Cubs Would Get Bullpen Boost In Latest Trade Scenario

One trade scenario would put the Chicago Cubs in position to add to its bullpen by giving up a current position player.

The Chicago Cubs have made move this offseason to bolster their starting rotation and bullpen. With Milwaukee trading pitcher Corbin Burnes, the NL Central now looks winnable. 

For the Cubs, that means they have a chance to be competitive with anyone in the division, especially if they're able to make another move or two before spring training. 

Of the possible moves, re-signing outfielder Cody Bellinger remains the biggest one. A lineup without Bellinger likely won't position the Cubs offensively to be competitive unless players they're not counting on come through with big seasons. 

Even without re-signing Bellinger, the Cubs have opportunities to make more moves to improve the roster. 

Fox Sports' Jordan Shusterman recently proposed a trade in which the Cubs would send outfielder Mike Tauchman to the San Diego Padres for reliever Tom Cosgrove. 

Cosgrove is 27 years old and made his Major League Baseball debut in 2023. He was impressive, tossing 51.1 innings and posting an ERA of 1.75. 

Even after signing Hector Neris in free agency, the Cubs could use another reliever. 

Cosgrove's advanced numbers in 2023 were impressive, as he posted a pitching run value, fastball run value, and breaking run value in the 75th percentile or higher, per Baseball Savant. 

Tauchman had the best season in his career in 2023. He played in the most games of his career with 108 and slashed .252/.363/.377 with eight home runs.

The trade works because the Cubs have something the Padres need. The Cubs have a surplus of outfielders on its 40-man roster, seven in all. The Padres could use more options after dealing Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees. 

Dealing Tauchman also leaves room for Bellinger, should the Cubs re-sign him.