I don’t mind sharing with you this: I’m running out of ideas for daily pieces to spark conversation because the Cubs haven’t done anything to sign free agents or make trades thus far this summer.
Perhaps this will be successful for you all. Perhaps it won’t. Nevertheless, I figured I’d give it a go.
The following are the guidelines for this discussion: I’m not requesting that you put up a trade package for Corbin Burnes or Dylan Cease. Which of the two would you prefer to have as a Cubs pitcher, assuming there is a trade package that Jed Hoyer would accept?
Advantages: NL MLB leaders in K/9 innings, K/BB ratio, HR/9 innings, ERA, and FIP were headed by the 2021 Cy Young winner. together on a perfect game that year. 22 was almost as fantastic a year. has placed among the top eight candidates for the Cy Young award four times in a row.
Cons: He is a year older than Cease and has just one year of team control left before becoming a free agency. had a year in 23 that wasn’t nearly as strong as in 21 or 22, but he still led MLB in WHIP.
This is a really close call. Although Burnes is undoubtedly a superior pitcher, the Cubs would only be able to retain him for a single season before he becomes a free agent. Cease’s control problems are concerning, but if the organisation wants to, they have two years to sign him to an extension. Alternatively, he could benefit from some time spent in the Cubs Pitch Lab.
Which of these two righthanders would you prefer see as a Cub, assuming all other things being equal and a trade package (which I won’t disclose here but you are welcome to discuss) being made available?
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