This trade rumor would thrill Cubs fans — if it weren’t their rival

The biggest need for the Chicago Cubs this offseason has been the same as it was last offseason and at the MLB trade deadline: power pitching. Although the Cubs' pitching infrastructure has been impressive, it hasn't prioritized velocity, which was exposed during their playoff run against the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers.

The Cubs could look toward free agency to address that need with Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suarez at the top of the class for starting pitchers, but that would require a level of financial commitment the Cubs haven't had for pitching since they signed Yu Darvish.

If the Cubs do finally accomplish their goal of landing a true top-of-the-rotation arm this offseason, it likely will be through the trade market. There is a perfect candidate who could be available this offseason, but the Cubs will probably be the last team called.

Covering the Cincinnati Reds for MLB.com, Mark Sheldon recently speculated that the Reds could look to trade 26-year-old starting pitcher Hunter Greene this offseason for a cost-controlled bat. When a beat writer for the team's official website offers speculation of this nature, it's often because the team wants the news out there.

This rumored trade would be a dream for Cubs — but their rival’s doing it

Greene checks the box of everything the Cubs need. A fastball that can reach triple digits with a career strikeout rate of 30%. In the middle of a team-friendly contract--$53MM for 6 years with a club option for 2029--it's the type of deal that the Cubs' front office likely wouldn't shy away from. Not to mention the Cubs have several cost-controlled prospects who could be the answer for the Reds' need for a bat.

The problem, and the reason why a trade won't be completed, is that the Reds are trying to join the Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers in the conversation at the top of the National League Central. It would be one thing for the Cubs to try and poach Sonny Gray away from the St. Louis Cardinals, who might not be contending next season, but the Reds were a playoff contender last year and aren't going to waste the time they have with Terry Francona as their manager.

Nonetheless, this is the type of move the Cubs will probably search for this offseason. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins would likely be the best path, but there could be other names that emerge once the offseason gets started.