Cubs Should Explore a Trade for Logan Gilbert

The Chicago Cubs have work to do if they intend to return to the postseason in 2024.

While Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga comprise a dominant starting-pitching tandem, the team needs one more arm at the top of the rotation.

If the Cubs explore a trade to address that need, the Seattle Mariners could be a fitting partner.

The AL West is within reach for the Mariners, who tout a strong rotation but lack offensive firepower.

Seattle has a need at second base, which is where a trade with the Cubs could make sense.

The Mariners tried addressing the keystone position last offseason, but the addition of Jorge Polanco yielded middling results.

A player like Nico Hoerner could fit their lineup nicely.

In a potential return, the Cubs could target Logan Gilbert, a starter who checks a lot of boxes while falling in line with the "intelligent spending" mantra that Jed Hoyer lives by.

The 2024 All-Star touts a 3.60 ERA for his career and is coming off a season in which he led MLB with a 0.887 WHIP.

As the Cubs explore options for the rotation, a trade makes the most sense.

Gilbert is still under team control , which plays into Hoyer's desire for maximum roster flexibility.

Hoerner has played an important role for the Cubs.

As one part of an elite defensive tandem with Dansby Swanson , the 27-year-old has been a mainstay in Chicago's infield.

But if the Cubs have high aspirations for top prospect Matt Shaw , they can afford to involve Hoerner in trade talks.

Even while recovering from offseason surgery , Hoerner would provide tremendous value to any team in search of his services.

Seattle is one of many teams that could improve with Hoerner on the field.

The Mariners tout a strong starting rotation and the Cubs have position player prospects nearing MLB readiness.

A trade centered on Gilbert and Hoerner would help both teams address deficiencies that plague their postseason hopes.

Hoyer is in a predicament with the Cubs roster, so he'll have to get creative to improve a middling team.

Gilbert is just one example of a starting pitcher Chicago can afford if the front office decides to trade from its surplus of positional depth.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission..

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