As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs have emerged as one of the most aggressive buyers for starting pitching, and league executives believe they may have the clearest path to landing Seattle Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock—if they’re willing to part with significant pieces of their current roster.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, teams across the league are “salivating” over the idea of acquiring Hancock, described as “easily the most prized young starter on the market.”
Nightengale reports that the Cubs have been shopping for a starter and have engaged teams on a range of options, including Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, the Mets’ Clay Holmes, the Giants’ Robbie Ray, and Hancock himself.
The key assessment from Nightengale’s sources: the Cubs could have the best shot at Hancock if they include outfielder Seiya Suzuki and perhaps infielder Matt Shaw in a deal.
Hancock, a young arm with upside still under team control, represents the kind of long-term rotation piece clubs covet at the deadline. For Chicago, adding him would address a clear need for rotation depth and quality as they push for a postseason berth.
But the reported asking price underscores how highly Seattle (and other clubs monitoring the market) value him. Suzuki, a proven major-league bat and defensive outfielder, and Shaw, a highly regarded young infielder, would represent a substantial package—one that reflects both Hancock’s promise and the limited supply of controllable young starters available this July.
Cubs fans will surely be divided over such a trade.
Suzuki has been an integral piece of Chicago’s lineup, owning a .270/.361/.474 slash line with 18 home runs and 60 RBI this season. Last year, he smashed 32 homers while driving in 103 runs.
The 31-year-old is slated to hit free agency this offseason, and if the Cubs did move him, they could always slide Kevin Alcantara into the outfield, but Suzuki would still represent a major loss.
Then there’s Shaw, who has been an incredibly valuable utility piece for Chicago and has long been one of the franchise’s most prized youngsters.
The Cubs desperately need starting pitching, but would the Wrigley fans be alright with the team sacrificing two key contributors for one arm?
Nightengale’s reporting places the Cubs among several clubs active on the pitching market, but singles them out as having a particularly realistic path to Hancock precisely because of the quality of assets they could offer.
Whether Chicago ultimately decides that package is worth the cost remains to be seen as the Monday 6 p.m. ET deadline nears. For now, the consensus among executives, as relayed by Nightengale, is clear: if the Cubs want Hancock, Suzuki and Shaw are likely to be part of the conversation.
