Cubs aren't built to win Spencer Strider trade talks if Braves embrace creative approach

Under Jed Hoyer, the Chicago Cubs never turn down an opportunity to be creative while addressing their need for pitching. It's likely why, if nothing else, Hoyer took note that the Atlanta Braves were willing to discuss Spencer Strider as part of a trade for Jacob deGrom at this year's deadline.

Ultimately, deGrom blocked a trade to the Braves, but the premise of including Strider was to match the money involved in a potential deal. Considering Atlanta was willing to be creative in that type of deal at the deadline, it's fair to wonder if such an option would be available this offseason.

Given the nature of how the Cubs operate, in the event that the Braves were going to entertain creative trades involving Strider, Hoyer and Co. would do their due diligence.

Cubs would have tough time matching what Braves may want in Spencer Strider trade

The glaring red flag with Strider has been injuries. He's made 33 starts over the last three years, and there's been a notable dip in his velocity since the start of the 2024 season. Making matters worse, even when Strider has been on the mound, he hasn't been effective. The 27-year-old had an ERA of 5.31 through eight starts this season, and moving forward, there's been serious conversation about whether or not remaining a starting pitcher is the best path for the rest of his career. There's also been suggestions that there may not be many years left in Strider's career to begin with.

Cade Horton will already be out for most of the 2027 season, and if all goes well, Justin Steele will be in his first full-season back in the rotation. Between the rest of the current rotation set for free agency after this offseason, and the uncertainty surrounding Brown, the Cubs aren't in a position where they can gamble on Strider being healthy, but once again becoming the pitcher he hasn't been since 2023.

There's also the reality of why the Braves were including Strider in those trade discussions with the Rangers. To match the money involved. The Cubs don't exactly have a candidate on their roster for that type of trade. Bad contract swaps have become a rarity in this day-and-age of baseball, and while it's possible that Dansby Swanson's contract or Alex Bregman's contract may not age well, that's not a conversation for this year or next.

Perhaps Strider does get moved this offseason, but there's a good chance that said deal would not involved the Cubs.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow