Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Zach Plesac. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
This offseason, the Chicago Cubs completely changed the look of what is expected to be their Opening Day lineup. However, more moves will likely need to be made for the Cubs to get back to the World Series.
The Cubs have been one of the most active MLB teams this offseason, with moves including the additions of veterans such as Cody Bellinger, Eric Hosmer, Tucker Barnhart, and Jameson Taillon to the roster. After finishing 74-88 in 2022, the focus is on improvement on the North Side in 2023.
In what will be a tough task to top the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central, the Cubs are simply looking to make it into the postseason this season and do some damage (just like the Philadelphia Phillies did last season, going from the NL’s sixth seed to the World Series). What moves could not only help the Cubs make the postseason but also go deep into October? Here are three moves that could pay dividends.
Cubs rumors: Trade for Zach Plesac
As our own Robert Murray pointed out in this article, the Cleveland Guardians could be looking to move some of their starting pitching at the trade deadline (depending, of course, on how the battle for the American League Central race is going). Among those names on the list is right-hander Zach Plesac, a hurler Murray calls a “change of scenery” candidate.
Plesac has a career 4.04 ERA/4.53 FIP/1.192 WHIP and is under team control until the 2026 season, meaning his paycheck numbers will likely go up from his current $2.95 million salary as his arbitration years go by. The 28-year-old right-hander could not only be a help for the Cubs this season but also a part of the rotation moving forward.
If the Cubs are looking to not only make a splash this season but keep moving in the right direction in the near future, trading for Plesac would be a good step toward solidifying the rotation for years to come.