{"id":120479,"date":"2025-11-13T15:59:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T15:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=120479"},"modified":"2025-11-13T15:59:38","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T15:59:38","slug":"cubs-reignite-trade-talks-for-top-target-as-offseason-plans-take-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=120479","title":{"rendered":"Cubs Reignite Trade Talks for Top Target as Offseason Plans Take Shape"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

IMAGE: Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore (1) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. \/ Brett Davis \/ Imagn Images<\/div>\n

The Chicago Cubs are heading into the offseason with one thing clearly at the top of their to-do list: pitching. And not just any arms-they\u2019re eyeing controllable starters who can make an impact now while still fitting into their long-term plan. That\u2019s where MacKenzie Gore comes back into the picture.<\/p>\n

Gore was on the Cubs\u2019 radar at the trade deadline last July, and there\u2019s good reason to believe that interest hasn\u2019t cooled. According to reports, the Nationals are open to moving the 26-year-old left-hander this winter, with an eye toward replenishing their farm system. And if that\u2019s the case, the Cubs could be one of the first teams to call.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s break down why Gore makes sense for Chicago. He\u2019s under team control for two more seasons, which fits perfectly with the Cubs\u2019 current competitive window.<\/p>\n

His career ERA sits at 4.19-not eye-popping-but that number doesn\u2019t tell the full story. What jumps off the page is his 25.6% strikeout rate, a number that puts him firmly in the \u201cswing-and-miss\u201d category.<\/p>\n

Pair that with the Cubs\u2019 elite defense behind him, and you start to see the potential for a breakout.<\/p>\n

The Cubs don\u2019t need a finished product-they need a pitcher with upside who can grow into a frontline role. Gore checks that box. He\u2019s already shown flashes of dominance, and in the right environment-one with strong infield defense and a pitching-minded coaching staff-he could take another step forward.<\/p>\n

Of course, acquiring a pitcher like Gore won\u2019t come cheap. Matt Shaw\u2019s name came up in talks at the deadline, and he could be back on the table.<\/p>\n

The young third baseman is one of the more intriguing pieces in the Cubs\u2019 system, but with free agents like Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, and Eugenio Suarez available this winter, the front office might feel comfortable dealing from that position of depth. If not Shaw, expect the Nationals to ask for a package built around other top prospects.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t just about Gore, though. The Cubs are casting a wide net.<\/p>\n

Other names like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Sandy Alcantara, and Joe Ryan have been floated around the league, but each comes with complications. Peralta, for example, is unlikely to be moved within the division by the Brewers.<\/p>\n

Alcantara is recovering from injury. Skubal and Ryan may simply be too valuable for their current teams to part with.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why Gore stands out. He\u2019s attainable, he\u2019s talented, and he fits the mold of what the Cubs are trying to build.<\/p>\n

He also aligns with the kind of calculated, forward-looking moves president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer tends to make. That includes international names like Tatsuya Imai, another potential target who fits into the Cubs\u2019 strategy of acquiring cost-effective, high-upside arms.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a different energy around this Cubs offseason. Last year felt like a wait-and-see approach.<\/p>\n

This time, there\u2019s a sense of urgency. The NL Central is wide open, and the Cubs know they\u2019re a few key pieces away from being serious contenders.<\/p>\n

If Gore is available, don\u2019t be surprised if Chicago makes a strong push to bring him in.<\/p>\n

This winter could be about more than just filling out the rotation-it could be about taking a big swing. And MacKenzie Gore might just be the pitch they\u2019re ready to hit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs are heading into the offseason with one thing clearly at the top of their to-do list: pitching. 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