Chicago Cubs: 3 potential trades with Toronto Blue Jays
Trade Number Two: Cubs add Marcus Stroman to the rotation
In this deal, the Cubs make an even bigger addition to their rotation, acquiring Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
The most well-known player in the Blue Jays rotation, Stroman is also on the trade block despite having a sub-3 earned run average on the season. Like Sanchez, Stroman is under control through the 2021 season but has bigger trade value considering his track record and season production.
Stroman’s price tag would be higher, but he would also be a much bigger get for the Cubs rotation, as he would essentially be a second ace.
Headlining this trade is Nico Hoerner, the Cubs second-ranked prospect. Hoerner, a shortstop, was the Cubs first-round pick in last year’s draft. Hoerner is a top-100 prospect and is on the fast track to the major leagues. The Cubs infield does not have any room for Hoerner, whose advanced hitting and high upside makes him a major value addition for the Blue Jays.
Alzolay, who was also included in the aforementioned Sanchez trade, would be the second piece of the deal, giving the Blue Jays a future replacement for Stroman.
Finishing off the trade is Ian Happ. Happ put up big numbers in his rookie season back in 2017 before struggling mightily with the Cubs in 2018. Happ did not make the Cubs opening day roster and has been in Triple-A ever since. While Happ has struggled in Triple-A, his production years ago in the major leagues could entice the Blue Jays into taking a chance on him.