The clock is ticking for Jed Hoyer! The Chicago Cubs' General Manager faces a crucial decision: make a blockbuster trade sooner rather than later to fortify the team's starting pitching. With the holidays in the rearview mirror and Tatsuya Imai already traded to Houston, the market for starting pitchers is poised to heat up quickly. But what's the rush? Let's dive in.
While the free-agent pool offers some enticing options, including arms like Framber Valdez, the trade market appears to be the most viable path for the Cubs to strengthen their rotation. But why is that?
Well, the Cubs are currently sitting approximately $35 million below the first Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold. This has essentially served as a self-imposed salary cap in recent years. And here's where it gets controversial... even that $35 million isn't necessarily free money for Hoyer to spend this winter. The team likes to keep some financial flexibility for in-season additions.
Valdez, for instance, could potentially command around $30 million annually in his next contract. This would nearly max out the Cubs' self-imposed budget.
There are several intriguing pitching options available, and many names have been discussed already. Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins is one to watch. But in this scenario, we're focusing on Jed Hoyer making a bold move for left-hander MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals.
MacKenzie Gore: The Ace the Cubs Desperately Need
Cubs fans, prepare yourselves! The proposed trade package, potentially headlined by Moises Ballesteros, is likely to generate strong reactions. Putting together these hypothetical trades is always a complex exercise, with numerous unknowns at play. But before we get into the specifics, let's understand the rationale behind this move.
You won't get Gore without giving up either Ballesteros or Owen Caissie, plain and simple. However, with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both nearing free agency in a year, Caissie offers more long-term value to the Cubs. Also, Ballesteros's defensive fit remains uncertain heading into 2026, potentially projecting him as a full-time designated hitter.
The Baltimore Orioles' acquisition of Shane Baz from Tampa Bay significantly influences the potential trade package for a pitcher like Gore. The proposed package of Ballesteros (a top-50 prospect) and Kevin Alcantara (a top-100 prospect less than a year ago) as the central pieces, with the added upside of Brown, could be what it takes to get the deal done.
Gore has two years of team control remaining, providing the Cubs with some security beyond 2026. Remember, Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Colin Rea, and Matthew Boyd each have only one year left on their contracts. This could leave the Cubs with just Cade Horton and Justin Steele in the mix by this time next year.
Projected to earn just $6.5 million in his second trip through arbitration, Gore is cost-controlled. This allows Hoyer to maintain payroll flexibility for the remainder of the offseason. It would be a tough move, but that's the nature of these deals. Inserting the hard-throwing southpaw into the Cubs' rotation would immediately elevate the team's competitiveness. It's a move that's long overdue for this front office.
What do you think? Would you be willing to part with Ballesteros and Alcantara for Gore? Is this the right move for the Cubs, or should they pursue other options? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
