Surprise starting pitcher named perfect Chicago Cubs free agency target

It is no secret that the Chicago Cubs will be targeting starting pitchers in free agency. That fact was made even more obvious when Matt Boyd and Clay Holmes declined their player options. The only question reaming is who exactly the Cubs will target.

Two-time Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal would be the obvious answer. But he is the most coveted free agent in the 2026 class. The Cubs certainly won’t be the only team eyeing his services. Ultimately, Chicago may get priced out.

If not Skubal, players like Trevor Rogers, Michael King, Sonny Gray and many more are available. A reunion with Boyd, Holmes, Kevin Gausman or Shota Imanaga – who both saw their contracts end in 2026 as well – can’t be ruled out.

Whoever the additions(s) ends up being, the Cubs know they need much more talent in their rotation. One intriguing name has now been floated as a pristine option.

Chicago Cubs could target Kaima Taira

Some of the best players in the 2026 free agency class will be coming from Japan. That includes 26-year-old right-hander Kaima Taira. When the Cubs look for pitching help, Jeff Passan of ESPN argues signing Taira would be the perfect fit.

“The Cubs need pitching, pitching and more pitching,” Passan wrote. “Whether owner Tom Ricketts will provide the budget to fill those needs is the real question. Because as much sense as Skubal makes for the Cubs, the expectation is they won’t be especially involved. And as much as they need a closer, Bednar and Morejon might find themselves outside of the Cubs’ price range, too. (This is the part where we note the Cubs currently carry a $143 million payroll and have two outfield spots to fill as well.) If payroll constraints limit the Cubs to the best of the midtier starters, one brings the sort of high-octane stuff they are sorely lacking.”

Taira has mainly been a reliever over his eight years with the Saitama Seibu Lions of Japan’s Pacific League. However, he returned to a starting role in 2026, posting a 1.36 ERA and a 141/45 K/BB ratio over 146 innings. Taira’s entire tenure in Nippon Professional Baseball has resulted in a 1.78 ERA and a 620/226 K/BB ratio.

The right-hander will be one of the more intriguing starters on the market due to his arsenal and past as a reliever. Chicago will have done plenty of research on his ability to remain a starter if a deal is made. Taira’s abilities on the mound remain hard to ignore though.

As the hot stove burns, the Cubs will be connected to nearly ever starting pitcher available. But fans shouldn’t be surprised if Taira ends up in the Windy City.

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