With Craig Counsell being forced to use a bullpen game multiple times during the Chicago Cubs' playoff run, it's no secret that Jed Hoyer and Co. are determined to add a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher this offseason. Even with the return of Shota Imanaga, the Cubs are aware that Counsell refused to pitch him in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The early whispers of the offseason would suggest that the Cubs are willing to go beyond their comfort zone to address their need for pitching. The way they acted quickly to lock up swing-and-miss relief pitcher Phil Maton to a multi-year deal all but confirms that.