Free agent pitcher Yusei Kikuchi could sign with the Chicago Cubs
Once it was apparent that Kikuchi was not a part of Seattle’s plans, rumors about Kikuchi and the Chicago Cubs immediately went into overdrive. As part of MLBTradeRumors.com’s look at the top 50 free agents (where Kikuchi came in at number 34), all three writers taking part in the article predicted Kikuchi would end up with the Cubs. He was also linked to the Cubs in this MLB.com article.
The Cubs have already landed Marcus Stroman and Wade Miley this offseason, but could use another arm in Kikuchi, especially with Kyle Hendricks coming off a disappointing season and the back end of the rotation very much a question mark.
Additionally, Miley is the only current projected starter who is a southpaw, so adding Kikuchi makes sense on that level as well.
With the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals projected as the favorites in the National League Central at this stage of the offseason, adding Kikuchi would, in theory, strengthen the rotation and give the Cubs a chance to see if they could move up in the standings.