Chicago Cubs: The Yankees might try again for Kyle Schwarber

 Last year the Chicago Cubs traded Gleyber Torres for Aroldis Chapman on their way to winning the World Series. This year, it could be the New York Yankees turn. Will they again try to wrestle Kyle Schwarber away from the Cubs?

With the Chicago Cubs not needing much last year, a closer was their main focus. With the New York Yankees scuffling heading into the deadline, it made sense. The Cubs farm system was one of the best. And Aroldis Chapman? Also one of the best. The Cubs gave up Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford for Chapman. The Yankees farm system got a quick rebuild and the Cubs won the World Series. The Cubs aren’t out of it, but the Yankees indeed believe they have a chance.

With Thursday’s news that the Cubs optioned Kyle Schwarber to Triple-A Iowa after a horrendous start (.171/.295/.398), the Yankees could smell blood in the water and make another attempt to acquire the talented but struggling slugger. Last season, the Cubs were adamant that Schwarber was “off limits”. Theo Epstein seems to believe in Schwarber as much as ever, and that this was an investment in Kyle, not a demotion. 

It’s the Yankees. Why wouldn’t they try again?

The Yankees are battling for the AL East lead with the Boston Red Sox (no surprise there) and Brian Cashman thinks they have as good a shot as anyone to win the pennant. With the lineup that the Yankees have including Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Starlin Castro. Torres was on his way to joining the Yankees soon if not for suffering a torn ACL, requiring season-ending Tommy John surgery. So what if they added Schwarber to that group as a DH?

The chances that Epstein wouldn’t even entertain the thought of dealing him is slim–closer to none. But let’s entertain this thought. If the Cubs were to consider the deal, what would they be looking to get? Schwarber’s current state of play doesn’t negate his very high potential. The Cubs gave up the No. 26 prospect in the MLP Pipeline for Chapman. What could they get for Schwarber?

Cubs need pitching, but so do the Yankees

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If the Cubs are looking for pitching (as they should be), there are a few potential pieces the Yankees could offer for Schwarber. My thoughts are that if the Cubs were to make this deal it will be for quality, not quantity. And the Cubs will be looking for players that are MLB ready or already at that level. Let’s assume the Cubs are looking for a starting pitcher and a reliever/swingman.

The first issue is with the Yankees contending, one of their needs is starting pitching as well. C.C. Sabathia (7-2, 3.46) is out with a hamstring injury which could keep him out four to six weeks. Masahiro Tanaka (5-7, 6.34) has struggled (That could have been the Cubs problem) and has left the Yankees mentioned in the same rumors for the likes of Sonny Gray and Gerrit Cole. So who might they part with for Schwarber?

Chad Green – RHP

The Yankees don’t seem to sure what they want to do with reliever Chad Green. Green got a chance to start last season starting eight of his 12 appearances. That didn’t fare too well for Green as he posted a 4.73 ERA with a WHIP of 1.40. This season he’s worked mostly out of the pen, although he did make one spot start this year. In 23 1/3 innings, he’s logged a 2.31 ERA, with a FIP of 2.37. One thing that stands out is his K/9 which has been over 10 in his brief career.

Green has been limited to low-leverage spots, and over at Pinstripe Alley, they feel it’s time to give him a larger role. For now, his role is in Scranton as he’s been sent to Triple-A. While the Yankees don’t seem sure on what Green’s role is with the team, the Cubs could make good use of his talent as a swingman down the stretch. The Mariners seemed unsure of what to do with Mike Montgomery, so the Cubs took advantage.

 Jorge Guzman – RHP

Jorge Guzman is forecasted to make his debut in 2019, but his potential could be realized with a possible change of scenery. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2014 by the Astros, the 21-year old can sling it with the likes of a former Cub in Chapman. Without an excessive amount of effort in his delivery, Guzman can reach anywhere from 97 to 103 mph. The issue is when he crosses into triple digits, location can be an issue.

While a starter now, the chance he ends up a reliever is more likely. With an arm like his, he has the chance to be a Chapman-like reliever. He also throws a slider that isn’t consistent, and a changeup in its early stages. Chris Bosio has done well with pitchers who have failed to meet the expectations set for them, but Guzman wouldn’t be ready until 2018 at the earliest.

Schwarber will remain a Cub

Even if the Cubs and Yankees discuss it, it’s likely not going to happen. Considering what Schwarber has done–and with the odds against him, last year–the Cubs will give him this year to work things out. Is there a chance that he doesn’t stay a Cub forever? Sure there is. But Epstein and the front office believe in him. We didn’t expect to see him when we did, he just refused to leave by hitting the s#*! of the ball.

And even after destroying his knee, he came back to lead the Cubs to a World Series win–one that absolutely doesn’t happen without him. The Cubs made the right choice to hold onto him last season. The Cubs will make the same choice this year. What happens beyond this season will be up to Schwarber.