5 very Chicago Cubs-like free agent pitching targets

More News: Chicago Cubs: How the looming labor dispute might affect free agent shopping

Kaima Taira

The fireplug Japanese flamethrower has had success in both the bullpen and as a starter. This past season’s success as a starting pitcher, however, really turned heads. His 1.36 ERA led the Japanese league and, at times, he looked absolutely untouchable. Equally attractive to the Cubs, though, is keeping the talent pipeline open with Japan and, of course, the estimated low cost of his contract, which is being estimated at between $30-$60 million over three years.

Shane Bieber

Hoyer loves picking up veterans with a past history of success on one-year prove-it contracts. Bieber might be the ultimate Hoyer acquisition in that regard. Because of his significant—and recent—history of serious injury, the 31-year-old former Cy Young Award winner could be had for as little as $13 million on a one-year deal by some estimations. When healthy, though, Bieber is legit ace material.

Character and familiarity

Clay Holmes

The looming labor dispute will cut this offseason short, leading, possibly, to teams trying harder to hold on to their free agent assets instead of reaching out to bring new ones in. The groundball specialist who came to Chicago at the trade deadline is a perfect fit for the Cubs’ elite infield defense, despite a late-season fade. His contract is projected to be in the $22 million range per season for 3-4 years, which fits well within the Cubs’ budget and into their mindset of not committing to long-term pitching contracts.

David Peterson

Another 2026 Cub that could return, Peterson came to Chicago in a late-June trade from the Mets and—with the exception of two or three outings—performed very well. Another groundball specialist, he’s expected to go for $10-$13 million per season over a two or three year deal—a real bargain, even for a fourth or fifth starter.

Nick Martinez

Another thing Hoyer loves is to sign character. Nick Martinez’s positive clubhouse presence is well-documented as are his leadership qualities. On the mound, he’s been overall excellent since coming back to MLB from Japan in 2022. Last season, he posted a 3.10 ERA through 31 starts with the Tampa Bay Rays and earned his first All-Star selection. At 36, his contract won’t be long—maybe two-three years, tops—and his asking price per season is expected to fall into the $20-$24 million range.

All of the above are safe Cubs-like free agent purchases. It’s crucial to the Cubs’ 2027 chances that they actually come through on big signings.