With the trade deadline coming up on July 31, the Chicago Cubs have a month and a half to make a big move before the playoffs. The San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox kicked off the trade season on Sunday, as designated hitter Rafael Devers is headed for the Bay Area.
On Monday, Cubs insider Bruce Levine said on 670 The Score that the Cubs have enough in the tank to trade for an ace pitcher, as Chicago saved money in the offseason by passing on Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman.
President Jed Hoyer was criticized for missing out on Bellinger and Bregman after trading for Kyler Tucker in the final year of his contract, but Hoyer’s patience could be rewarded at the trade deadline if the team spends money on a proven winner.
The Chicago Cubs can “dream” about an ace pitcher
During an appearance on “The Mully & Haugh Show” on Monday, MLB insider Jon Heyman thinks Chris Sale could be on the table for the Cubs if the 31-39 Atlanta Braves choose to become sellers at the trade deadline. He went as far as to say it’s “worth dreaming” about for Chicago fans.
“I wouldn’t say zero for Chris Sale,” Heyman said of the possibility the Braves trade Sale, “though they’re signaling they’re a buyer as of now. But they are seven or eight games under Atlanta… So there are some names out there potentially that could be aces for teams that could potentially get traded…
“We’re likely not going to see an ace traded, but it’s worth dreaming to think about potentially Chris Sale or Freddie Peralta being traded, although I don’t think Peralta will get traded to the Cubs.”
Chris Sale would be huge for the Cubs’ World Series chances
Sale coming back to Chicago would be huge for the Cubs’ playoff hopes, though he’d cost the team a top prospect or two. Sale, 36, has recorded a 2.79 ERA with 1-7 strikeouts, and a 1.21 WHIP this season during his 14 starts on the mound.
Sale signed a two-year deal with Atlanta worth $38 million in 2024. He has a $18 million club option for 2026.
While Sale isn’t the most likely pitcher on the market for Chicago this summer (as arms in the Baltimore Orioles clubhouse make the most sense), he appears to be the best option for Hoyer if he can pay the Braves a hefty fee.
For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
Cubs sign Royals reliable 2021 bullpen workhorse
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
