Trade deadline target

[PeanutPunch33]

If the Cubs were 1 piece away then I'd be all for Skubal.  But unfortunately, they need at least 1 more legit piece in the bullpen, the lineup, and the rotation.  Selling the farm for Skubal could backfire tremendously for future seasons.  

[gflore34]

15 minutes ago, Rcal10 said:

No. Why do people keep wanting to trade injured cubs. I have seen Conrad, Wiggins and now Horton mentioned. All would be severely undervalued if considered at all. 

Don't know the seriousness of the his back issues given, since the last Cub's update, he's basically disappeared from the face of the Earth.  I'd gather the back issues are significant being so, he probably has little value.  Wiggins and Horton?  Little to value whatsoever, can't stay healthy enough to be worth anything.

[chibears55]

2 minutes ago, PeanutPunch33 said:

If the Cubs were 1 piece away then I'd be all for Skubal.  But unfortunately, they need at least 1 more legit piece in the bullpen, the lineup, and the rotation.  Selling the farm for Skubal could backfire tremendously for future seasons.  

Skubal or another legit TOR like him would be exactly what they need for the rotation side of it.

Brown right now is their only legit starter I have confidence in, hopefully he'll be able to hold up the rest of year.

Imanaga and Cabrera will need to show me more heading into the deadline, and id probably still be iffy with them, unless they really turn it on.

Taillon can get DFA for all I care, and id prefer Rea in the bullpen. 

Steele,  I think since his return will be later than they hoped, I think theyll play it cautious with him or at least should imo, and just have him pitch a handful of games in August/September and then shut him down. Let him go through a normal offseason and be 100% ready for whenever 2027 begins.

So if they can stay afloat and start winning consistently again between now and the deadline,  getting Skubal or a TOR like him, Id be confident in the rotation going forward. 

Skubal, Brown, Cabrera, Imanaga, Boyd and Steele.

[chibears55]

27 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

Don't know the seriousness of the his back issues given, since the last Cub's update, he's basically disappeared from the face of the Earth.  I'd gather the back issues are significant being so, he probably has little value.  Wiggins and Horton?  Little to value whatsoever, can't stay healthy enough to be worth anything.

I wouldn't trade those guys no matter what their value is now, they need them for next season and beyond (if theres a 2027 season).

They have to replace Imanaga, Boyd, Taillon,  and Rea in the rotation this offseason/2027.

Steele has 1 year of control left before hes a FA, Cabrera 2 more years before hes a FA, so Brown the only starter they have control of for more than 2 years.

 

[Gjfificifjdej]

16 minutes ago, chibears55 said:

Skubal or another legit TOR like him would be exactly what they need for the rotation side of it.

Brown right now is their only legit starter I have confidence in, hopefully he'll be able to hold up the rest of year.

Imanaga and Cabrera will need to show me more heading into the deadline, and id probably still be iffy with them, unless they really turn it on.

Taillon can get DFA for all I care, and id prefer Rea in the bullpen. 

Steele,  I think since his return will be later than they hoped, I think theyll play it cautious with him or at least should imo, and just have him pitch a handful of games in August/September and then shut him down. Let him go through a normal offseason and be 100% ready for whenever 2027 begins.

So if they can stay afloat and start winning consistently again between now and the deadline,  getting Skubal or a TOR like him, Id be confident in the rotation going forward. 

Skubal, Brown, Cabrera, Imanaga, Boyd and Steele.

The rotation is so bad that 1 TOR arm isn’t making a dent in the problem. Realistically this team needs 4 starting pitchers to remain in the race. Cabrera and Boyd will be back somewhat soon, but that still leaves us with only 3 major league starters, and who knows where Cabrera is at, he was really bad before the IL stint. 

[BobbyD3]

Is it even in the realm of possibility to go to the Red Sox with Shaw, Wiggins, Alcantara + and ask for Gray and one of either Tolle or Early?  They have a young arm, and we have a young infielder who grew up idolizing Dustin Pedroia.  Gray and one of the Sox kids could go a long way in fortifying our rotation.  Just a thought.... maybe a bad one.

[chibears55]

33 minutes ago, Gjfificifjdej said:

The rotation is so bad that 1 TOR arm isn’t making a dent in the problem. Realistically this team needs 4 starting pitchers to remain in the race. Cabrera and Boyd will be back somewhat soon, but that still leaves us with only 3 major league starters, and who knows where Cabrera is at, he was really bad before the IL stint. 

Why i said Imanaga and Cabrera need to show me more before the deadline. If they step it up and start pitching better then a rotation of....

Skubal/TOR guy, Brown, Cabrera, Imanaga and Boyd/Steele to finish out the season can be pretty good.

 

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

9 minutes ago, BobbyD3 said:

Is it even in the realm of possibility to go to the Red Sox with Shaw, Wiggins, Alcantara + and ask for Gray and one of either Tolle or Early?  They have a young arm, and we have a young infielder who grew up idolizing Dustin Pedroia.  Gray and one of the Sox kids could go a long way in fortifying our rotation.  Just a thought.... maybe a bad one.

If I'm the Red Sox no way am I giving up Tolle. He's a special arm. Early, maybe.

[Gjfificifjdej]

28 minutes ago, chibears55 said:

Why i said Imanaga and Cabrera need to show me more before the deadline. If they step it up and start pitching better then a rotation of....

Skubal/TOR guy, Brown, Cabrera, Imanaga and Boyd/Steele to finish out the season can be pretty good.

 

Thats valid, I just don’t see a world where Imanaga gets back to being playable this year, and with how many set backs Steele has had, expecting anything from him this year is too hopeful for me personally. To me he’s firmly in the Horton category of “anything we get out of his career is a cool bonus”, but planning around him being available at any point for any length of time would be irresponsible by Hoyer. 

[Rcal10]

15 minutes ago, Gjfificifjdej said:

Thats valid, I just don’t see a world where Imanaga gets back to being playable this year, and with how many set backs Steele has had, expecting anything from him this year is too hopeful for me personally. To me he’s firmly in the Horton category of “anything we get out of his career is a cool bonus”, but planning around him being available at any point for any length of time would be irresponsible by Hoyer. 

I understand the apprehension on Steele. I also am not sure he gives them much. But why is Imanaga the bad pitcher he has shown to be the last 3 starts and not the very good pitcher he was before that? I mean, maybe he is this guy. But you have it as not a chance he gets back to what he was.
They clearly need a starter. Sooner the better, but I doubt it is in the next 3 weeks. They need Boyd to come back healthy and be the guy he was for much of last year. At least with his injuries his innings will be limited. They also need Cabrera to discover his stuff from last year. Maybe that blister was causing issues longer than we thought. Maybe this time out helps him too. I see a decent possibility they have 3 solid starters, counting Brown. If Imanaga can get back to early season form that is 4, even if Imanaga is the 4. Add a TOR starter and I see no reason the rotation can’t be solid after the TDL. 

[Gjfificifjdej]

1 hour ago, Rcal10 said:

I understand the apprehension on Steele. I also am not sure he gives them much. But why is Imanaga the bad pitcher he has shown to be the last 3 starts and not the very good pitcher he was before that? I mean, maybe he is this guy. But you have it as not a chance he gets back to what he was.
They clearly need a starter. Sooner the better, but I doubt it is in the next 3 weeks. They need Boyd to come back healthy and be the guy he was for much of last year. At least with his injuries his innings will be limited. They also need Cabrera to discover his stuff from last year. Maybe that blister was causing issues longer than we thought. Maybe this time out helps him too. I see a decent possibility they have 3 solid starters, counting Brown. If Imanaga can get back to early season form that is 4, even if Imanaga is the 4. Add a TOR starter and I see no reason the rotation can’t be solid after the TDL. 

I was very down on Shota entering the year given what he did last year. Yeah he looked better in the early season but him turning into a pumpkin as the weather gets warmer ties in to his pitching style. He gives up way to many bombs, and a fly ball guy on a team with this much investment in the defence is just wasteful unless he actually limits runs. 

[squally1313]

We’re just throwing shota in the DFA pile (now that we decided Happ can begrudgingly stay, I guess he can have his spot?) huh?  4.40 ERA/FIP can’t be a back end of the rotation guy behind Boyd, brown, and a TOR acquisition?

[JunkyardWalrus]

1 hour ago, squally1313 said:

We’re just throwing shota in the DFA pile (now that we decided Happ can begrudgingly stay, I guess he can have his spot?) huh?  4.40 ERA/FIP can’t be a back end of the rotation guy behind Boyd, brown, and a TOR acquisition?

Nothing between ‘Star’ and ‘Scrub’ for some. Either, or.

[Backtobanks]

5 hours ago, Rcal10 said:

No. Why do people keep wanting to trade injured cubs. I have seen Conrad, Wiggins and now Horton mentioned. All would be severely undervalued if considered at all. 

Probably because the Cubs don't have very many healthy prospects to trade.

[PeanutPunch33]

4 hours ago, chibears55 said:

Skubal or another legit TOR like him would be exactly what they need for the rotation side of it.

Brown right now is their only legit starter I have confidence in, hopefully he'll be able to hold up the rest of year.

Imanaga and Cabrera will need to show me more heading into the deadline, and id probably still be iffy with them, unless they really turn it on.

Taillon can get DFA for all I care, and id prefer Rea in the bullpen. 

Steele,  I think since his return will be later than they hoped, I think theyll play it cautious with him or at least should imo, and just have him pitch a handful of games in August/September and then shut him down. Let him go through a normal offseason and be 100% ready for whenever 2027 begins.

So if they can stay afloat and start winning consistently again between now and the deadline,  getting Skubal or a TOR like him, Id be confident in the rotation going forward. 

Skubal, Brown, Cabrera, Imanaga, Boyd and Steele.

If the Cubs are making a deal with Detroit, I'd much rather pursue a guy like Riley Greene.  The Cubs have the pieces to get it done. 

I know this is an unpopular opinion here, but they need a middle-of-the order game changing bat more than they need half a season of Skubal.  It would be like acquiring a younger, better, cost controlled Kyle Tucker.  Check out his baseball savant.  

I'd give them any 3 prospects they want.  He's an elite left handed hitter and only 25 years old.  And his swing would fit like a glove at Wrigley.  

Edited Sunday at 11:00 PM by PeanutPunch33

[Bertz]

Riley Greene is left handed Seiya Suzuki, which is not a bad thing the winter before we lose three veteran corner outfielders, but is a far cry from some mythical "elite" bat that would make the offense magically not streaky.

[chibears55]

16 minutes ago, PeanutPunch33 said:

If the Cubs are making a deal with Detroit, I'd much rather pursue a guy like Riley Greene.  The Cubs have the pieces to get it done. 

I know this is an unpopular opinion here, but they need a middle-of-the order game changing bat more than they need half a season of Skubal.  It would be like acquiring a younger, better, cost controlled Kyle Tucker.  Check out his baseball savant.  

I'd give them any 3 prospects they want.  He's an elite left handed hitter and only 25 years old.  And his swing would fit like a glove at Wrigley.  

They will likely get a bat for DH, especially if Ballesteros doesn't turn it around in the next month.

It would be nice if it could be someone that can take over an OF spot thatll open up in offseason, we'll know more of who'll be available come the break.

[PeanutPunch33]

8 minutes ago, Bertz said:

Riley Greene is left handed Seiya Suzuki, which is not a bad thing the winter before we lose three veteran corner outfielders, but is a far cry from some mythical "elite" bat that would make the offense magically not streaky.

He's a 25 year old 2x all-star, who is getting on base nearly 40% of the time this year.  He's way better than Seiya has ever been. 

Don't get me wrong, he's no Yordan Alvarez or Juan Soto but he'd be the best bat in this lineup easily.  With plenty of upside.

Edited Sunday at 11:24 PM by PeanutPunch33

[Bertz]

1 hour ago, PeanutPunch33 said:

He's a 25 year old 2x all-star, who is getting on base nearly 40% of the time this year.  He's way better than Seiya has ever been. 

Don't get me wrong, he's no Yordan Alvarez or Juan Soto but he'd be the best bat in this lineup easily.  With plenty of upside.

Since the start of '24 when Greene broke out he has a 129 wRC+.  Seiya has a 127 over that same period.

[JBears79]

I could get behind a Riley Greene trade.

Edited yesterday at 12:54 AM by JBears79

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Why would the Tigers trade one of the two young position players on their team worth a damn?

Edited yesterday at 01:15 AM by Tangled Up in Plaid
Words

[Rcal10]

2 hours ago, PeanutPunch33 said:

He's a 25 year old 2x all-star, who is getting on base nearly 40% of the time this year.  He's way better than Seiya has ever been. 

Don't get me wrong, he's no Yordan Alvarez or Juan Soto but he'd be the best bat in this lineup easily.  With plenty of upside.

The only stat Greene has an advantage over Suzuki is BA.. .269 to .267. All other stats Suzuki is better than Greene. Sure, Greene would be good to get, but he isn’t any better than Seiya. Please look at their career numbers and tell me where Greene is “way better”. 
And as far as that goes, you have mentioned Tucker as this star bat they need and suggested Bregman isn’t very good. While you are looking at career numbers please tell me why one is an offense making star and the other nothing special. 

[Bertz]

46 minutes ago, Tangled Up in Plaid said:

Why would the Tigers trade one of the two young position players on their team worth a damn?

They're in last place in what is probably still the worst division in baseball and Skubal/Mize/Torres all walk at the end of the year.

I'd guess they won't because of that aforementioned division but there's a decent argument that they should blow it to smithereens and be open for business on anyone but Mcgonigle.

[PeanutPunch33]

54 minutes ago, Rcal10 said:

The only stat Greene has an advantage over Suzuki is BA.. .269 to .267. All other stats Suzuki is better than Greene. Sure, Greene would be good to get, but he isn’t any better than Seiya. Please look at their career numbers and tell me where Greene is “way better”. 
And as far as that goes, you have mentioned Tucker as this star bat they need and suggested Bregman isn’t very good. While you are looking at career numbers please tell me why one is an offense making star and the other nothing special. 

Well the other day you said that Seiya is a top 20-25 hitter since he came into the league, so surely getting the 25-year-old version of that type of player should be a very desirable thing right?  Especially a guy that has elite traits (bat speed + hard hit %) and is more consistent?

At the end of the day, the Cubs are not going to be able to acquire a Juan Soto or any true elite hitter - those guys are almost never made available.  And because of their abysmal drafting over the years on hitters, their only remaining paths to acquiring that true middle-of-the-order bat is 1) free agency or 2) taking a chance on a good or very good player and hoping he can becoming great. 

Also, I have noticed that some Tigers players over the years become way better once they leave Detroit.  Scherzer and Castellanos come to mind.  It's not inconceivable that Riley can make a significant jump as a hitter in a different organization.  And even if he doesn't you still got a very good ballplayer.  What intrigues me about him is that he can slug (last year, 35+ HR) and this year, he has even better numbers despite only 4 HR, getting on base at a .398 clip.  I see a kid who can do a lot of different things as a hitter, and if ever puts it together you got a franchise player.  

Anyways I was just spit balling ideas.  If you have a different name in mind than Greene I'm all ears.  For me, the true dream is Corbin Carroll but that ain't happening.  At least the Tigers would answer the phone on Greene if a serious offer was made.  They are 16 games below .500 and going nowhere fast.  

Edited yesterday at 02:52 AM by PeanutPunch33

[Geographyhater8888]

Greens efficiency is par for for his last 2.4 seasons yet his ISO is around 100 points lower. Where’d his slug go?

Edited yesterday at 11:33 AM by Geographyhater8888