Chicago Cubs Ace Linked as Potential Trade Fit For Rays

If the Chicago Cubs decide to deal pitcher Marcus Stroman, one AL contender would certainly be a landing spot.

Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Who is the one player that the Chicago Cubs should trade by Aug. 1? You’ve probably heard this before — but you probably haven’t thought of what team he could go to.

ESPN’s latest trade deadline piece named one player that all 30 MLB teams should either trade away or trade for before the deadline.

The site selected Cubs starter Marcus Stroman, who has been a popular trade target the last month because he’s having a fine season for the Cubs and has a player option on his contract for 2024. He says he wants to stay in Chicago. The Cubs haven’t made a move on extending him. Stroman could exercise the option and leave after the season.

That’s the primary driver behind the belief that, at some point, the Cubs may have to move Stroman. But who’s the suitor?

ESPN believes the Tampa Bay Rays would be the right fit for Stroman:

Here’s an important characteristic to remember about the trade deadline: The best teams are more likely to swing big like the Astros did in 2017 and 2019. A front office is more likely to pony up if it’s the final piece of the puzzle to put their team over the top as opposed to merely a piece that might help the team merely reach the postseason.

The Rays certainly fit the description. Tampa Bay has had baseball’s best record for most of the season. Stroman would give the Rays a quality, Cy Young candidate starter (9-5, 2.47 ERA) go along with Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow and Zach Elfin. Additionally, because of the player option and the likelihood Stroman will exercise it to get a long-term deal, the Rays likely won’t be on the hook for him in 2024.

The Rays have a stocked farm system, so if the Cubs see it as a way to fortifying their future, they can get Tampa Bay to pay up.

There’s a case to be made that the Cubs should stand pat. They’re the only team in the NL Central with a positive run differential. Injuries have been an issue with some of their best players. Pitcher Justin Steele now has the NL’s best ERA. They’re starting to come around in a division that is defined by mediocre teams.

But, if the Cubs go south soon, their hand may be forced. If so, Tampa Bay has a lot to offer for their best pitcher.

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