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Chicago Cubs News: A flier on Zach Plesac, Marcus Stroman honored, and more
- Could the Chicago Cubs take a flier on Zach Plesac?
- Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman named National League Player of the Week
- Scott Boras does not rule out Cody Bellinger remaining with the Chicago Cubs
Could the Chicago Cubs take a flier on Zach Plesac?
The Cleveland Guardians designated right-handed starting pitcher Zach Plesac for assignment on Sunday and that could be of interest to the Chicago Cubs.
For the Cubs, the connection is obvious given that current general manager Carter Hawkins was previously with the Cleveland Guardians' organization and it was during a time when Plesac was emerging as one of the best young starting pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Plesac made 21 starts with the Guardians during his rookie season in 2019 and posted a 3.81 ERA. Plesac followed up his rookie campaign with an even better sophomore season in 2020 as he posted an ERA of 2.28 in 8 starts.
Plesac has struggled in each season since 2020 as his ERA has been over 4 during the past three seasons including a 7.59 ERA this season. Even more concerning is the dip in velocity as Plesac's average velocity dropped to 91.4 MPH this season after being 93.9 during his rookie season.
Among the teams that could fix Plesac, the Cubs would be among the best fits given their track record of reclamation projects. While the Cubs do not have an opening in their starting rotation, Plesac could be an outside-the-box attempt for the team to stabilize their bullpen.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman named National League Player of the Week
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman continues to get recognition for his stellar start to the 2023 Major League Baseball season as he was named the National League Player of the Week.
Corey Seager: .407/.429/.741, 2 HR, 10 RBI
— MLB (@MLB) June 5, 2023
Marcus Stroman: 2-0, 15 IP, 0 ER, 14 Ks
Corey Seager and Marcus Stroman are your AL, NL Players of the Week presented by @Chevrolet. pic.twitter.com/XMCtXxYAh4
In case you missed it, the San Diego Padres could have an interest in acquiring Stroman ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline.
Scott Boras does not rule out Cody Bellinger remaining with the Chicago Cubs
Major League Baseball super agent Scott Boras spoke with Patrick Mooney of The Athletic and did not rule out the idea of the Chicago Cubs signing Cody Bellinger to a contract extension. It is still too early for there to be any real conversation about Bellinger being an option for the Cubs beyond the 2023 season.
Prior to his injury, Bellinger was showing signs of regressing from his hot start to the season during the month of April. First and foremost, Bellinger needs to return from the knee injury he suffered against the Houston Astros earlier this month. Once Bellinger returns, and if he can get back to the production he had during the first month of the season, then the conversation can start regarding a potential contract extension.