Analyzing the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 Starting Rotation: Strengths and Weaknesses

Envision this: a formidable rotation featuring Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon leading the charge for the Chicago Cubs in 2025. You’d think a lineup like this spells invincibility, but let’s not rush to conclusions. Sure, this core delivers consistency, evidenced by impressive ERAs from key starters, yet you’re left wondering:

Can they patch the gaps where a true ace should stand? With uncertainty looming around the fifth starter battle and potential injury risks, you might find yourself questioning the depth and potential of this group as you explore further.

Key Takeaways

• The rotation’s top three pitchers—Imanaga, Steele, and Taillon—offer leadership, consistency, and elite performance.
• Lack of a true ace is a major weakness, though Steele and Imanaga’s strong records are promising.
• Competitive battle for the fifth starter between Rea, Brown, Wicks, and Assad enhances depth.
• Injuries, particularly to key players like Steele, could impact reliability and overall performance.
• Promising prospect Cade Horton provides potential depth and future growth for the Cubs’ rotation.

Rotation Locks for Chicago Cubs

When examining the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 starting rotation, Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon are the undeniable cornerstones.

Imanaga shined with 2024 rookie feats, including an All-Star nod and a 15-3 record, while keeping walks minimal. His high strikeout rates have also been essential to the team’s success. 

Steele, deemed the club’s ace, overcame early injuries, employing his brilliant slider-fastball combo to maintain a stellar presence. Meanwhile, after rebounding from 2023, Taillon solidified his role, posting a 3.27 ERA with reliable command.

Together, they present a scary trio, each contributing unique skills to back the Chicago Cubs’ pursuit of success. This top rotation offers consistency, leadership, and elite performance, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the pitching staff. With this in mind, 2025 will be another exciting year for bettors looking to capitalize on baseball pitcher specials based on strikeouts, ERA, and win totals.

Fifth Starter Battle

The competition for the Chicago Cubs’ fifth starter spot is heating up, and it’s anyone’s game.

Colin Rea, a 34-year-old veteran, offers reliability with his experience and inning-eating capability, having managed a 4.29 ERA over 167.2 innings last year. While Javier Assad is currently sidelined due to an oblique injury, Caleb Kilian and Cody Poteet were optioned and are less likely to compete for the fifth rotation spot this season.

Meanwhile, Ben Brown’s high-velocity fastball and impressive early 2024 performances make him a serious contender if he can harness his command.

Despite a challenging 2024, Jordan Wicks has shown potential with his effective changeup. If his fastball command improves, he could secure a rotation berth.

Javier Assad starts the season on the sidelines due to an oblique injury, but his ground-ball skills could be pivotal if called upon later in the season.

Who will seize the fifth starter role?

Potential Depth

Depth underscores the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 starting rotation strategy. They have the luxury of a deep pitching pool, boasting nine to ten reliable arms before resorting to less proven options.

Justin Steele emerges as a leader, while Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon provide additional strength. Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea add valuable innings and experience.  Steele’s consistency and Imanaga’s strikeout ability could be key factors in the Cubs’ postseason push this season.

However, the absence of a true ace remains a concern, with hopes pinned on internal improvement. Promising prospects like Javier Assad, Ben Brown, and Cade Horton could make significant strides.

• Strong Mid-Rotation Guns: Javier Assad’s consistency offers reliable mid-rotation depth.
• Young Talent Growth: Exciting prospects, including Ben Brown, could transform the rotation.
• Flexible Game Plans: Craft strategies around effective inning management.

Divisional Comparisons

Looking at the latest MLB player stats and trends and evaluating the broader competition, let’s explore how the Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation stacks up against their divisional rivals.

The Chicago Cubs’ average ranking of 94 lags behind the Brewers’, who post a slightly better 89.8. While Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga offer some promise, ranking 35th and 36th, the rotation lacks a true ace to rival other teams.

Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon provide depth but fall short of ace status. The need for Steele and Imanaga to exceed their ZiPS projections (2.8 and 2.6 fWAR) is vital.

Despite depth, the rotation is seen as lacking elite impact by analysts like Eno Sarris. Without top-tier talent, outperforming projections will be essential for divisional success.

Conclusion

As you gaze over Chicago’s skyline, picture the Cubs’ rotation like a skyscraper reaching for greatness. The sturdy foundations of Imanaga and Steele touch the clouds, but to truly stand tall, every piece—like the young talents Brown and Assad—must fit perfectly, battling gusts of injuries and projections. It’s a mosaic of potential, where each arm adds color and dimension. If everything clicks just right, this could be a masterpiece towering over the division.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-2025-rotation-strengths?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-cubs-2025-rotation-strengths