Chicago Cubs fans have not been united since Game 7 of the 2016 World Series but Bob Nightengale changed that with one tweet on Thursday. Without providing any further context, Nightengale reported that the Cubs had entered negotiations with Lance Lynn on a one-year contract. The impression was that a deal between the two sides was nearing. As soon as that report emerged, every Cubs fan was aligned in the sense that Lynn was not wanted on the North Side.

Nightengale did not follow up on that report, but local reports have disputed the idea that Lynn is preparing to join the Cubs. Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reported that while the Cubs continue to monitor Lynn’s status, the team is not in a rush to add a starting pitcher.

If the Cubs were to make a swing for a starting pitcher before Opening Day, chances are it would be for a pitcher who could bolster the top of their rotation. The Cubs are one of several teams that have kept in contact with the San Diego Padres about a potential trade for Dylan Cease, but a deal does not seem too likely before the start of the season. Cease will likely be a name to circle back around to once the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is approaching in July.

The Lance Lynn rumor never added up for the Chicago Cubs

Regardless of what happens with Cease, the idea of the Cubs adding Lynn never made complete sense. Even with the idea that Javier Assad may miss the first month of the season, one of the things the team did accomplish this offseason was add depth to the rotation. The potential addition of Lynn would be viewed as the Cubs adding a veteran who could pitch out of the bullpen and fill a spot in the rotation. In other words, the whole reason why the Cubs signed Colin Rea to a one-year deal. Beyond Rea, the Cubs have Brad Keller, who figures to serve in a similar role on the Opening Day roster.

Short of an unexpected injury, it seems the Lynn rumors can be put on the back burner for now.