Cubs’ rival just stole an All-Star in wild 3-team trade that stunned fans

As much as Chicago Cubs fans didn't want to believe it, the Pittsburgh Pirates followed through on the expectations they set at the start of the offseason. The Pirates didn't just settle for the "we tried" banner after failing to sign Kyle Schwarber; they found a way to acquire an All-Star infielder in a three-way trade including the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays.

The Pirates walked away from the deal with All-Star Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum, and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery while only giving up starting pitcher Mike Burrows as part of the trade. Burrows landed with the Houston Astros, who sent two prospects to the Rays--outfielder Jacob Melton and right-handed pitcher Anderson Brito--to balance out the deal.

Pirates' fleecing of Rays and Astros, landing them Brandon Lowe, may send a message to the Cubs

As Cubs fans are still waiting for Jed Hoyer and Co. to make their big move, the Pirates may have just made the best deal of the offseason.

In only giving up one player, the Pirates found a way to land an All-Star, an outfielder more than capable of handling the bat at the major league level, and a controllable pitcher for their bullpen. And, if we're being honest, it's not like Burrows was someone the Pirates had to hold onto, considering the other arms they have in their rotation.

Burrows is under control through 2031, which likely was the biggest appeal to the Astros, but he posted a 3.94 ERA last season in 96 innings pitched, striking out 24.1% of the hitters he faced. If Burrows fully figures it out at the major league level, then, sure, the Astros would have made it well in the deal. But, for now, Ben Cherington cooked with this three-way trade.

But while we're on the subject of Burrows, the Astros gave up two organizational top-10 prospects in order to acquire his control. While the Cubs weren't linked to Burrows this offseason, it's been made clear that they are looking for a cost-controlled starting pitcher.

As was the case with the Orioles' trade for Shane Baz, the Astros giving up two of their better prospects for a pitcher who hasn't quite established himself at the major league level doesn't bode well for the Cubs' chances of trading for MacKenzie Gore or Edward Cabrera.