MLB Trade Rumors: 5 early trade candidates for Cubs
player. 96. . SP. Oakland A's. Sonny Gray. 5
The Cubs’ one-two punch of Jake Arrieta and John Lester is fantastic up front. Arrieta is arguably the best pitcher in the entire game, and Lester is a strong and steady bulldog with a ton of big game experience.
Their top two is incredibly impressive, but there are plenty of questions about the rest of their rotation. John Lackey has struggled in the early part of the season. While there is confidence that Lackey will turn things around quickly, he is expected to be an important part of the roster. If he continues to struggle, the Cubs’ rotational depth is an issue.
Jason Hammel has been fantastic, but he is known as a quick starter who fades as the season goes along. Kyle Hendricks has shown great ability as the Cubs’ number five, but his soft-tossing style limits his upside.
If the Cubs can add another strong pitcher at the top of their rotation, they would be in much better shape. Sonny Gray is the best pitcher who is expected to be on the market, and with the Cubs’ history of doing deals with the Athletics and ample resources to use to get him, they will be in the race.
Gray has struggled to start the 2016 season, but he is a talented pitcher who will get back on track. Gray is a true ace pitcher who would immediately improve the Cubs’ rotation drastically. A top three of Arrieta, Lester and Gray would give the Cubs arguably the best rotation in baseball. Add that with their already loaded offense, and this would be the power move to put them over the top.
Next: 4. Carlos Gonzalez