White Sox Reportedly Shopping Ace, Chicago Cubs Could Be Interested
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The Chicago Cubs are showing some life this weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies.
A 10-1 win on Friday night has reinvigorated a team that underwent some significant roster changes ahead of the tilt.
Most notably, Eric Hosmer was DFA'd, Keegan Thompson was optioned and Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list.
It's clear the Cubs are willing to mix things up to find success. But what if they really decided to make a splash and solidify their contender status with a trade?
According to The Athletic, the Chicago White Sox may be shipping ace Lucas Giolito after they have gotten off to an abysmal start.
"If the White Sox don't turn around their season soon, they'll have no choice but to trade Lucas Giolito, an impending free agent, before the deadline," Bowden said. "Giolito, 28, is 54-49 in his career with a 4.30 ERA. He's provided at least 161 2/3 innings pitched in four of the last five years, with the only exception being the shortened season of 2020. This season, he's posted a 3.67 ERA and 3.88 FIP in seven starts but his strikeout rate is his lowest since 2018."
Giolito has gotten off to a solid start this season, posting a 3.86 ERA in nine starts. The Cubs could use that in their rotation which features Hayden Wesneski as their fifth starter.
The offense has turned a corner with the arrival of Christopher Morel and Matt Mervis, so it could come down to reinforcing the rotation. The addition of Giolito would immediately make Chicago's rotation one of the best in baseball.
A trade package for Giolito would also not be astronomical as he is a free agent at the end of the season. Adding Giolito and then trying to extend him is not out of the question.
Plus, these two clubs have a long history of getting deals done. Perhaps this will be another?
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