Early in the offseason, Jed Hoyer made it clear that the Chicago Cubs had to improve their pitching staff. Whether it was in the bullpen or rotation, the Cubs needed arms, and Hoyer has lived up to his words.
Chicago's staff has improved, but if it could add another starter to the rotation, things would be even more promising.
The Cubs have been linked to a few arms, including right-hander Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres.
Landing Cease would require Chicago to move a haul to the Padres, but he'd be well worth the price if he continues to throw the baseball how he has.
But what could a trade look like?
Cubs insider Matt Cozi believes it could be multiple players and prospects.
"I think it would be either [Javier] Assad or [Jordan] Wicks because they immediately go into the rotation, either [Kevin] Alcantara or [Owen] Caissie, and a third player, someone of the ilk of Wesneski," Cozzi said, according to Paul Magno of Chi City Sports.
That'd be a lot to give up for Cease, who hits free agency next winter.
However, if Chicago wants to compete for a World Series, and the front office believes he could help with that, he'd be an excellent addition.
Better yet, if the Cubs could negotiate a deal upon his arrival if they were to trade for him, there's no reason not to get a deal done.
That might be unrealistic, but Cease could be interested in getting paid now.
