Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, center, fields a throw from catcher Tucker Barnhart and catches Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Ji Hwan Bae trying to steal second as umpire Brian Walsh watches in a baseball game Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
The Baltimore Orioles’ acquisition of Corbin Burnes caused ripples around the league and altered the entire view for what could happen in Major League Baseball, which is not something that happens very often this late in the winter.
The Milwaukee Brewers moving away their ace directly benefited the Chicago Cubs, who are now in a far better position to win the NL Central for the first time since 2020.
Making the playoffs is something the entire organisation want to accomplish in 2024, and this would guarantee it.
The Cubs have improved after getting off to a rocky start in the offseason and added quality players to their squad that should aid them in reaching this objective.
The bullpen still appears to be in need of improvement, but Chicago may still find the power hitter they’ve been looking for this winter to help round out their lineup.
For this reason, in the event of a possible trade, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report ranks the Cubs as the team that superstar closer Emmanuel Clase should land with.
They would receive a pitcher who has led the American League in saves the last two seasons, but they would probably have to give up some of their best prospects.
Clase is likewise currently bound by a very cooperative contract.
In 2022, he inked a $20 million five-year contract extension with the Cleveland Guardians, which will see him make $6 million or less a year for the following three seasons. Additionally, he has two $10 million club options for 2027 and 2028, which is a great deal for a somebody with his profile.
The Brewers lost one of their top players in trade, which makes it much easier for Chicago to win the division.
Perhaps the Cubs’ executive staff is encouraged to chase one of baseball’s best arms by moving their chips to the centre of the table by the Orioles’ aggressive play.
