3 Starting Pitchers Cubs Should Sign if They Don't Bring Back Cole Hamels

The Cubs surprised some fans when they opted not to give a qualifying offer to Cole Hamels this past week. For now, their rotation looks bleak, but that's what the offseason is for. Behind the likes of Yu Darvish, Jon Lester and Co., the Cubs should go after these free agents in hopes of making a splash.

3. Zack Wheeler

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Zack Wheeler isn't a tough sell for any fanbase, but he's also not going to move the needle too much. Sure, there was plenty of buzz surrounding the righty at the trade deadline, and the Cubs should hope that his price goes down as free agency succumbs to a cold winter. Wheeler did offer a 3.96 ERA last year, and with a fresh start could be an anchor in the Cubs rotation.

2. Jake Odorizzi

Divisional Series - New York Yankees v Minnesota Twins - Game Three"n / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

The Twins would very much prefer to keep Odorizzi, who's fresh off leading their rotation and posting a 3.51 ERA. The righty's been a model of consistency, and would offer a nice compliment to the likes of Lester and Darvish in the Cubs rotation. They'll have to pony up for him, however.

1. Hyun-Jin Ryu

Divisional Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Washington Nationals - Game Three / Will Newton/Getty Images

The Cubs would once again have to wait out Ryu to the point his price comes down. There's no certainty that would work out for them, but he'd be a tremendous fit in the rotation alongside Quintana, Darvish and Lester. Ryu's 2.32 ERA was among the best in baseball, so his services will be highly sought after.