Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation help could come from the Bay

Johnny Cueto – Free agent 2021, opt-out following 2017: 5-6, 4.57 ERA, 86 Ks, 86 2/3 IP

If there’s one pitcher that is sure to be in high-demand around baseball, it’s Cueto. He would also make sense for the Cubs.

Cueto represents an upgrade for a potential playoff push and headlines the staff with Jon Lester for the next several seasons.  Signed prior to 2016 for six-years, $130 million, Cueto stands to make $21 million per year between 2017 and 2021, and can opt-out following the World Series.

Any trade involving the ace would likely revolve around Cueto’s agreement not to exercise that opt-out. Cueto (5-6, 4.57 ERA) has not exhibited strong numbers which could potentially influence a trade in the Cubs favor. He’s also pitched with a blister that has limited his delivery.

Considering the fact the Giants signed Cueto expecting him to frontline their rotation for years, it’s going to take a premium to acquire him. However, the Giants might have to foot a chunk of the bill themselves considering his salary.

Jeff Samardzija – Free agent 2020: 2-9, 4.81 ERA, 104 Ks, 91 2/3 IP

I know what Cubs fans are thinking. And while I consider Jeff Samardzija to be moved anywhere else first before heading back to the North Side, the trade potential looms.

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Samardzija (2-9, 4.81 ERA) has struggled though his walk rate (3.4 percent) is lower than the 5.3 percent it was this time last year. The one thing you can say for the Sharks is he’s an innings-eater. Over the prior three seasons, his inning totals have surpassed 200 innings pitched.

His home and road splits have suffered, but getting out of AT&T Park and particularly the NL West could be beneficial. His record is 0-and-5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

The only way the Cubs make a trade with the Giants for Samardzija is if San Francisco agrees to pick up almost all of the salary and the Cubs are able to get away with sending mid-level or lower prospects.

Matt Moore – Free agent 2016, club options 2017-2019: 2-7, 6.00 ERA, 65 Ks, 78 IP

Moore was traded to the Giants on trade deadline day in 2016 and is the latest of Giants starters to go through a tough season.

During his time with the Tampa Bay Rays he enjoyed his early-career success while under Joe Maddon‘s managerial guidance, and perhaps a reunion would prove fruitful. Ben Zobrist was also part of those teams.

Moore talked about what it was like pitching for Maddon expressing that Maddon helped take the pressure off.

In the final year of a five-year contract, perhaps the Giants look to move Moore rather than picking up their $7 million team option or buying him out for $2.5 million.

At 28-years-old, Moore represents upside and could be a future rotation piece while not giving up a lot.

Matt Cain – Free agent 2017, 2018 club option: 3-6, 4.99 ERA, 46 Ks, 74 IP

Matt Cain would be the least likely of the four to be considered an upgrade in the Chicago Cubs rotation.

Signed to a contract worth $127.5 million, the Giants figured he would headline the starting rotation for years. Instead, 2012 was his last solid season.

Since going 16-5 Cain is 19-35, and his 4.00 ERA in 2013 is his lowest since 2012. Injuries have been a major issue.

Cain would figure as an innings-eater for the rotation or bullpen. He could be an option with Brett Anderson, Eddie Butler, or Mike Montgomery. One of which could possibly eat innings out of the bullpen. Low-level prospect(s) and the Giants significantly taking on Cain’s contract likely is the only way Cain ever comes to Chicago. But Cain would obviously not figure as a top priority.

Cubs have what others want

The Cubs possess an excess of major league caliber players, more than they have every day starting spots for. While the option to platoon, mix and match works in Joe Maddon‘s favor, it’s an opportunity to explore with regard to one of the Giants main weaknesses: Outfield defense.

Forget Kyle Schwarber. After last year, we know he’s not going anywhere so forget the possible storylines linking him elsewhere. At least, that’s my sure-assumption.

For the Chicago Cubs to potentially land an ace such as Johnny Cueto, Ian Happ figures to be a desirable option on the Giants radar. The recent Cubs’ call-up has shown versatility being able to cover all three outfield spots, as well as playing 2B.

That could factor into the decision if they decide to move 2B Joe Panik who remains arbitration eligible, and has battled various ailments in recent seasons.

Albert Almora is the other part of the outfield that might be moved. Happ has a superior bat, while Almora has been considered a great defensive asset to the Cubs organization for a while now.

Then there’s third baseman Jeimer Candelario who is blocked in Iowa while playing in 11 combined MLB games between 2017 and 2016.

Dylan Cease and Duane Underwood represent young, highly regarded arms in the Cubs system. One might have to be part of an option to land a top-flight arm under control.