Cubs Potential Pitching Target Could Have Another Suitor

The Chicago Cubs will evaluate all aspects of their roster to see what upgrades they can make this offseason that will get them into the playoffs. One potential pitching target could have another suitor in free agency.

It feels like the Chicago Cubs will be busy when free agency begins based on what the message has been from the front office following their disappointing end to the year.

There has been a unified front from ownership regarding that mentality as their early offseason began.

Evaluations will be done all over the Cubs' roster to see where there can be upgrades made during free agency or by trade.

One of those areas was rumored to be starting pitcher despite the breakout year by Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks likely back, Marcus Stroman potentially opting-into his contract and the emergence of young arms.

Chicago had been linked to impending free agent and current Philadelphia Phillies' ace Aaron Nola, who is looking for a large payday.

Whether the front office is still targeting Nola or not will be seen, but if they are, it looks like there will be more competition to sign the right hander.

Los Angeles Dodgers President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, said that they will be looking to add starting pitching in the offseason.

"We'll certainly be focused on starting pitcher for sure. And it's how to balance the young guys, where we're at there, obviously Walker Buehler is coming back and then the market, whether through trade or free agency," he said.

The Dodgers had a shocking early exit in the playoffs and pitching played a major role in that.

Nola will be one of, if not the best, starting pitchers available when the offseason begins.

If the Cubs feel like they need to upgrade their rotation, he would be an immediate boost to what they currently have.

It seems like it will be a crowded market to sign one of the best right handers in the game.