It still feels like the Chicago Cubs are one move away.
After their massive trade acquisition of outfielder Kyle Tucker, it would be hard to argue that the Cubs have the most talented lineup in the National League Central. But the Cubs have been preseason darlings before, and that hasn’t meant anything once the season began.
A pitching acquisition to match Tucker would make the Cubs the clear-cut favorites in this division. And it seems as though there’s a potential top-flight starter available for them to acquire.
The San Diego Padres are looing to shed payroll and according to multiple reports, they’ve been listening to offers on impending free agent Michael King. Once a reliever for the New York Yankees, King starred in his first full year as a starter with San Diego.
On Thursday, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed a hypothetical blockbuster that would send King to Chicago for top outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara and right-handed starter/reliever Javier Assad.
“There’s still space in Chicago’s rotation for a top-flight starter (like King),” Rymer wrote. “He has the sweeper to fit right in as a Cubs hurler, and the team isn’t lacking for surplus trade chips it could use to get him.”
“The prize for San Diego in this deal would be Alcántara. The 22-year-old’s hit tool is suspect, but he checks boxes for power, speed and defensive ability. He’s also ready to play in the majors.”
King, 29, pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 173 2/3 innings last season, striking out an impressive 201 batters. That total would have topped anyone on the Cubs, and King would slot in nicely at the top of the rotation between lefties Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele.
It’s always risky to give up top prospects for a rental, and while Alcántara could really hurt the Cubs if he pans out in San Diego, Assad is a useful piece to lose too. But in this league, you have to give up something good to get something good back.
More MLB: Braves one-for-one blockbuster trade idea would land $15 million Cardinals star
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