The MLB offseason hasn’t started very well at all. While Shohei Ohtani ultimately selected a team and the Los Angeles Dodgers executed a much-rumored trade of Tyler Glasnow, a number of other transactions are still in the holding pattern.
In particular, the Chicago Cubs have remained remarkably silent while being connected to a plethora of trade candidates and free agents. The aforementioned Glasnow, who will don a different shade of blue in 2024, also piqued the Cubs’ intense interest.
Following all the fanfare and speculation about a Glasnow/Cubs relationship, the big bad Dodgers finally arrived and acquired the right-hander. But what really ruins Cubs supporters’ feelings about the situation isn’t only the addition of Glasnow; it’s also the following extension he signed that makes things much more annoying.
In the end, Glasnow got an additional $110 million over four years, on top of the $25 million he was supposed to earn in 2024. Even though Glasnow has never pitched more than 120 innings in a season, he will still make almost $27.5 million annually. Since making his debut in 2016, Glasnow has really only reached 100 innings in a season twice.
It makes sense that Glasnow was in high demand despite his lack of innings. Despite throwing 120 innings, the large right-hander only gave up 37 free passes while striking out 162 batters. He’s among the best in the game when he’s performing well.
Cubs want a year of Glasnow.
According to my theory, the Cubs considered Glasnow to be a one-season rental. After Marcus Stroman chose to enter free agency, the Cubs are looking ahead to 2024 and see a significant void in their rotation. After 2024, players like Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and others in the starting rotation might very well be ready to move up to replace names like Cade Horton, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and Michael Arias.
