Cubs predicted to trade for Cy Young winner, but not the one they've been linked to all along

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the popularly rumored destinations all season for Sandy Alcantara. 

The Miami Marlins' former Cy Young winner has been an obvious trade candidate, and it seemed like every rumor writer figured the Cubs would be involved.

Now, though, ESPN's MLB insider Jeff Passan has a different Cy Young idea.

Passan wrote Tuesday that the Cubs may instead trade for a former AL Cy Young winner, Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians.

"Chicago needs to land at least one starting pitcher at this deadline, and the former AL Cy Young winner is very available," Passan writes. "He still hasn't pitched in the big leagues this season, but his stuff has looked crisp during his three minor league outings, according to scouts who have seen him, and the acquisition cost won't be nearly as prohibitive as that of other pitchers on the market. The ceiling, meanwhile, could be every bit as high, and while there's inherent risk involved with a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery -- particularly one with a $16 million player option -- it's a risk a team like the Cubs should feel plenty comfortable taking."

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The Guardians are conceptually in the playoff picture, although it's possible their buy vs. sell plans have changed following Emmanuel Clase's placement on leave in connection with a sports-betting investigation.

Bieber is a Cleveland legend, but this would probably be the Guardians' last chance to sell him for any value in return at all.

It's a tough decision, but the Cubs would surely be happy to get a proven arm like Bieber. If he's healthy, he'd be a big help to Chicago.

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