Cubs-Marlins blockbuster trade proposal sends former Cy Young winner to Chicago

The Chicago Cubs are currently 44-28 and hold a five-and-a-half game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

Chicago’s dynamic offense has powered themselves into a position to win the division and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

While the offense has been electric, the starting rotation has been lackluster without Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga.

Imanaga will return from his hamstring strain soon, barring any setbacks, but Steele is out for the season.

Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd have been excellent, and Cade Horton has looked good in his young career, but Ben Brown and Colin Rea have been inconsistent.

The Cubs need a top-tier pitcher to maximize their potential this season and a former Major League Baseball executive wants to see them make a big splash before the trade deadline.

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Jim Bowden from The Athletic developed a blockbuster trade proposal involving former Cy Young award winner Sandy Alcantara.

The Cubs would acquire Alcantara for Horton, outfielder Owen Caissie, outfielder Kevin Alcantara and shortstop Ronny Cruz.

“Sandy Alcantara is signed through 2026 with a $21 million team option for 2027, so this trade would bolster Chicago now and in the coming years,” wrote Bowden. “Sure, this package would be a stiff price for the Cubs to pay, but given their position player depth in the majors, it’s a risk worth taking.”

Alcantara, 29, is having the worst season of his career thus far but has looked much better recently. He is 3-8 with a 6.88 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP in 14 starts.

In three June starts, Alcantara is 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 17 innings, striking out 15 batters and walking three.

If Alcantara can get himself back to his dominant ways, the Cubs would have a dominant one-two punch this season with Imanaga and one of the best rotations next year with Steele.

Like Bowden said, this is a steep asking price especially with Alcantara’s down year. Horton has performed well for the Cubs and has the potential to be one of the league’s best pitchers.

But if the Cubs are serious about contending this year and in the coming years, this deal makes sense and could be a home run.

More MLB: Cubs president of baseball operations under the most pressure at trade deadline