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Cubs' Epstein: We're looking to add 2 starting pitchers

Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

The last time Theo Epstein inherited a championship-starved franchise with money to burn, he won a pair of World Series titles. 

Chicago Cubs fans are hoping history repeats itself.

Epstein spoke with optimism in his media address Friday, as the Cubs president of baseball operations looks forward to his most anticipated season at Wrigley since assuming control of the team in 2011.

Epstein said the Cubs have tremendous payroll flexibility and are looking to add two starting pitchers this offseason. He told season-ticket holders: "Hold us to our promises." 

The Cubs dealt a pair of starting pitchers this season - including right-hander Jeff Samardzija - to the Oakland Athletics, in a blockbuster trade that netted them shortstop prospect Addison Russell.

Russell and several other top talents such as Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, Jorge Soler and Javier Baez give the Cubs one of the most potent young offenses in baseball.

"In an era starved for offense," Epstein said, "we've got a lot of bats coming."

Despite a potential All-Star lineup featuring Triple-A superstar Kris Bryant, Epstein will need to add quality arms at the top of the rotation if the Cubs expect to improve upon their 73-89 last-place finish.

"I'll be disappointed," he said, "if we don't add impact pitching from outside the organization."

Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields headline this year's crop of free agent starters. All three are expected to garner plenty of interest, including from Epstein's former club, the Boston Red Sox, whom he won rings with in 2004 and 2007.

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