TRADE ALERT: Cubs Bolster Team Depth With Commitment Of Malians Star Pitcher.

The Chicago Cubs enter Opening Day with genuine hopes of winning the NL Central and making their first postseason appearance since 2020. Their lineup is expected to improve with the addition of Kyle Tucker and the debut of Matt Shaw, while Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele will anchor a strong starting rotation. However, the Cubs remain in need of elite talent, and a bold prediction suggests they could acquire one of the league’s top pitchers.

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic predicts the Cubs will finish just above 83 wins, securing the division title after making a blockbuster trade for Sandy Alcántara at the deadline. Alcántara, under contract until 2028, carries some injury risk but remains a highly coveted trade asset. The 29-year-old missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery, but before that, he was dominant. Since 2020, he has posted a 3.13 ERA, 1.088 WHIP, and 598 strikeouts over 661 1/3 innings for a struggling Marlins team. He also won the 2022 NL Cy Young Award, leading the league in complete games (six), shutouts (one), and innings pitched (228 2/3).

Alcántara’s recovery will be closely watched, particularly whether his sinker and fastball velocities remain intact. If he returns to form, trade speculation will likely intensify, as Miami is expected to struggle this season. The Cubs would need to offer a substantial package to land him, possibly including top prospects like Moises Ballesteros, Brandon Birdsell, and Jaxon Wiggins. If President Jed Hoyer is determined to lead the team back to October baseball, parting with young talent for a player of Alcántara’s caliber may be a risk worth taking.

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