Search for pitching ‘quality’ top offseason priority for Cubs’ Hoyer

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer announced that upgrading the pitching staff will be the team's primary focus this winter. The decision follows a season in which Chicago surrendered the most home runs in the National League and suffered a two-game wild-card sweep against the San Diego Padres.

Hoyer took responsibility for bullpen struggles, noting that free-agent additions and midseason acquisitions failed to meet expectations. With multiple pitchers including Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes potentially entering free agency, the organization plans to dedicate its resources primarily toward pitching acquisitions.