Chicago Cubs Pursue Corbin Burnes and Luis Castillo

The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing starting pitching options this offseason, with Corbin Burnes emerging as a top target due to his impressive performance with the Baltimore Orioles, posting a 2.92 ERA and 15 wins in 2024. However, the Cubs have missed out on other potential additions like Jesús Luzardo, who was traded to the Phillies, and are now considering Minnesota's Pablo López and Seattle's Luis Castillo as alternatives. The Cubs recently acquired Kyle Tucker from the Astros and traded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees, indicating a strong commitment to improving their roster for a playoff run. Given the competitive nature of the NL Central, the Cubs are under pressure to secure a high-impact pitcher. Burnes, who has a great relationship with manager Craig Counsell from their time together with the Brewers, would significantly bolster the Cubs' rotation if signed. With the market tightening, the Cubs must act swiftly to land a top-tier pitcher before other teams close in.