Two Chicago Cubs Pitchers Drawing Major Interest From Other Teams
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly receiving interest for two pitchers in the organization. While pitching is arguably the biggest area of need, the Cubs could be interested in trading younger arms for players with more experience.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Chicago is receiving calls on Ben Brown and Hayden Wesneski.
"Teams are inquiring about Ben Brown and Hayden Wesneski, a pair of righties the Cubs acquired in separate trades for relievers David Robertson and Scott Effross at the 2022 deadline. The Cubs are not necessarily inclined to move either. But like the Giants, their willingness might increase if they add a veteran starter... To upgrade its offense and/or pitching, the team might be open to parting with young pitchers besides Brown and Wesneski as well as infielder/outfielder James Triantos, the Arizona Fall League offensive player of the year."
As Rosenthal notes, the Cubs' ability to upgrade the roster by moving two young arms could be a wise decision. With Craig Counsell being the highest-paid manager in MLB history, it wouldn't be surprising to see the front office make moves for experienced big leaguers.
That's not to say prospects like Pete-Crow Armstrong, Matt Shaw, and Cade Horton will be traded, but Brown or Wesneski can certainly be moved.
With players being taken off the market by other teams, Chicago needs to start being aggressive. The start of the offseason has been quiet, and if things don't change, it'll be looked at as disappointing.
There are still plenty of ways to get better, which is what the Cubs could do if they indeed trade these players.