The Chicago Cubs have been on the prowl for big, young arms, who also have plenty of controllable years and an affordable salary. But, really, which team isn’t looking for that? Ultimately, pitching tends to be the separating factor between good teams and great teams.
In the particular case of the Cubs, the front office has made it their mission to bolster the starting rotation while adding depth and flexibility to the bullpen.
The Chicago Cubs Bullpen Collapse of 2024
Last season, the relief corps quickly collapsed and put the team into a hole from which it couldn’t emerge. Although the bullpen did turn around in the last half of the season, it was be too little to late to help Chicago in their quest for post-season play.
This offseason, the Cubs have added several depth pieces to prevent such a situation in 2025.
Bullpen Additions for 2025
Eli Morgan was brought over via trade from the Cleveland Guardians. Cody Poteet came in the Cody Bellinger trade with the New York Yankees. Caleb Thielbar and Colin Rea, meanwhile, were acquired via free agency.
Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media envisions a scenario where the Cubs could pick up three more quality arms for the cost of second baseman Nico Hoerner.
The Proposed Trade For Even More Arms
In a proposed Cubs-Yankees trade, Garcia has the Cubs sending over Hoerner for pitchers Ian Hamilton, Will Warren, and Cam Schlittler.
Everyone knows what they’d be getting with Hoerner.
The 27-year-old is a Gold Glove winner at second and one of the top contact hitters in the league. He’s an every day asset who can steal bases and also play a solid shortstop. He underwent flexor tendon surgery on his right forearm in October, but is expected to fully recover.
Per Garcia:
“Acquiring one of the top second basemen in baseball would be the perfect way to address a serious hole in their infield, and while Nico Hoerner isn’t a great hitter, he’s posted a wRC+ at or above 100 in three straight seasons with an OBP of .341 over the last two years. His ability to run the bases well makes him a serious threat for pitchers to keep their eyes on when he reaches base as well, as he’s eighth in stolen bases (74) and BsR (11.8) over the last two years as well.
Defensively, the Yankees would be incredible with Hoerner at second base, as he’s recorded 23 OAA and 16 DRS in the last two years at the position. He is a truly elite defensive player who would further aid the pitching staff because of his excellent range and mobility on the dirt. Nico Hoerner is capable of playing shortstop at a high level as well if Anthony Volpe goes down, which is very valuable as well.”
In the return for Hoerner, the highlight may be the 25-year-old Will Warren, who struggled in a brief six-game stint in the majors last season, but remains the organization’s no. 5 prospect, per MLB.com. The 23-year-old Schlittler, who Baseball America selected as one of the breakout prospects for the 2025 season, would also be a great pickup.
The 29-year-old Hamilton, meanwhile, who has a 3.34 ERA in 89 major league appearances, could step right into a bullpen role.
This Cubs-Yankees swap is worth considering, especially if the Cubs are able to pick up a starting third baseman this offseason and, perhaps, move prospect Matt Shaw over to second. Three solid arms in one deal is something that should entice any organization.
The Chicago Cubs began day 1 of the 2025 international signing period with no moves
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