The Chicago Cubs have been labeled one of the most likely landing spots for Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, but based on the Cubs’ recent history when it comes to signing free agents, fans are understandably prepared for the worst.
Chicago hasn’t exactly been an aggressive free-agent spender over the last several years, which makes the idea of signing Imai to a $150-200 million contract seem a bit farfetched.
But is it possible the Cubs have had another plan all along?
MLB insider Bruce Levine feels it’s a possibility, reporting on 670 the Score that Chicago has been exploring trades for Miami Marlins pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera as an alternative to Imai, given that neither arm would cost nearly as much from a financial perspective.
Levine notes that the Cubs would then be able to use the money it they didn’t use to sign Imai to land someone like Alex Bregman.
Could the Chicago Cubs be planning a blockbuster trade?
Sep 8, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Last winter, Chicago made one of the splashiest moves in baseball, acquiring Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros. While landing Alcantara or Cabrera wouldn’t be quite on that level, it would at least be a significant move that would bolster the Cubs’ World Series hopes in 2026.
That’s especially if the Cubbies coupled that with a Bregman signing.
Bregman is still out on the open market, and while most have expected him to re-sign with the Boston Red Sox, it’s looking more and more like the star third baseman is seriously considering bolting elsewhere.
Of course, Bregman is a Scott Boras client, and Boras is no stranger to allowing his clients to remain available for extended periods of time. Cubs fans know this better than anyone else, as Cody Bellinger re-signed with Chicago in February during his previous free agent journey back during the 2023-24 offseason.
The Cubs could certainly use another bat with the departure of Tucker, so Bregman definitely makes sense.
Now, it should be noted that the Marlins do not appear open to trading Alcantara, but they are listening on Cabrera. The price would be steep in terms of prospect capital, but a winter haul of Cabrera and Bregman would certainly be impressive for Chicago.
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