Cubs Loosely Mentioned in Connection with Japanese Ace Kaima Taira? I’ll Take It!

Bleacher Nation's Brett Taylor highlights reports loosely linking the Chicago Cubs to Japanese right-handed pitcher Kaima Taira. ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel noted that rivals expect the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Washington Nationals to investigate Taira due to their shared interest in starters with velocity and extension. McDaniel projected Taira as the seventh-best free agent this offseason.

Taylor argues that Cubs manager Craig Counsell is well-suited to manage Taira's innings and potential transition between starting and bullpen roles. McDaniel projected a potential five-year, $72.5 million deal plus posting fees for the 27-year-old hurler, who logged a 1.36 ERA over 146 innings in Nippon Professional Baseball.