Could Chicago Cubs Pull Off Blockbuster Trade With Division Rivals?

Starting pitching seems to be on the wish list for the Chicago Cubs this offseason as they've been linked to multiple available names in free agency.

Their former ace Marcus Stroman elected to hit the open market after opting-out of his player-option.

The Cubs picked up the club-option for Kyle Hendricks and could go into the 2024 season with a rotation of him, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks.

However, there are still some questions regarding the viability of this group as Steele is coming off his best year, Assad and Wicks would be in their second seasons and Taillon didn't live up to his contract in 2023.

Chicago has shown to be aggressive already this offseason and could really light up the Hot Stove if they pull off this blockbuster trade with their division rival Milwaukee Brewers.

It seems like star pitcher Corbin Burnes and shortstop Willy Adames have been placed on the trade block by the Brewers as they eye a rebuild.

Former MLB executive Jim Bowden predicts they'll both be moved saying, "I think they both will get traded this offseason. If you want a probability, I’d say there’s a 35 percent chance they stay until the trade deadline and 65 percent chance they get dealt this winter."

The Brewers might not be interested in dealing with the Cubs after Craig Counsell departed Milwaukee for Chicago in a shocking move earlier this offseason.

However, the Cubs have a strong pipeline which would help bring in a good return for the Brewers if they truly are looking to rebuild.

It might be difficult to convince a rival to move two of their best players within the division, but if Chicago gives them the best offer, it might be difficult to turn down.

As far as the Cubs side of things goes, Burnes would immediately step into their rotation and become their ace.

There's potential that he would only be a one year rental as he's set to hit free agency following the 2024 season, however, this move would help them in the short-term.

Adames is set to be a free agent in 2025 and would give Chicago another year of club control.

They could look to move the star shortstop over to third base as that's an area of need that the front office is looking to address.

After being a below average defender for the early part of his career, the 28-year-old has turned in two solid years with Milwaukee according to Baseball Savant.

If the Cubs are able to pull this off, it would be a massive deal.

They would bring in an ace and address the third base position all in one move, as they try to build a playoff contending team.