Chicago Cubs Rumors: Grading reader submitted trade ideas

The Cubs have a need for an upgrade to their starting rotation this off-season. At the very least, the Cubs need to add at least one starting pitcher before Spring Training starts in February but the team should definitely be of the mindset of acquiring multiple starting pitchers this offseason as a way to bolster their starting rotation.

At the age of 25 and under team control until 2027, Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers would be an intriguing name for the Cubs this offseason. After making seven appearances for the Marlins during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Rogers emerged onto the scene in full capacity in 2021. Rogers posted a 2.64 ERA (2.55 FIP) with the Marlins in 2021 in 133 innings pitched. Rogers struggled in his second full season at the Major League level in 2022 as he posted a 5.47 ERA in 107 innings pitched.

Before making the trade, the Cubs would need to ensure that Rogers' 2021 success can be repeated. If so, then giving up outfielder Owen Caissie (MLB Pipeline rankings for Cubs' organization: 10) and RHP Ryan Jensen (No. 28) would be a worthwhile gamble for the Cubs. Losing Caissie would be difficult would the Cubs are littered with outfield prospects.

Grade: B- -- Rogers' success was limited to only one season and the Cubs may want something more certain if forced to part with Caissie.

The Cubs have clearly identified the shortstop position this offseason as the position they can target in order to improve their overall offensive production for the 2023 season. Acquiring a shortstop that represents an offensive upgrade to the team's starting lineup would allow the Cubs to shift Nico Hoerner over to the second base position and ensure the Cubs' middle infield tandem is in place for years to come.

Torres was once a top prospect in the Cubs organization before the team completed a trade with the New York Yankees in 2016 after the team identified closer Aroldis Chapman as the pitcher they needed in their bullpen during their run to the World Series.

Torres debuted with the Yankees at the Major League level in 2018 and posted a wRC+ of 121 and 125 in each of his first two seasons. Torres' 2019 season also saw him hit 38 home runs for the Yankees. After regressing in 2020 and 2021, Torres appeared to get back on track with the Yankees in 2022. Torres had a slash line of .257/.310/.451/.761 with the Yankees last season while posting a wRC+ of 115. Torres' power also returned in 2022 as he hit 24 home runs.

Adrian Sampson was a success story for the Cubs in 2022 as he posted a 3.11 ERA in 104.1 innings pitched. With the Cubs having a need for starting pitching off-season, trading Sampson does not make complete sense unless the team has already added a starting pitcher or two to the fold for 2023. If so, then Sampson certainly becomes an intriguing trade piece for the Cubs and their efforts to improve this offseason.

Grade: C -- The Cubs can add a top-tier shortstop through free agency this offseason and trading Sampson for a lesser shortstop in Torres would be a disappointment.

There has been a common belief that if the Cubs are going to acquire a top-tier starting pitcher this offseason, it will be through a trade. The injury to outfielder prospect Alexander Canario may impact the Cubs' ability to pull off a trade for a true top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher this offseason but the team still does have pieces they can put together to at least get in the conversation.

The Guardians are fresh off an American League Central division title in 2022 and it seems unlikely that the team would be willing to move starting pitcher Shane Bieber this offseason. Bieber, 27, is under team control until 2025 and has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the American League. With the Guardians last season, Bieber posted a 2.88 ERA (2.87 FIP) in 200 innings pitched. Without question, Bieber would be the ace that the Cubs need at the top of their rotation.

The package of prospects Brennan Davis and Jordan Wicks along with Major Leaguers Nick Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom likely would not be enough to get the deal done for the Cubs. Given Madrigal's inability to stay healthy, the back concerns with Davis, and Wisdom's offensive profile not being a need for the Guardians, there is no reason for them to want to take this deal.

Grade A -- This is a perfect trade for the Cubs but one that the Guardians would reject immediately.