The Chicago Cubs need starting pitching badly, and they’re actively hunting for rotation help as the deadline approaches.
While Chicago could target several options, including Tarik Skubal, a more realistic move might involve a controllable starter. Makes sense when you consider how many of their current starters hit free agency after this season.
Emerson Hancock fits that bill perfectly.
The Seattle Mariners righty has posted a 3.26 ERA this season and looks like an ace-level talent. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that rival clubs believe the Cubs have the “best shot” to land Hancock. But it won’t come cheap.
“Teams are salivating over the idea of acquiring Hancock, who’s easily the most prized young starter on the market. They believe that the Cubs could have the best shot at him if they include outfielder Seiya Suzuki and perhaps infielder Matt Shaw in a deal.”
What makes Hancock so appealing isn’t just this season’s performance. The 27-year-old is having a breakout year with 20 starts under his belt, but more importantly, he’s under club control through 2030. That’s a whole lot more than a rental.
Cubs fans hearing their team might have the “best shot” at acquiring that kind of pitcher would understandably get excited.
But here’s where it gets tricky.
The price tag Nightengale mentions – Seiya Suzuki and potentially Matt Shaw heading to Seattle – that’s an exorbitant cost that’d be hard to stomach.
Sure, the Mariners have position player depth and could make the numbers work. They could even flip around and trade for a new outfielder and utility guy to replace what they’d be sending out.
That might work on paper, but trading Suzuki and Shaw would sting for fans. Hancock’s great and his upside combined with that team control makes him worth a lot in any deal.
But parting with both Suzuki and Shaw? That might be too steep, even for someone as good as Hancock.
So while the Cubs might have the “best shot” at adding the Mariners’ 3.26 ERA righty, there’s still a major hurdle in that lofty price tag. Sometimes having the best shot doesn’t mean you can afford to take it.
