Unless the Chicago Cubs secure Roki Sasaki or sign Jack Flaherty in free agency, they may need to make a trade to acquire an ace-level pitcher.
While the rotation and bullpen are improved compared to last season, which is a step forward for a team aiming to compete in the National League Central, additional moves are needed for Chicago to truly contend. On paper, the roster looks stronger than it did in 2024, and if they could add another solid starter through trade, it could be a significant boost. With one of the best farm systems in Major League Baseball, the Cubs should feel confident about making a deal for any available player.
However, the challenge is that unless Chicago is open to acquiring a player on a one-year deal, their options are limited. Luis Castillo could be a possibility, but is he still an ace? Probably not.
With Kyle Tucker set to hit free agency next winter, the Cubs face a dilemma. They don’t want to lose their two best players less than a year after trading for them. But in a competitive league, teams like the Cubs must take calculated risks.
Mike Axisa of CBS Sports proposed a trade idea involving Dylan Cease, a legitimate ace who will be a free agent next offseason.
“If the Padres must cut payroll to make moves, trading [Luis] Arraez and/or Cease is a straightforward way to do it. Both are a year away from free agency and projected to make around $14 million through arbitration. Moving either would free up salary and bring back talent, especially Cease… With just one year of control left, Cease’s market will be limited to contenders like the Astros, Cubs, Mets, and Orioles.”
Cease, who spent much of his career with the White Sox, is familiar with the area, though that’s not necessarily a deciding factor.
His numbers present a mixed picture. In 2022, Cease was one of the best pitchers in the league, finishing second in Cy Young voting with a 2.20 ERA. After a dip to a 4.58 ERA in 2023, he bounced back in 2024 with a 3.47 ERA and 224 strikeouts over 189 1/3 innings.
Overall, Cease’s body of work suggests he’s still one of the top starters in baseball, and the Cubs would certainly benefit from adding him to their rotation.