Chicago Cubs Likely Going With 'Traditional' Starting Rotation

Despite some speculation surrounding how the Chicago Cubs' starting rotation would look, it seems like it will operate in the traditional sense.

The Chicago Cubs were able to get a potential ace of their staff when they signed Japanese star Shota Imanaga to a contract this offseason.

He was a very productive starter in Nippon Professional Baseball and was posted by his club so he could explore his options in the MLB.

After the Cubs signed him, there was some thought they might move into a six-man starting rotation, something they normally deploy in Japan to give their starters less time on the mound per month.

That doesn't seem to be the case, however.

Chicago's general manager, Carter Hawkins, went on 670 the Score to talk about an array of topics, including the starting rotation set up.

Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation summarized what the GM said, writing, "The Cubs won't be going to a six-man rotation to open the season ... The rotation figures to look 'traditional' to open the season, so that means five starting pitchers in place, and eight relievers in the bullpen."

The Cubs are expected to roll with Justin Steele, Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks and Javier Assad as the starters.

They've done a good job at addressing the issues in their bullpen that persisted last year, signing Hector Neris and trading for Yency Almonte to go with some arms who should be healthy this upcoming season.

Still, they could use some additional pieces.

Hawkins mentioned in the same interview they are continuing to search for relievers and said he's "optimistic" someone will be added.

However, it's unlikely they chase some of the better options that remain on the market, but instead will be bargain shopping in free agency and waiver claims.

It will be interesting to see if Chicago is able to stay with their ideal five-man rotation throughout the year.

If Taillon or Hendricks, or even Imanaga, struggle then they might look to change things up.