**Cubs Eye Mid-Tier Pitchers to Bolster Lineup Amid GM Meeting Revelations**

The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for the offseason with a clear focus on securing free-agent starting pitchers. With the departures of Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly, combined with concerns surrounding Javier Assad's inconsistent performance and uncertainties with Jordan Wicks, Cade Horton, Ben Brown, and Hayden Wesneski, additional depth and talent are crucial.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the recently concluded General Manager meetings were notably productive this year. Teams and agents established clear and reasonable parameters around expectations, potentially leading to a quick-moving market. This accelerated pace in the starting pitcher segment is particularly significant for the Cubs, who are known to be active in this space.

Jed Hoyer, the Cubs President of Baseball Operations, has historically adhered to a disciplined and structured approach, often waiting to make his moves. The quicker pace of the pitching market could, therefore, provide Hoyer the certainty needed to execute subsequent plans effectively.

One notable aspect of the Cubs' offseason strategy includes their involvement in the Max Fried sweepstakes. Though not the top pitcher on the market—that title belonging to Corbin Burnes—Fried is highly regarded. Despite considerable speculation linking Fried to the Cubs, Passan reports that the team is absent from the list of five teams currently pursuing him, such as the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, Orioles, and Dodgers. Instead, the Cubs are expected to operate within the midtier pitching market.

Although mid-tier options may not have the immediate star power of a Max Fried, they do offer value. Passan mentions Yusei Kikuchi, who had a stellar transformation with the Astros, significantly improving his ERA, strikeout rate, and overall performance. Kikuchi, at 33, could be a short-term solution appealing to the Cubs. Another intriguing option is Nick Pivetta, who, despite mixed results and an ERA that has never dipped below 4.00, presents strong strikeout and walk rates.

For fans and the Cubs' front office, focusing on mid-tier pitchers does come with strategic advantages. Pivetta, for instance, has received a qualifying offer from the Red Sox, which could make his acquisition costlier in terms of draft picks and bonus money. Despite this, the combination of acquiring a solid mid-tier starter and potentially seeking an impact starter via trade could strengthen the Cubs' lineup for the upcoming season.

As the offseason progresses, the Cubs' moves in the free-agent market will be closely watched, with hopes of building a competitive roster for the future.