3 players Chicago Cubs should target this offseason
By David Hill
Taijuan Walker
If Marcus Stroman has anything to say about it, one of his former Mets teammates will be following him to the Chicago Cubs.
Stroman had already started the recruiting process back in the 2021-22 offseason. Walker had congratulated his former teammate on his new deal, with Stroman saying that he hoped Walker dominates in 2022 so they could “link up in Chicago.”
That could potentially happen. Walker is reportedly one of the pitchers that the Cubs are looking at as they seek to upgrade their rotation. He had a solid showing in 2022, posting a 3.49 ERA and a 1.195 WHiP over his 157.1 innings, striking out 132 batters with 45 walks. That performance would seemingly lead to plenty of interest in free agency.
But Walker could be a bargain as well. He struggled over the final two months of the season as he battled finger and back issues. While those problems were not enough for Walker to land on the Injured List, they could lead to teams being cautious when it comes to his market. If that is the case, the Cubs need to pounce.
Taijuan Walker may not be a top of the rotation starter. However, he is a solid middle of the rotation arm and the type of pitcher the Chicago Cubs need.