where they are searching for ways to improve their roster for the 2026 season. While the free agent market has not been able to land them a big fish so far, they could look to the trade market to do so.

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / January 1

Insider Confirms $160 Million Free Agent Starter Remains On Cubs Radar

While the MLB hot stove has been relatively quiet over the holidays, it has already started picking up steam in the new year. This began when Tatsuya Imai signed a three-year, $54 million contract (with $63 million possible based on incentives) with the Houston Astros on January 1, one day before his posting period ended.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / January 1

Chicago Cubs heading toward crippling $200 million mistake

So apparently, the Chicago Cubs are interested in free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, one of the top bats available on the market as we head into the new year.

Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / January 1

The eighth day of Cubsmas: Eight home runs on the Fourth of July

On the first day of Cubsmas My true love gave to me An Anthony Rizzo retirement for the ages, On the second day of Cubsmas My true love gave to me A $2

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / January 1

Chicago Cubs have checked in on premier free agent during 2025 free agency

The Chicago Cubs have been swimming in the deep end in terms of premier free agents, but have yet to sign a massive name. They have been rumored to be in contact with a handful of them, but none have officially signed a contract to join the Cubs for the 2026 season.

MLB News / ChiCitySports / January 1

Chicago Cubs target is off the board; Imai signs cheapo deal with Houston Astros

The Chicago Cubs must now employ a plan B when it comes to starting pitching as one of their reported top offseason targets has come off the board. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, Japanese starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai has just signed with the Houston Astros.

MLB News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest pitching seasons from the modern MLB era

America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.

MLB News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / January 1

Tatsuya Imai has signed with the Astros. What’s next for the Cubs?

News item: So, okay, the guy who could have really helped the Cubs rotation isn’t available anymore. And here’s the money for Tatsuya Imai: Yes, the Cubs could easily have afforded that.

Chicago Cubs News / ChiCitySports / January 1

What if the Chicago Cubs don’t land their free agent targets?

The Chicago Cubs got pretty far last season, even with second-half offensive inconsistencies and a late-season starting rotation seemingly held together by grit, resolve, and character.

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The 'Leading receivers vs. each NFL team' quiz

The 'CFP appearances' quiz

The 'Top-50 all-time NFL rushers' quiz

The 'Most NFL pass completions' quiz

Jed Hoyer News / Chicago Cubs on SI / January 1

Cubs 2026 Rotation Now That Tatsuya Imai Has Signed With The Astros

Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs have had their names on the suitors 'list for free agent Tatsuya Imai since the very beginning. The organization was clear that they wanted to add depth to their starting rotation this offseason, but they failed to win the bidding war as he will not be on the Cubs roster come opening day.

Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / January 1

Happy New Year 2026!

Happy New Year to you from all of us at BCB. Here’s the full image from above: Here’s my wish for you to have a happy, healthy 2025, and also a wish for the Chicago Cubs to have a successful season and hopefully return to the postseason.

Nico Hoerner News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / January 1

Chicago Cubs news and notes — Bregman, Busch, Hoerner, Imai, Rizzo.

Happy New Year! The rumor mills are churning. Headlines claim that the Cubs are about to or have already signed JT Realmuto, Nolan Arenado, Walker Buehler, Bo Bichette, and of course Kyle Tucker will re-up.

Chicago Cubs News / Chicago Cubs on SI / January 1

Cubs Predicted To Land Tatsuya Imai As Posting Deadline Nears

Free agent pitcher Tatsuya Imai made several interesting comments during a recent interview he did with a Japanese outlet. "It seems that there aren't

Pete Crow-Armstrong News / ChiCitySports / December 31

Cubs’ seemingly imminent contract extension should concern Chicago fans

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong finally broke out this past season, smashing 31 home runs while playing otherworldly defense en route to his first All-Star appearance and a Gold Glove.

Chicago Cubs News / Bleed Cubbie Blue / December 31

The seventh day of Cubsmas: Seven walk-off wins

On the first day of Cubsmas My true love gave to me An Anthony Rizzo retirement for the ages, On the second day of Cubsmas My true love gave to me A $2

Alex Bregman News / ChiCitySports / December 31

Cubs’ Alex Bregman chances land distressing update thanks to failed trade attempt

The Chicago Cubs have been tabbed as one of the top potential destinations for third baseman Alex Bregman, but it’s now looking more and more like Bregman will ultimately sign elsewhere.

Chicago Cubs News / Cubs Insider / December 31

Cubs’ Extension Options Plentiful

The Cubs have very few players under contract past 2026 and 2027, which means the next few winters could be quite busy. Just a few years ago, the team had one of the best farm systems in baseball.

Hunter Harvey News / MLB on ClutchPoints / December 31

Cubs land veteran reliever in free agency for $6 million

The Chicago Cubs added another piece to their bullpen by signing veteran right-hander Hunter Harvey to a one-year deal worth $6 million, with up to $1.5 million available in incentives.

Chicago Cubs News / Viral Sports News / December 31

Chicago Cubs Land Massive Prediction That Could Alter Their Future

As the MLB offseason heats up, the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees appear to be the primary teams vying for the services of standout international free agent Tatsuya Imai, a right-handed starter transitioning from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.

Kyle Tucker News / Viral Sports News / December 28

Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Dream Might Not Be Dead Yet

When the Chicago Cubs pulled off a major trade with the Houston Astros last offseason, acquiring outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith, most analysts viewed it as a short-term move.