Chicago Cubs Linked as Potential Fit for Phillies Ace in Free Agency
The Chicago Cubs are surprise contenders this season. Sitting in a Wild Card position, the Cubs are a bit ahead of their contention window and schedule.
The resurgence of Cody Bellinger, coupled with some stellar performances within the rotation and around the diamond have allowed them to begin thinking about play in October.
However, Chicago are in a position where they have to continue to think about future improvement. A Wild Card spot isn't the goal every year, it's to win the division and ultimately the World Series.
Adding meaningful pieces to the rotation will be one of the first orders of business this winter. The starting pitching market will be thin, but there are some good options.
Namely, Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola, who has been linked as a potential fit for the Cubs by Cubbies Crib.
Nola is experiencing a down year after the Phillies and he were unable to reach a contract extension this past winter despite negotiations.
Does Philadelphia know something everyone else doesn't? Unlikely.
The most likely scenario is that Nola pitched deep into the season last year after the Phillies fell to the Houston Astros during the World Series in six games. It was the most amount of work that Nola has ever put in during a single season.
When he began the 2023 MLB season, Nola was noticeably fatigued. However, he has gotten much stronger as the season has gone on, looking more like himself in the months of June and July rather than his lackluster performances in April and May.
Nola is known for his durability, veteran demeanor and now has postseason and World Series experience. He may just get more before this season is done.
With the notion that Marcus Stroman may not return, Nola would be a perfect candidate to sit atop Chicago's very young rotation as the Cubs eye a new chapter in contention.
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