2 Cubs free agents David Stearns could desire, 2 NY Mets players Jed Hoyer might like

A pair of Cubs free agents who could land in Queens and two Mets who could find their way to Chicago.
Division Series - Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs - Game Three
Division Series - Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs - Game Three | Geoff Stellfox/GettyImages
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Griffin Canning feels like someone the Cubs would love to add

Similarities between the Mets and Cubs go beyond sharing the color blue on their uniform and representing the National League. Each club took some calculated risks on players in the offseason. One of the more successful ones for the Mets was turning Griffin Canning into a successful pitcher. He had never had the kind of year he had with the Mets in his abbreviated 2025 campaign. If not for the Achilles injury, he felt destined to finish out the season with some of the same praise we were able to give Clay Holmes by the end.

The Cubs have some rotation uncertainty next season. Shota Imanaga could be gone. The team has a favorable contract with Colin Rea to bring him back, but could always pivot to someone like Canning who might save them a few cents on the dollar.

The thing about Canning’s free agency is he will probably fit best the same way the Mets intended to use him. Add him for starting pitching depth with preparation to maybe throw him into the bullpen if your other starters make it through the spring healthy. Canning was never meant to be as impactful to the Mets in 2025 as he was. Despite not throwing a ball after June 26, he had the fourth most innings of anyone on the team. His 3.77 ERA looked even better in comparison to what Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas gave the club upon their returns from the IL.

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