🚨 CUBS RUMORS: Insider Weighs in on the Likelihood of Lucas Giolito Signing 👇

Chicago, IL – As the Chicago Cubs enter the 2026 MLB season with a promising rotation, a new question has emerged after Justin Steele was placed on the injured list following elbow surgery. With Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd both sidelined recently, Cubs fans have been wondering if the team could make a move for free agent Lucas Giolito to help stabilize the rotation.

Giolito, who posted a solid 3.41 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP across 145 innings last season after returning from elbow surgery, remains available on the free-agent market. Given the Cubs’ pitching depth issues, it seems like a logical fit — a veteran arm who could help fill innings and bolster a rotation that is currently thin.

Internal Options: Cubs Likely to Stand Pat

However, MLB insider Robert Murray from Fansided reported that the Cubs are “most likely” to move forward with their internal options to fill the gap in the rotation rather than pursuing Giolito. The team’s front office is reportedly confident in the depth of their pitching staff, despite the recent injuries to key starters.

One of the main reasons for this confidence is Justin Steele’s recovery. Steele, who underwent UCL surgery just a year ago, is making progress toward his return. The 2023 All-Star recently faced hitters in live batting practice and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. The hope is that Steele will rejoin the Cubs’ rotation by June, providing a much-needed boost.

Performing Internal Options: Rea and Assad Step Up

In the meantime, the Cubs’ internal options have been performing admirably. Colin Rea has been a standout with a 3.18 ERA, allowing just four earned runs across 11.1 innings, while Javier Assad impressed in his first start by allowing just one hit in 5.2 scoreless innings.

Additionally, the Cubs’ top pitching prospect, Jaxon Wiggins, is currently with Triple-A Iowa. Although he hasn’t been fully dominant early this season, the Cubs are hopeful that the 24-year-old righty could contribute to the major league rotation if needed later in the year.

Giolito Not Out of the Picture, but Cubs Comfortable with Current Depth

While Lucas Giolito is certainly a viable option, the Cubs seem content with their internal pitching depth for the time being. The team has a solid mix of veteran presence and promising young arms, and with Steele’s return on the horizon, they feel comfortable sticking with their current rotation.

For now, Cubs fans may have to wait to see if a move for a veteran arm like Giolito is necessary down the line, but for now, the team is focused on what they have in-house to fill the void and make a playoff push.