Comings and goings: Don’t expect much Cubs turnover, but who stays in the long term?

The Cubs' winter to-do list is relatively simple:

Try to re-sign Kyle Tucker, figure out if Shota Imanaga is coming back, and continue the never-ending search for pitching depth.

The management team of Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins also needs to start make long-term plans, so let's focus on that part of the build, by category:

Locked in

There's only one player on this list, shortstop Dansby Swanson. He's locked in through 2029, while no one else is fully committed beyond 2026, though there are various contract options and arbitration eligibles.

The lack of long-term deals defines the Cubs' comfort zone. They've had a tendency to shy away from large-sum contracts in pursuit of financial flexibility. The Tucker negotiations will put that philosophy to the test.

As for Swanson, there are no complaints about his defense. He hit just .154 in the playoffs and led the Cubs in strikeouts during the regular season. Not enough slug for that many whiffs is a valid complaint, but there are more extreme examples in the NL Central, namely Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz and Cincinnati's Matt McLain.

Extension ready

A year ago, there was a suspicion Nico Hoerner could be the position player used as trade bait, simply because he doesn't have a no-trade clause.

Now he seems to be the most likely candidate for a long-term extension. Not only did the second baseman flirt with hitting .300, play Gold Glove-caliber defense, and deliver in the playoffs, but coaches and teammates constantly praised Hoerner for his attitude, insights and dedication to winning. He might manage the Cubs someday.

The other player in line for an extension is obviously Pete Crow-Armstrong, but his uneven performance in 2025 complicates the situation. His representation might believe the price will only rise in the coming years, so a Cubs offer for some immediate security may not work. PCA is under team control until 2031, so not a huge hurry.

Pitching transition

Jameson Taillon, 33, is headed into the final year of his contract. Matthew Boyd, 34, has another year, then a mutual option for '27. Colin Rea, 35, has a team option worth $6 million, a bargain based on this year's production. Justin Steele, 30, is trying to come back from Tommy John surgery.

Imanaga, meanwhile, has a unique contract option which the Cubs will probably decline. If that's the case, then Imanaga can choose whether or not to return to the Cubs for $15 million next season.

So even with Cade Horton rising and top prospect Jaxon Wiggins potentially reaching the big leagues next year, the Cubs will need to rework their rotation soon.

Is this the time to make a run at a free-agent starter like San Diego's Dylan Cease, originally a Cubs draft pick. He didn't have a great season, but he showed the Cubs in the wild card series he still has a live arm that can hit 99 mph. There are others on the market, such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, Chris Paddack, Adrian Houser, Zack Littell and more.

Corner market

The status of Tucker is unknown, while corner outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both have one year remaining on their contracts, with no-trade clauses.

It feels safe to say the Cubs won't keep all three, at least beyond 2026. Suzuki, 31, made an important statement with his late-season home run barrage, and he also led the team with 103 RBI.

As the longest-tenured Cub, Happ, 31, is one of those guys everyone in the organization likes, and a parting would be painful. But does his production merit another contract? His regular-season numbers were similar to Crow-Armstrong, while the playoff batting average of .100 hurt.

Just by watching the lineups, it’s easy to see the Cubs mulling a spot for Moises Ballesteros. He's most likely a DH, but he has a chance to play catcher. Another .300 hitter with low strikeouts to complement Hoerner could be a nice fit for this lineup, in theory.

If Tucker doesn't return, the question is whether the Cubs just put Suzuki back in right field and plan on Ballesteros being the regular DH. Or do they make a very bold move and try to bring back Kyle Schwarber or Cody Bellinger?

See above. This team believes in financial flexibility, especially with the current collective bargaining agreement about to expire.