The Cubs may still be looking to make veteran additions to their pitching rotation. With many arms still available, they could turn to some familiar faces for added depth. Reports suggest the Cubs might be considering signing veterans Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn, both of whom are familiar with the NL Central. Additionally, both pitchers have extensive major league careers, including All-Star selections.
As the Cubs prepare for a long trip to Japan, they’ve reportedly explored the option of signing former Cardinals pitchers Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. Ken Rosenthal notes that, at this time, the Cubs aren’t in a position to guarantee either pitcher a spot in the rotation or a specific date to make the major-league team.
This suggests the Cubs are carefully evaluating the veteran pitching market, looking to add a low-cost depth piece without making any promises. Recently, I wrote about uncertainties regarding the bottom of Chicago’s rotation, and these signings could help provide clarity or buy time for young players like Ben Brown and Cade Horton to develop.
Lance Lynn
Last year, Lance Lynn had his best season since 2021 with the Chicago White Sox. In 117 innings with the Cardinals, he posted a 3.84 ERA, a 1.338 WHIP, and a 7-4 record. While not elite, these numbers suggest Lynn still has solid pitching left in him. The 37-year-old veteran has pitched for four teams since 2022, but his performance has been below average overall. Lynn began his career with the Cardinals in 2008 and played there for the first five and a half years. He returned to St. Louis last offseason on a one-year, $11 million deal, but the Cardinals declined his 2025 option in October.
Kyle Gibson
Kyle Gibson’s 2023 season was similar to Lynn’s. The 37-year-old, 12-year veteran threw 169.2 innings, posting a 4.24 ERA and a 99 ERA+. His metrics on Baseball Savant were mostly average or below, though he stood out in extension (89th percentile), average exit velocity (68th percentile), and offspeed run value (77th percentile). Gibson also signed a $13 million deal before the Cardinals declined his 2025 option.
The Cubs aren’t expecting ace-level production from Lynn and Gibson but could benefit from their experience and depth. Both veterans have seen plenty of action in the majors and could serve as reliable inning-eaters, helping the Cubs navigate the long season and keep their other pitchers fresh for a potential playoff push. With the need to secure 4,374 outs over the course of a season, these veterans could help shoulder that load. Both pitchers are expected to sign league-minimum deals, which is important since the Cubs have been hesitant to make big moves this offseason.
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