Cubs Reddit AMA: Will Chicago target Imai?

On Monday, MLB.com senior reporter Jordan Bastian held an “Ask Me Anything” on Reddit with Cubs fans at r/CHICubs. This mailbag features questions and answers from the AMA, the full version of which can be read here.

Questions and responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

Q: Which posted Japanese players are the Cubs looking at this offseason?

JB: This probably seems like the obvious answer here, but Tatsuya Imai makes the most sense. Even with Shota Imanaga agreeing to return via the qualifying offer, the Cubs need another starter for the front end of the rotation, and Imai is intriguing. He's a Scott Boras client and the posting window extends to Jan. 2, so I don't think we'll see a signing on this front for a bit. But unless the Cubs add a starter in the meantime via trade or free agency, Imai would be a logical target.

Click here for something one of our Statcast/research gurus, David Adler, put together on Imai just this week.

Q: I'll be honest, I care more about the offensive lineup than pitching. What are the plans to replace Kyle Tucker in the lineup?

JB: Right now the priority is pitching. With a need for a starting pitcher and multiple bullpen additions, that's where the focus is going to be right now. And I don't think there's really a "replace Tucker" plan, per se. In 2024 we saw the Cubs give developmental runway to Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch and Miguel Amaya. In '25, Matt Shaw was given a similar chance to develop in the Majors. Looking ahead to '26, it sure feels like time to get Moisés Ballesteros and Owen Caissie similar runway. And with Seiya Suzuki's ability to play right field, there's not a gaping hole in the outfield. I do think the Cubs need to upgrade the bench and maybe bring in a player (or two) versatile enough to cover the lack of depth at, say, first and third behind the current starting options.

Q: Who do you think will be the three players with the most time spent in the outfield for Chicago in 2026? Who’s fourth?

JB: As things stand right now ...

Left: Ian Happ. Center: Crow-Armstrong. Right: Caissie (with Suzuki also getting innings there). Kevin Alcántara is also a bench possibility, especially since he is out of Minor League options. And he could offer depth at all three spots.

Q: Will the Cubs be back in on Alex Bregman? If so, does this make Shaw a trade candidate? Nico Hoerner is coming up on his walk year, so do the Cubs talk about another extension?

JB: If the Cubs got back in on Bregman, I'd categorize it probably as an "opportunistic" scenario. Maybe they solve the rotation/bullpen needs a little more affordably and the market for Bregman falls just so that it keeps the Cubs in play, perhaps. Maybe similar to last year, when he was still out there as Spring Training neared, and options were dwindling.

That said, I do think adding to third base and having Shaw become a super-sub around the infield is intriguing. And if the Cubs are not going to extend Hoerner, Shaw could transition to second base in '27. As for that extension, I'm just not sure yet. With some uncertainty over the financial landscape after '26, it's tough to say how things like that will be approached right now.