The 2022 Cubs ended the season at 74-88 and although I’m still annoyed that I had the over on their win total at 74.5 games I am relatively optimistic heading into the 2022-23 offseason. Lots of positives, especially on the pitching side emerged throughout the year but as always if we want the Cubs to be competitive again they actually have to go out there and spend money in free agency.

Ever since Jed Hoyer took over the show from Theo Epstein his press conferences haven’t really given fans much substance. I guess we were spoiled by Epstein because every time he spoke to the media it at least seemed like fans were getting some sort of insight into what the team was planning. Maybe that’s exaggerated because it’s not like any executive outwardly tells fans everything they’re thinking about, but with Epstein there was less bullshit to swift through.

With Hoyer? Ehh, lots of word vomit to me and at the end of the day I don’t care that much because by now we should know that much of what he says doesn’t really matter. And honestly with everything, actions will always speak louder than words. But hey, Jed is ready to be back in the playoffs.

Via Jordan Bastian.

Hoyer said he hopes to have a more competitive team in 2023. Asked to define “competitive”, said he wants Cubs in a position to “compete for the playoffs” next year.

Again, not making any grand proclamations, but it’s something. So, now as a fan, here’s my 2022-23 Cubs offseason wishlist for the starting rotation.

Sign/Trade for Ace

In the second half of 2022, the Cubs’ starting rotation had a combined 2.89 ERA, which was third-best in MLB. Marcus Stroman was amazing and so was Drew Smyly. Justin Steele took a big step forward and then we saw the MLB debuts of Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski, while Adrian Sampson finished the year on a great stretch. Keegan Thompson was awesome too.

The Cubs are reportedly going to meet with Smyly’s camp later in October in hopes of working out a new deal with the left-handed pitcher according to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Further talks between the Cubs and Smyly’s camp are expected this month, working toward a possible reunion next season, according to sources.

Smyly has a $10 million mutual option for 2023, but it’s more likely the parties will negotiate a new contract.

Excellent because Smyly gives the Cubs even more depth in the rotation and getting a deal done early will give the front office more time to focus on the top of the starting rotation.

Shohei Ohtani

Obviously the white whale this offseason is trading for Shohei Ohtani. Not only would a team get an ace, but a top-10 hitter too in Ohtani. The Japanese star agreed to a $30 million deal for the 2023 season with the Angels and as of now the Angels reportedly have no interest in trading the two-way superstar.

But hey, you have to give the Angels a call no matter what if you’re the Cubs and then if that happens you figure out an extension as soon as possible. Again, this is in the dreamworld of possibilities but here’s one that is certainly plausible.

Shane Bieber

Ohtani isn’t the only star pitcher who could be traded and the following two pitchers are far more likely to be moved. How about GM Carter Hawkins gives his former team a call to ask about Shane Bieber? The 27-year-old will be in his second year of arbitration in 2023 and although we like to clown the Cubs for being cheap, the Guardians have been notoriously cheap over the years.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Bieber’s projected salary for 2023 will be close to $11 million. Have to see if there’s a deal to be made there.

Tyler Glasnow

This one can be risky. Tyler Glasnow has been injured and is coming off Tommy John surgery with the Tampa Bay Rays, but man is his stuff electric. He’s also signed through the 2024 season. I know, I know, never trade with the Rays, but Glasnow is soooo good.

Free Agents

OK fine, you don’t want to see any of the top Cubs’ prospects moved in a trade, so how about just opening up the wallet. There are plenty of options in free agency that can immediately slot into the top of the rotation. Here are the top free agent starting pitchers.

Jacob deGrom
Justin Verlander
Carlos Rodon
Chris Bassitt
Koudai Senga

I know absolutely nothing about Koudai Senga’s game, but sign him please and according to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma the Cubs are going to pursue the 29-year-old from Japan.

It could make sense to try and lure Jacob deGrom on a high average annual value, short-term deal, similar to the one Max Scherzer signed with the Mets (three years, $130 million) last winter. That is probably a long shot though. Carlos Rodón putting together a full, healthy season likely has the Cubs intrigued, and Japanese righty Koudai Senga will be pursued as well. Those are the type of big-name players the Cubs should and likely will be looking to add this winter.

So, who would you like the Cubs to go after in the 2022-23 offseason and add to their starting rotation?