When Marcus Stroman departed the Chicago Cubs for free agency following the 2023 season, a vacancy arose that needed addressing before the forthcoming year commenced. The front office successfully addressed this by securing Japanese sensation Shota Imanaga on a team-friendly contract. Expected to join ace Justin Steele at the forefront of the rotation, Imanaga is poised to bolster the pitching lineup, complemented by Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and likely Javier Assad.
While the rotation appears formidable on paper, many Cubs supporters would feel more assured with an additional upgrade. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report anticipates such an enhancement ahead of the trade deadline, envisioning the acquisition of former AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber from the Cleveland Guardians.
Bieber, 28, has been a standout starter in the MLB since his inaugural All-Star selection in 2019. Despite contending with elbow inflammation issues in 2023, resulting in a stint on the 60-day injured list, Bieber concluded the season with a 3.80 ERA across 21 starts, boasting an ERA+ of 110 over 128 innings pitched.
Securing Bieber shouldn’t demand an exorbitant trade package from Chicago. With Bieber in the final year of his contract before free agency, the Cubs are poised to capitalize on his availability without necessitating significant roster depletion. Miller proposes potential trade scenarios, suggesting a one-for-one swap involving Tauchman or the addition of a second player by Cleveland to facilitate the deal.
Such a transaction may not be far-fetched, especially if the Cubs find themselves in playoff contention, prompting the front office to seek roster enhancements. Acquiring a pitcher of Bieber’s caliber, potentially at the expense of a player like Mike Tauchman, would represent a significant coup for the Cubs.
