Chicago Cubs Reportedly Pursuing Two Aces in Trade Talks

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly in talks to acquire an ace from either the Cleveland Guardians or Tampa Bay Rays.

Kade Kistner | Nov 28, 2023

Chicago Cubs Reportedly Pursuing Two Aces in Trade Talks /

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The Chicago Cubs could have a new frontline starting pitcher soon, something they have been pursuing all winter.

With Marcus Stroman out of the picture, the Cubs need to upgrade their rotation that currently has Justin Steele at the top followed by Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon.

A new ace could be on his way to Wrigley Field according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

According to Morosi, the Cubs are one of two teams contacting the Cleveland Guardians about a potential trade for Shane Bieber as well as the Tampa Bay Rays for Tyler Glasnow.

Both names have been rumored to be on the trade block but it is now official.

Bieber is a six-year MLB veteran and holds a career 3.27 ERA and 1.118 WHIP over 831.0 innings pitched. He won the Cy Young award during the shortened 2020 season and in 2022 he threw 200.0 innings while posting an excellent 2.88 ERA. He finished seventh in Cy Young voting in 2022.

Glasnow on the other hand is coming off of Tommy John surgery that he underwent in August of 2021. The righty returned to pitch in 2023 after missing most of 2022. However, his injury woes didn't end there.

He missed time in 2023 with an oblique injury and was only able to throw 120.0 innings last season. When on the mound he is effective. Glasnow has some of the best stuff in the game and will flash brilliance. His issue is staying healthy and competing an entire season.

Either would make a fine addition to the rotation, but Bieber may be the best bet and investment long-term for the Cubs. Of course, he will likely have a higher prospect cost than Glasnow.

A tough decision lies ahead for Chicago's front office.

Published Nov 28, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.