As the MLB winter meeting continues, one rumor concerning the Chicago Cubs is that they are showing interest in Tampa Bay Rays RHP Tyler Glasnow. Tyler Glasnow is a terrific talent and is one of the league’s best stuff-wise, but his biggest red flag is his injury history. As he enters the next season at the age of 30, there has only been one season where he has surpassed 120 innings pitched. In 2023, he missed time with three different ailments: Oblique strain, Back spasms, and cramping. In August of 2021, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which isn’t as uncommon with starting pitchers these days, just something else to consider when sending out a few top prospects or more trying to improve a starting rotation.
Last year the Cubs finished the year in second place nine games back of the Brewers, and as it looks will not be bringing back Marcus Stroman leaving at least one hole in the 2024 rotation. Currently, Justin Steele, James Taillon and Kyle Hendricks look to lead the Cubs pitching staff. If a healthy 25-30 start, Tyler Glasnow was added to this group, it would undoubtedly be an improvement over last year’s rotation. So, let’s say he does remain healthy “Ish” and can provide a season with the most innings he’s had in his career; what would it cost the Cubs? Tyler Glasnow has one year at $25 million left of control, so the return for him might now be as costly as some would think. Two of the Cubs middle-of-the-pack Prospects? One new name being floated around as part of the return package is Cubs super Utility man Christopher Morel. Morel has played all over the field for the team over the last few seasons but has yet to lock up an everyday positional gig in his time with the team. The most significant difference is the team control Morel is 24 and the Cubs still have 5 years of control left on his contract. So, if Morel’s name is truly being thrown around it would seem that the Cubs would be do at least another player in return as Tampa Bay tries to shed some salary two names that come to mind are OF Randy Arozarena and one-time Detroit Tiger top Prospect 3B Issac Paredes. Third base is an area of weakness for the Cubs right now and another right-handed power bat who can play the outfield or DH could certainly help if Cody Bellinger leaves in free agency. If Tampa Bay was willing to send Glasnow, Arozarena and perhaps Issac Paredes for a package built around Christopher Morel and a couple of Mid-tier prospects I could get behind that type of deal.
I hope Chicago is getting involved to drive the price up, as a couple of other National League contenders have been rumored to be interested in Glasgow, particularly the Cincinnati Reds. I prefer the Cubs to keep Morel, giving him a profound opportunity to earn the third baseman job, and sign Rhys Hoskins for the righthanded power bat who can DH and play first or leftfield. I would make a serious effort to pry Logan Gilbert away from the Seattle Mariners to be the ace of the future or at least the 1b to Justin Steele for the future of this team.
