3 ptichers Chicago Cubs could sign amid negotiation rumors

The Chicago Cubs began their trip to Japan with uncertainty surrounding their pitching rotation. The Cubs could use a solid arm for the fifth rotation spot.

There were rumblings during spring training that Ben Brown could assume that duty in 2025. However, Brown struggled during his 2.2 innings pitched in Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up four hits, three walks, and two earned runs despite striking out three batters.

The Cubs were reportedly looking at adding several veteran pitchers before their trip to Tokyo. Following the team’s 0-2 start, Chicago should look seriously at adding depth to their rotation.

Here are three potential veteran options for the Cubs to add before their domestic opening day matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday.

Starting pitcher options for the Chicago Cubs Kyle Gibson

Gibson, a native of Greenfield, Indiana, has a 112-108 record, an ERA of 4.52, and 1,510 strikeouts in his career. He last made an All-Star appearance in 2021. At 37, Gibson has been in the majors since 2013 when he started with the Minnesota Twins.

Gibson has spent time with the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals. He played in 30 games for the Cardinals last season, pitching in 169.2 innings and giving up 161 hits, 80 earned runs, and making 151 strikeouts.

Per the Marcels projection system, Gibson is projected to have a 4.55 ERA, give up 83 earned runs, 58 walks, and record 141 strikeouts this season.

Lance Lynn

Lynn, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, had a 143-99 record and a career ERA of 3.74. He won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. He most recently made an All-Star appearance in 2021.

At 37, Lynn has spent time with the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The two-time All-Star appeared in 23 games for St. Louis in 2024, pitching in 117.1 innings. Lynn had a 7-4 record, giving up 113 hits, 50 earned runs, and 44 walks. He recorded 109 strikeouts.

He’s projected to have an ERA of 4.60, give up 70 earned runs, 48 walkers, and record 131 strikeouts in 2025.

There were rumors before the Japan trip that the Cubs were in negotiations with Lynn.

Trever Bauer

This signing would be controversial given his previous suspension and questionable past. However, his name has popped up on X as a name some Cubs fans would want to see.

At 34, the right-handed pitcher last played in the majors for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. He has a career record of 83-69, an ERA of 3.79, and 1,416 strikeouts. He’s earned an All-Star appearance and won the NL Cy Young Award in 2020.

Bauer played in 17 games and pitched in 107.2 innings for the Dodgers in 2021. He earned a 2.59 ERA and had an 8-5 record. He gave up 71 hits, 31 earned runs, 37 walks, and recorded 137 strikeouts.

Bauer played for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the Japanese Central League in 2023. He signed with the team in January.

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