CHICAGO – As free agents begin considering their future destinations, the Cubs are not wasting any time reaching out to their ideal players.

General manager Jed Hoyer said Thursday that the front office has contacted some players and agents to gauge their interest as the Cubs primarily search for starting pitching help.

"We've certainly identified a lot of guys we're interested in and will go after," Hoyer said. "There's been contact and it's preliminary. A lot of players will end up expressing interest."

The Cubs are looking to add at least two starting pitchers, Hoyer said, and also will pursue an outfielder, preferably a center fielder. Hoyer didn't rule out free agent and former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster returning, acknowledging there has been initial contact. However, Dempster remains a long shot to return after he nixed a trade to Atlanta and finally was dealt to Texas this past season.