The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, leading the National League Central, but could potentially add a generational pitcher to their roster.
Chicago has dealt with some injuries to its rotation this season, and could use an upgrade at pitcher. Though it may seem unthinkable, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes could be the answer for the Cubs. The Pirates are one of the worst teams in the league and do not seem like they will be ready to even contend for a playoff spot anytime soon.
If the Pirates do the unthinkable and decide to trade Skenes, ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett believes that the Cubs could be a realistic landing spot, proposing the Cubs trade prospects Owen Caissie (MLB No. 49), Moises Ballesteros (MLB No. 61), Kevin Alcantara (MLB No. 74), Jefferson Rojas (MLB No. 78), Juan Cabada (Cubs No. 19) for the superstar ace.
“Jon Heyman has already reported that there is a zero percent chance that Skenes gets traded,” Bassett wrote. “That makes sense, too, as the pitcher is a generational talent and still just 22 years old. The Cubs are ready to win now, as they are atop the National League Central standings. They’d likely be willing to spare a bunch of their future talent for even more talent on the big league roster now.”
“The team has struggled with pitching depth. Justin Steele is out for the season, and Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad have missed time with injuries. The Cubs should consolidate for a superstar, and nobody fits the bill better than Skenes. With five top 100 prospects in their own right, including the second-ranked prospect in baseball, Bubba Chandler, the Pirates would immediately own arguably the deepest farm system ever if they pulled the trigger on this deal.”
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Skenes seems like he will be a generational talent and a perennial Cy Young candidate. The 22-year-old All-Star is stuck in Pittsburgh unless the Pirates trade him, which is unlikely. Still, if a team offers the right amount, even Skenes could be available.
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