Chicago Cubs Could Have Interest in Trading for Star Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs have been surprisingly linked to some starting pitchers when the offseason begins, despite seemingly having their rotation solidified.

One potential snag about that notion is they haven't directly stated they're going to pick up Kyle Hendricks club-option even as potential extension rumors have permeated.

Marcus Stroman has also not indicated whether or not he'll opt-into his player option and return to the Cubs.

So, that would leave there truly being three starters that Chicago could comfortably enter the season with leading their rotation.

It's also unknown whether the front office and coaching staff is ready for their young pitchers Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad to be top-of-the-rotation guys.

All of this in combination is likely why they have been linked to some starting pitcher names.

One they reportedly have interest in is current Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease.

Michael Cerami of Bleach Nation writes, "Cubs would probably love to have him."

Cease was originally drafted by the Cubs in 2014. He was dealt to the White Sox in 2017 as part of a package that returned starter Jose Quintana.

The right hander made All-MLB Second Team in 2022 after being in the AL Cy Young conversation throughout the year.

He has a career record of 43-35 with an ERA of 3.83 and 792 strikeouts across 658 innings pitched.

It shocked people across the MLB when Cease wasn't traded at the deadline this year considering the return that he likely would have brought Chicago.

As the White Sox are seemingly going through a rebuilding process after changing their front office, the 27-year-old could find himself on the move when the offseason begins.

The Cubs have stated they're willing to trade some of their prospects to acquire star players.

Getting Cease in the mix would go a long way to helping them become contenders.