The Chicago Cubs have been a dominant force in the MLB for the past few years, making it to the playoffs four times in the last five seasons. However, their quest for a World Series title has fallen short, leaving fans and players alike hungry for a championship. As the winter meetings approach, the Cubs are looking to make a huge move to add an ace to their roster and solidify their chances of bringing home the coveted title.
The Cubs have a strong core of players, including Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez, but their pitching rotation has been a cause for concern. With the departure of veteran pitcher Jon Lester, the Cubs are in need of a reliable ace to lead their rotation and bring stability to their pitching staff.
One name that has been circulating in the rumor mill is that of Trevor Bauer. The 2020 NL Cy Young winner is set to become a free agent this offseason and the Cubs are reportedly interested in signing him. Bauer had a stellar season with the Cincinnati Reds, posting a 1.73 ERA and 100 strikeouts in just 73 innings pitched. Adding him to the Cubs’ rotation would undoubtedly make them a formidable force in the league.
But the question remains, can the Cubs afford to make such a big move? With the financial impact of the pandemic, many teams are expected to be cautious with their spending this offseason. However, the Cubs have shown in the past that they are willing to make bold moves to improve their team. In 2016, they signed veteran pitcher Jon Lester to a six-year, $155 million contract, which proved to be a crucial move in their journey to the World Series.
Another factor to consider is the Cubs’ new president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer. With Theo Epstein stepping down from the role, Hoyer will now have the final say in all baseball decisions. Hoyer has a history of making bold moves, such as trading for Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta during his time with the Cubs. It’s safe to say that he will not shy away from making a big move to improve the team.
Adding a top-tier pitcher like Bauer to their rotation would not only improve the Cubs’ chances of winning a World Series, but it would also send a strong message to the rest of the league. The Cubs have always been a team that is not afraid to take risks and make bold moves, and this potential signing would be no different.
Moreover, Bauer’s personality and work ethic would fit in perfectly with the Cubs’ culture. He is known for his intense training regimen and his dedication to constantly improving his craft. This mentality aligns with the Cubs’ philosophy of hard work and determination, making him a perfect fit for the team.
Of course, there are other options for the Cubs to consider if they are unable to sign Bauer. Free agents like Marcus Stroman and Masahiro Tanaka could also be potential targets for the team. However, Bauer’s impressive numbers and his ability to dominate on the mound make him the most desirable option for the Cubs.
In conclusion, the Chicago Cubs are in a prime position to make a huge move at the winter meetings this offseason. Adding a top-tier pitcher like Trevor Bauer to their roster would not only improve their chances of winning a World Series, but it would also send a strong message to the rest of the league. With a strong core of players and a new president of baseball operations, the Cubs have the resources and the determination to make this move and solidify their position as a top contender in the MLB. As fans eagerly await the outcome of the winter meetings, one thing is for sure – the Cubs are not afraid to take risks and make bold moves in their pursuit of a championship.
