Cubs Should Pursue Blockbuster Trade for Ace

It’s becoming clearer that the Chicago Cubs might need a bit of help in the starting rotation going into the season.

Jameson Taillon is unlikely to be built up for the start of the season. That slides everyone in the rotation up a spot and could put a less reliable pitcher into the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation.

Plus, while Shota Imanaga threw more than 1,000 innings in Japan, he’s a Major League rookie and will need time to adjust.

If the Cubs are going to make a move to bolster their rotation with a veteran, the time is drawing near to make a move as several teams are circling around a target on the south side of Chicago — White Sox starter Dylan Cease.

Per The Athletic, the Texas Rangers are now the newest team to show some level of interest in Cease. The Rangers haven’t shown much interest in re-signing Jordan Montgomery. But The Athletic reported the two teams had “recent conversations” as the Rangers will be down three starters, including Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom, until July.

The New York Yankees have reportedly re-engaged in talks with the White Sox as Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole gets his right elbow evaluated. And the Baltimore Orioles have had discussion with the White Sox, both before and after acquiring Corbin Burnes from Milwaukee. With Kyle Bradish unavailable for the start of the season, the Orioles could use a veteran.

Aside from signing Imanaga, the Cubs have left their starting rotation alone. But the case for trading for Cease is the same as it was a few months ago — he would be an upgrade over the majority of the starters the Cubs currently employ.

But, he’s been a quality pitcher, too. When he finished second in Cy Young voting in 2022 he went 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA.

He has a positive career record — 43-35 with a 3.83 ERA. Back in 2021 he led the American League in strikeouts per nine innings (12.3) and has a career rate of 10.8.

He also has two years of team control, something that makes him attractive to teams trying to control costs. It’s also why the cost to get him is high.

An MLB.com trade scenario from earlier this year had the Cubs sending Christopher Morel, starting pitcher Ben Brown, infielder James Triantos and outfielder Brennen Davis to the White Sox to get Cease. Brown, Triantos and Davis are all Top 30 prospects.

If the Cubs are trying to be patient and hope the price comes down, well, it’s looking more likely that a team in need of pitching will up the price to get Cease.

If the Cubs truly want to act, the time is now.