Well, this narrative would’ve been a little easier to spin if the Cubs had held on in extra innings tonight, but frankly … it’s believable nonetheless. This team *is* good enough (with an obvious enough hole in the rotation) to justify a big move at the deadline, even if it’s for a rental. And tonight, we’ve got ourselves a rumor on the biggest rental starter out there. Maybe ever.
Which, yes, means it would be costly. But hold onto that thought. Let’s hit the actual report first.
According to Patrick Mooney at The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are considering free-agent-to-be Tarik Skubal among their trade deadline options for the obvious gap(s) at the front of their rotation.
Tarik Skubal.
The back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner with a 2.79 ERA through 16 starts this season (yes, there was an injury + surgery, but he recovered quickly and has made nine very good starts since, especially his last three):
vsLAA: 7.0 IP, 5H, 0ER, 0BB, 9K vsKCR: 7.1, 4H, 1ER, 2BB, 12K vsBAL: 6.2 IP, 4H, 3ER, 1BB, 6KI mean, it’s Tarik Skubal.
Tarik Skubal throws against the Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesTarik Skubal to the Cubs?
Here’s the key part of what Mooney had to say:
In a wide-ranging search for pitching reinforcements, the Chicago Cubs are considering Tarik Skubal as their blockbuster option ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, according to several baseball officials who were granted anonymity to candidly discuss a still-developing market.
Mooney then goes on to cite Skubal’s “deep roots” near where the Cubs do spring training in Arizona (and early access to the soon-to-be record-breaking free agent), as a potential bonus to getting him in the door now. As in, the idea of trying to trade for Tarik Skubal and then convince him to stay in Chicago.
Which … there’s a lot there to unpack, the most important being: A free-agent deal for Tarik Skubal would be so many miles above any free agent contract the Cubs have ever considered giving out in the past (save Shohei Ohtani) that it’s pretty hard to believe. But who knows. Maybe they’re ready to open up the pocketbook, and maybe Skubal loves Chicago. But that’s all a conversation for another day.
Suffice it to say, yeah, you’d obviously love to have Tarik Skubal. He’s among the top pitchers in baseball, and routinely is that guy.
For now, we just have to focus on the deadline implications and the potential cost. But also, the potential leverage that could be used here.
And that’s where we’ll go first.
Consider for a moment the fact that the Brewers are one of the biggest rumored suitors for Skubal. The Cubs (and Tigers) should love to make the Brewers think Chicago is making a big push for Skubal. It just applies more pressure on Milwaukee to go over their top on an offer. And if it’s prospects only the Tigers are seeking, the Brewers can blow the Cubs out of the water.
Another argument that this is mostly a leverage play: The Cubs (6.0 GB) are still unlikely to pass the Brewers in the NL Central. And Jed Hoyer has indicated that this sort of big-time (in terms of cost) rental acquisition is a lot less palatable without that first-round bye.
But I have to tell you, I don’t think that’s the case here. I think their interest is legitimate. And I think that, in part because, well, I have heard very similar rumblings behind the scenes the past few days. And also because even if I appreciate the counter-argument (and have made it myself), the case FOR Skubal is easy to make: The Cubs offense and defense have proven playoff-calibre; their pitching staff obviously has not. Plus, this is something of a “go for it” season given all the outgoing free agents and money spent on this roster.
And that’s pretty much it. The Cubs could win this year. But not if they don’t get more pitching. And there is no better pitching available than Tarik Skubal.
We’ve been so focused on the controllable starters, which, to be fair, do still make more sense given the Cubs’ rotational needs NEXT year too. But if you are going to go the rental route, you may as well go for the best. And that’s Tarik Skubal.
More on this tomorrow and the next few days, I’m sure.
Hence then, the article about report cubs are considering tarik skubal as trade deadline target was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( REPORT: Cubs “Are Considering” Tarik Skubal as Trade Deadline Target )
Also on site :