MLB insider proposes Cubs-Pirates 5-player blockbuster involving $77M hurler
Chicago has been one of the best teams in the league all year, arriving at the All-Star break with the National League's second-best record. Unfortunately, the team with the third-best record is the Milwaukee Brewers, who have caught fire and sit only one game back of the Cubs for first place in the NL Central.
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The Cubs could realistically use a couple of starting pitchers, a new third baseman, and some bullpen help to maximize their chances of fending off the red-hot Brewers.
One MLB insider thinks there's a trade to be had with the Pittsburgh Pirates that could address every need for Chicago.
On Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post pitched a blockbuster trade in which Chicago would acquire Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller, third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, and closer David Bednar for third baseman Matt Shaw and top outfield prospect Owen Caissie.
"The Cubs are scouting the Pirates (as are most contenders). Keller will be one of the better starters available and Hayes is a great defender who needs a change of scenery. The Pirates seek and need young guys who can hit," Heyman wrote.
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Keller is a valuable starter (on a $77 million extension) who the penny-pinching Pirates would surely love to stop paying, and Bednar is a worthy inclusion for a playoff bullpen, possibly as a closer, possibly as an eighth-inning guy. But it's Hayes who feels like the red herring here.
For some reason, all the offensive progress Hayes seemed to make in 2023 has gone by the wayside. He's got a .578 OPS in his last 185 games, and even though he plays Gold Glove-caliber defense, a contending team can't have that in their lineup.
Replacing Shaw with Hayes would be a major gamble for Chicago, in the immediate future and especially long-term. It's just not clear yet whether or not president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer wants to make that gamble.
More MLB: Phillies would land trio of Orioles All-Stars in MLB insider's huge trade proposal
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