Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs Could Consider Making Huge $125 Million Offseason Splash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 7:18 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs head into the MLB offseason with quite a few needs at the top of their priority list. After being bounced out of the NLDS by the Milwaukee Brewers, there are some clear areas that Jed Hoyer and the front office will need to improve.

Obviously, the first thing on the offseason priority list is figuring out what to do with Kyle Tucker. Could the Cubs bring him back? Will he leave the team to sign elsewhere?

Once that question is answered, Chicago will be able to figure out what to do next.

At this point in time, it seems more likely that Tucker will not be back with the Cubs in 2026. That could change, but he's going to command a lot of money and Chicago might not be willing to pay him what he's looking to receive.

Should he leave, the Cubs could opt to spend big on a free agent or two.

Adding more starting pitching could be a priority this offseason. How about pursuing a top-tier starter like Dylan Cease?

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has predicted that Cease will sign a five-year, $125 million contract in free agency. That is a pretty penny, but Chicago might be open to the idea.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease (84) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Throughout the course of the 2025 MLB season with the San Diego Padres, Cease made 32 starts. He compiled an 8-12 record to go along with a 4.55 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, a 3.0 K/BB ratio, and he completed 168 innings of work.

Cease is currently 29 years old. If the Cubs were to sign him to a four or five-year deal, he could be a valuable piece of the rotation for years to come.

Expect to hear a lot of rumors surrounding Chicago as the offseason gets underway. Hoyer and the franchise leadership haven't shown a lot of aggressiveness in recent years. After being so close to making a run at a World Series appearance, the Cubs might just be willing to spend a bit more this time around.

It will be interesting to see what Chicago chooses to do this offseason. Cease could be a very intriguing option for the franchise to fill an obvious issue that the Cubs had in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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