Trade Idea Has Chicago Cubs Giving Up Elite Prospects For Superstar Closer

Last season, the bullpen of the Chicago Cubs was completely gassed towards the end of the year.

Injuries put a lot of stress on the players who were available and they had to pitch a lot of innings.

The demise of the relief staff played a major part in the Cubs ultimately missing the playoffs, despite holding a spot for the majority of the second half of the year.

So, entering this offseason, there was a clear need for Chicago to make some upgrades.

They were able to accomplish that by landing Hector Neris, who has played a huge role in the Houston Astros' bullpen the past couple years.

Even if the players who missed time last season are healthy in 2024, there are still some upgrades the roster could use.

That's why Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report lists the Cubs as the top landing spot for superstar closer Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians.

To get this deal done, he has Chicago sending out their young, star slugger, Christopher Morel, and their No. 4 overall prospect Owen Caissie.

This would be quite a hefty price with the power issues the Cubs have heading into 2024.

Without Cody Bellinger back on the roster, sending out Morel, who slashed .247/.313/.508 with 26 home runs and 70 RBI last year, would be a tough hit for this lineup who has plans on competing this season.

Caissie is a 21-year-old prospect who cracked the Top-50 of MLB Pipeline's updated rankings. He's coming off a year at Double-A where he slashed .289/.398/.519 with 22 home runs and 84 RBI.

Chicago would receive an elite closer who is coming off back-to-back All-Star selections, has led the American League in saves in two consecutive seasons, and has posted a sub-3.00 ERA in two out of the past three seasons.

Clase is also under contract through 2026 at a discounted price with two additional years of club options remaining after that.

There's no doubt he would be a major addition to the roster.

However, if Bellinger isn't back, giving up two of the best young hitters in the organization seems like a high price to pay.