GM Meetings buzz revives talk of Cubs' biggest trade deadline rumor

A potential trade target the Chicago Cubs had at the MLB trade deadline could be on the move this offseason. The Cubs confirmed the obvious this week, stating that pitching will be their priority this winter, and that includes looking at potential trades for cost-controlled starting pitchers. That could lead the Cubs back to MacKenzie Gore, a name they were linked to last July.

While working through the potential pitchers available on the trade market this winter, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon confirmed that Gore was a "good bet to go". The Nationals appear to be prioritizing the restock of their farm system,

As for the other pitchers who could be traded--Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Sandy Alcantara, and Joe Ryan--the MLB insiders make the case that they could remain with their current teams for various reasons. Not that the Cubs would have much of a shot at Peralta, considering trading him to a division rival is likely the last thing the Milwaukee Brewers want to do.

The Chicago Cubs will have another chance at MacKenzie Gore this offseason.

Gore is near the top of the list when it comes to potential targets for the Cubs. He is only 26 and under control for two more seasons. While his career ERA may not reflect the pitcher he is, 4.19, his strikeout rate of 25.6% certainly does. Not to mention, for the Cubs, the appeal is pairing his swing-and-miss profile with their elite defense, and that could lead to the best version of Gore.

Matt Shaw was among the names floated in a potential trade for Gore at the deadline, and chances are Washington will ask once more about the young third baseman. In theory, with Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and Eugenio Suarez all available in free agency, the Cubs may feel comfortable trading Shaw for a cost-controlled ace, and then using their available money for an upgrade at third base. If not Shaw, the Cubs certainly would need to include a combination of their top prospects in a potential offer.

Looking through the lens of future value, Gore and Tatsuya Imai are clear fits for the strategy that Jed Hoyer operates with. Hoyer appears to be approaching this offseason with more intent than he had last offseason, and that may open the door for an aggressive swing to address their pitching need.