RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesCubs believed to have 'best shot' of trading for Mariners' 3.26 ERA ace-level pitcher originally appeared on The Sporting News .
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Cubs are in dire need of starting pitching help, and it's been widely reported leading up to the deadline that they're in pursuit of rotation help.
While the Cubs could wind up targeting many different options, including Tarik Skubal, a better, more realistic target might be a controllable starter with a few of their current starters set to hit free agency after the season comes to a close.
One starter, 3.26 ERA Seattle Mariners righty ace-level pitcher Emerson Hancock, would be an incredible acquisition. USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting rival MLB clubs believe the Cubs have the "best shot" to land Hanock, but it would be very costly.
Cubs might have 'best shot' to trade for Mariners' Emerson Hancock
"Teams are salivating over the idea of acquiring Hancock, who's easily the most prized young starter on the market," Nightengale writes. "They believe that the Cubs could have the best shot at him if they include outfielder Seiya Suzuki and perhaps infielder Matt Shaw in a deal."
Hancock is a great starting pitcher, posting a 3.26 ERA this season in 20 starts in a breakout year for the 27-year-old. But, most importantly, he's under club control through the 2030 season, and is a whole lot more than a rental.
Cubs fans hearing that their favorite team might have the "best shot" of acquiring such a pitcher would, understandably, get excited.
But the cost that Nightengale alludes to, with Suzuki and maybe even Shaw heading to Seattle for Hancock, would be an exorbitant price tag that would be hard to stomach.
MORE : Tigers expected to trade Tarik Skubal but still try to contend without him
Sure, the Mariners have some position player depth, and could make a trade work. They could even turn around and trade for a new outfielder and utilityman to replace Suzuki and Shaw if they made such a trade.
While that might work on paper, trading Suzuki and Shaw would certainly sting for the fans. Hancock is great and would be worth a lot in a trade due to his upside and control.
But parting with Suzuki and Shaw for him might be a bit too much for the Cubs, even for someone as good as Hancock. So, while they might have the "best shot" of adding the 3.26 ERA Mariners righty, a deal still has a major hurdle in the lofty price tag.
More MLB news:
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chances
Yankees are ‘ leading candidate ’ to trade for Twins ’ Ryan Jeffers
Red Sox ‘ would love ’ to trade for Angels ’ Zach Neto or Astros ’ Jeremy Pena
Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update
Mets ‘ desperate ’ to trade Luis Robert Jr. after trade failure
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.