Chicago Cubs Reportedly Linked to Veteran Free Agent Starter in Potential Reunion

The Chicago Cubs may pursue a familiar face to help shore up their rotation for the 2024 MLB season.

With Jameson Taillon a shaky bet in the middle of the rotation and no real solid options for the back-end, the Cubs may turn to a familiar face.

According to The Athletic, Chicago could be a potential suitor for the 36-year-old Wade Miley in free agency this winter.

Miley pitched for the Cubs in 2022 and posted a 3.16 ERA in 37.0 innings pitched in what was an injury-riddled campaign. In fact, he even contemplated retirement following the 2022 MLB season.

However, he ended up signing with the Milwaukee Brewers on a one-year deal for 2023 and put up a spectacular 3.14 ERA and 1.139 WHIP in 120.1 innings pitched.

Despite his age, Miley is a phenomenal option for any rotation, especially one like the Cubs where he can slot in well after Justin Steele, Marcus Stroman and Kyle Hendricks. He could even take over the final spot in the rotation, if Taillon were to improve off of his disastrous 2023 campaign. That would make Chicago's rotation one of the most formidable in the National League.

As for the payroll, the article predicts Miley will receive a contract in the one-year, $13.5 million range. Which may be a little high. Either way, it fits in nicely with the Cubs payroll as they will look to potential retain Cody Bellinger while addressing third base, the bullpen and potentially even pursue Shohei Ohtani.

Chicago now has its eyes set on the National League Central after a successful 2023 season in which they nearly earned a Wild Card berth. Adding an under-the-radar veteran starter like Miley may be the perfect move to help them get over the edge and frees up additional capital to focus on other areas of need on the roster.