*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter Cyforce
- Start date
Is Shota injured? Hard to figure this meltdown otherwise. The reduced velocity is a huge red flag.
He pitched on 4 days rest. His ERA is double when starting on short rest.
Not sure why/where this narrative came from on the broadcast, but he started last Saturday against the Red Sox and had a full 5 days off in between starts.
I know, but there are ways around that. Or just not starting. Tough with his contract. I saw a tweet that said he wouldn’t start for 90% of teams and while I think that’s a little hyperbole, it’s probably not too far off
I think if we are able to resign Tucker they’ll find a way to move Happ. If you tell Happ that Tucker, PCA, Suzuki and Caissie are going to play everyday I think he’ll blink.
Shaw has shown life with his bat in July, so unless Suarez' price is a bargain, I'd target a proven utility infielder to upgrade from Berti/Brujan and platoon with Shaw.
I'd prioritize spending the Cubs elite prospect capital on proven relief pitchers. If a solid starter could be had at a decent price great. A starting rotation of: Imanaga, Boyd, Taillon & (Horton or Rea) should be serviceable in the playoffs. So focus on quality relievers who have the ability to pitch most games of a playoff series.
A player's ego is bigger than his no trade clause. I guarantee if the Cubs told Happ he will be a platoon player with Caissie or Alcantara in 2026- he'll ask for a trade.
Afterall, Happ will be 32 YO in the winter of 26 when he's a free agent and I'd bet he would rather sign a 3 year $15M/year contract as a player with starter plate appearances in 2026 vs. a $7-10M/year contract after being a platoon OF in 2026 with the Cubs.
I understand he is bad right now and people want to get rid of Ian Happ, but he’s constantly been 20% better than league average at the plate while playing GG defense, albeit in LF.
Will be interesting to see what happens this offseason but I will be disappointed if he is traded just to give the job to Caissie. That is not what playoff contenders do. We’ll see if he’s even in the organization in a week.
Will be interesting to see what happens this offseason but I will be disappointed if he is traded just to give the job to Caissie. That is not what playoff contenders do. We’ll see if he’s even in the organization in a week.
but then you have to have someone to use up Berti pitching innings. lol
I agree. There is no guarantee that Caissie is better than Happ. Trade Caissie for a proven pitcher or a 3rd baseman while we can.
I think some are over-valuing Caissie as a prospect. His strikeout % at Iowa is not great at the moment, he's not an elite defender, and he's still just a prospect with no MLB AB yet. I'd love to see what he could do for the Cubs but if he can land us a quality return especially someone that is more than just a rental I'd rather take my chances trying to go all in with this season than gamble that he can be a quality OF for us in a year or 2. Not just giving him away in a trade obviously but he may be necessary depending on the return.
It's become quite obvious lately they need to get more pitching and it would be a big failure by the front office and ownership if they dont make a big splash or 2 by the deadline to address it. I'm neutral about upgrading 3B as the offense is still good but if they dont get Suarez then you gotta at least upgrade the bench with a guy or 2.
It's become quite obvious lately they need to get more pitching and it would be a big failure by the front office and ownership if they dont make a big splash or 2 by the deadline to address it. I'm neutral about upgrading 3B as the offense is still good but if they dont get Suarez then you gotta at least upgrade the bench with a guy or 2.
I love Owen as a prospect but he’s definitely not can’t miss. Trading him for a controllable piece would be a fantastic outcome.
My prediction is we get Suarez, 2 SP, and at least 1 reliever. Should be a fun week.
Won’t be terribly upset if we miss out on Suarez but I want him bad.
Won’t be terribly upset if we miss out on Suarez but I want him bad.
Happy making about 20 mil. If you replace Happ with Caissie you have another 19 mil to resign Tucker. So the question really isn’t Happ or Caissie? It’s actually Happ or Tucker?
My guess is Bubic can be crossed off unless the Royals drop their value. Back to back starts since getting shelled in the All Star game that he’s been 2 mph below his average velocity.
