Cubs trade cost for Sonny Gray in deal with Red Sox could involve Matt Shaw

The Chicago Cubs are likely to explore roster moves for pitching help between now and the August 3 trade deadline. While the full extent of their interest isn't known, both starting pitching and relievers will be linked to Chicago this summer.

But with a weaker farm system, the Cubs might have to get a bit creative with a trade this summer. If they want a good starting pitcher, the Cubs are going to have to pay up.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic projected Matt Shaw as the "headliner" in a deal to acquire Boston Red Sox All-Star snub, Sonny Gray, this summer to improve the rotation in Chicago.

Cubs trade cost for Sonny Gray might involve Matt Shaw

"Best fit: Sonny Gray, RHP, Boston Red Sox," Bowden writes. "The Cubs could offer Matt Shaw as the headliner in the package, and he would be a solid fit for Boston."

Gray would be a great addition to the Cubs' rotation this summer. The 36-year-old veteran has a 2.61 ERA this season with a 10-1 record, with an MLB-best .909 winning percentage in his 16 starts this year.

Considering how shaky the Cubs' rotation has been, adding someone like Gray would be very tempting for the Cubs. But, what about at this cost?

Bowden's implying that Shaw would headline this deal, not be all that's going to the Red Sox in a trade with Gray.

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While trading Shaw would make sense, as he doesn't really have a fit on the roster, he's a very valuable asset for the Cubs.

The 24-year-old versatile infielder/outfielder is under club control through the 2031 season, and he's yet to hit arbitration. He's incredibly valuable, and the Red Sox, with their middle-infield need, would surely love to add him in a deal.

However, the Cubs parting with Shaw in a deal for one season of Gray would be a lot to give up, even for a pitcher as good as Gray.

This trade cost projected by Bowden would be a steep one, but it's not that unrealistic. If the Cubs want to add Gray, one of the best pitchers expected to be available this summer at the trade deadline, it's going to cost a lot. And that cost might be Shaw.

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