Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation help could come from the Bay

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.