💥 Mind-Blowing Trade Speculation! Cubs Set for Blockbuster Move, Snagging Ace While Parting Ways With Rising Young Star!

As the Chicago Cubs navigate the offseason in search of roster enhancements, they have various avenues to explore. The free-agent market presents opportunities to acquire top players who are highly coveted during this phase of winter. Additionally, as players find new homes, teams may start unloading their assets.

Regardless of the approach the Cubs choose, action is imperative before the onset of the new season. One potential trade, proposed by Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, involves the Cubs securing Shane Bieber, the ace of the Cleveland Guardians and the 2020 Cy Young winner. Despite facing challenges such as injuries that have impacted his performance since winning the prestigious award, Bieber remains one of the top arms in the market, consistently delivering above the league average in ERA+ each year.

However, there is a notable condition to this proposed trade. Rymer envisions the Cubs acquiring Bieber and right-handed reliever Trevor Stephan in exchange for their young star, Christopher Morel. While the allure of adding Bieber to the rotation and obtaining a controllable bullpen piece like Stephan is significant, there’s a hesitancy to part ways with the promising 24-year-old slugger, especially coming off a breakout season with two years left before arbitration.

Bieber would essentially be a one-year rental since he becomes a free agent after the 2024 season. Nonetheless, the deal also includes Stephan, who, having signed a four-year, $10 million contract in 2023 with club options in 2027 and 2028, brings reliability to the bullpen. In his three MLB seasons, Stephan boasts a 3.73 ERA across 180 appearances with 232 strikeouts in 195 2/3 innings pitched.

The potential willingness of the Cubs to trade a budding star slugger for a one-year rotation upgrade and a controllable bullpen asset hinges on their ability to secure free agents Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman. Bellinger would maintain power in the lineup, similar to the previous year, while Chapman would significantly bolster the defense at third base, an aspect that Morel has not fully demonstrated in his young career.

This decision will require careful consideration by Jed Hoyer and the front office as they seek improvements for the roster. It stands as another viable option in their pursuit of roster enhancements.