Part 2/9:
Given this setback, the Cubs must explore other options in a market that lacks substantial high-caliber starters. The signing of Colin Ray to a one-year, $5 million contract represents a significant move as the team weighs its rotation depth. While Ray has made 49 starts across his last two seasons, maintaining a 4.40 ERA and a 4.82 FIP, Cubs fans may hesitate to view him as a reliable heart of the rotation option given his 34 years of age and limited upside.