Cubs’ Offseason Moves Still Lacking That Big Splash - But the Options Are There
As Christmas approaches, the Chicago Cubs are still waiting to unwrap their biggest offseason gift. While the front office has been active - particularly in reshaping the bullpen - the marquee move that signals a push toward true contention hasn’t arrived just yet. And with glaring needs still present in both the starting rotation and the lineup, the clock is ticking.
Let’s be clear: the Cubs aren’t sitting idle. They’ve been busy reinforcing their bullpen - a strategy that’s paid off in recent years with several reclamation projects turning into reliable arms.
But this team isn’t just a few middle relievers away from October baseball. They need impact, and they need it soon.
Big Names Still in Play
Two names continue to dominate the Cubs’ rumor mill: Tatsuya Imai and Alex Bregman. Either acquisition would mark the franchise’s biggest swing since they landed Dansby Swanson on a 7-year, $177 million deal prior to the 2023 season.
That move signaled a shift toward long-term competitiveness. But since then, the Cubs have shied away from major financial commitments - a strategy that may need to change if they’re serious about taking the next step.
Bregman, in particular, would represent a significant offensive upgrade and a veteran presence in the infield. Imai, meanwhile, could help anchor a rotation that still has question marks heading into 2026. The Cubs have been cautious, but if they want to keep pace in a rapidly improving NL Central, the time for bold moves is now.
Kazuma Okamoto: A Viable Plan B?
With Munetaka Murakami off the board, attention has shifted to Kazuma Okamoto, a right-handed slugger who’s quietly built an impressive résumé in Japan. While Murakami might’ve had the higher ceiling thanks to his raw power and age, Okamoto brings a more polished, well-rounded profile - and he might just be the safer bet.
Okamoto has been a consistent power threat in NPB, regularly topping the 30-homer mark. But last season, he showed another gear, shifting to a more contact-driven approach while still maintaining pop.
His .327/.416/.598 slash line and 210 wRC+ speak for themselves. The question now is how that production will translate to Major League pitching.
For the Cubs, Okamoto’s game fits the mold. He gets on base, doesn’t sell out for power, and offers defensive versatility - capable of handling both corner infield spots and even some outfield duty.
With the team’s emphasis on OBP and positional flexibility, he checks a lot of boxes. If Bregman proves too costly or elusive, Okamoto could be a strong alternative.
Sean Newcomb: A Familiar Face Finds His Groove - Elsewhere
The Cubs have made a habit of mining the bullpen market for under-the-radar talent, and Sean Newcomb was one of their early swings at that strategy. It didn’t work the first time around - Newcomb struggled mightily in Chicago, posting a 9.13 ERA across 17 appearances.
But something clicked last season. Pitching for the A’s, Newcomb found his form, finishing with a 1.75 ERA over 51+ innings.
Now, he’s headed back to the Windy City - but this time, he’ll be suiting up on the South Side after signing a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the White Sox. It’s another reminder that the Sox, not the Cubs, have been the more aggressive Chicago team so far this winter.
Rob Refsnyder Off the Board
While not directly linked to the Cubs, Rob Refsnyder made sense as a potential depth piece. He’s a strong bat against left-handed pitching and offers some defensive value in the outfield - the kind of bench option that can quietly win games over a long season. But he’s off the market now, landing a one-year deal with the Mariners.
That leaves the Cubs still searching for veteran help in the outfield. With prospects like Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara looming, the front office may not be looking for a full-time solution.
But they do need insurance. Whether it’s a minor-league deal with a spring training invite or a low-cost major league signing, another outfielder should be on the to-do list.
What’s Next?
The Cubs have laid the groundwork for a solid offseason, but they haven’t yet made the move that shifts the balance in their favor. The bullpen is coming together, and the farm system continues to produce promising talent. But without reinforcements in the rotation and a legitimate offensive upgrade, this team risks treading water in a division that’s not waiting around.
Names like Bregman and Okamoto are still in play. So is Imai.
The Cubs have options - now it’s a matter of whether they’re ready to push their chips in. Because if they want to be more than just competitive in 2026, they’ll need more than incremental upgrades.
They’ll need a statement.