Chicago Cubs Reportedly a Great Fit for Perennial Cy Young Contender
The Chicago Cubs are likely to be massive players in free agency this winter as they look to close the gap between themselves and the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central division championship.
After coming within just games of a Wild Card berth, the Cubs will want to add to their already talented roster. And it appears the front office and ownership group is willing to spend to make that happen.
One name that has been connected as a potential fit for Chicago is Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola by The Athletic. The righty is perennial Cy Young contender and is one of the most trusted and reliable aces in the game.
Nola has thrown 180-plus innings in five or more of his seven full years in the Majors. In 2017, he threw 168.0 innings pitched. Nola has proved he has durable all while compiling a career 3.72 ERA, 1.129 WHIP and even more impressive 3.38 FIP.
Adding Nola to the rotation would make for one of the most formidable twin-headed dragons in all of baseball along with Justin Steele. It would be a very similar rotation to that of the Phillies the past few seasons, one that has carried them to consecutive NLCS berths.
The issue with Nola is that he is the top arm on the market, has made it known he wants to remain in Philadelphia and will be expensive.
The same article predicts he will garner five-year, $125 million contract. Whether or not Chicago wants to go that high remains to be seen. However, based on previous experiences, that money would be well spent on a durable starter like Nola who also possesses otherworldly stuff.
It's an exciting prospect but would require the Cubs to go past the luxury tax threshold if they wish to make upgrades to other areas of the roster.
The stove is getting hot!
