Cubs look to free agency to improve roster for World Series run

State of play: Cubs GM Jed Hoyer has hinted that starting pitching will be the focus this offseason, bragging at the GM meetings in Las Vegas that his team could play "tomorrow" because almost the entire lineup is signed for next season.

Yes, but: One notable missing name is Kyle Tucker. The Cubs traded for the star last offseason and, after a hot start, went ice cold due to lingering injuries down the stretch run.

• The terrible second half means Tucker will probably not be back and the Cubs won't have to fork over more than $300 million for a new contract.

Zoom in: It's unclear if the Cubs will invest big money in a replacement or instead bring up rookies like Owen Cassie from the farm system.

Zoom out: The Cubs were exposed in the playoffs for lacking starting pitching depth, which led to the Cubs declining to extend Shota Imanaga, instead offering him a one-year offer. He has until today to decide.

• Ace Justin Steele should return sometime next season from injury and the team is hoping Cade Horton can build upon his stellar rookie season.

Reality check: Even if those two pitchers come back, the Cubs don't match up against other playoff contenders' starting rotations.

• That is why they have been linked to signing free agents like Houston's Framber Valdez or San Diego's Dylan Cease.
• They've also been rumored to be exploring a trade for Minnesota star Joe Ryan or acquiring veteran Max Scherzer.

The bottom line: After today, the market should heat up and fans are hopeful Cubs management will be aggressive in pursuing big stars that could push them closer to a World Series.