The Cubs have had a big weekend, but the news of Justin Steele's season-ending surgery casts a shadow on their pitching lineup. Conversations shift towards potential trades, including a move for Sandy Alcantara. The intriguing future of Pete Crow-Armstrong's contract negotiations is also on the table. Additionally, the hosts discuss pitching mechanics changes for Joe Boyle, while exploring the early struggles of Tomoyuki Sugano. There's also an engaging analysis of fantasy baseball pickups, highlighting the latest trends and player performance.
Justin Steele's season-ending surgery puts pressure on the Cubs to enhance their pitching staff through potential trades like Sandy Alcantara.
Despite strong offensive performances, the Cubs must balance their hitting strength with improvements in pitching to maintain playoff contention.
Negotiations for an extension with Pete Crow-Armstrong are stalled, complicating his future with the Cubs amid salary considerations and free agency risks.
Deep dives
Injury Impact on Cubs' Pitching
Justin Steele's season-ending surgery for a flexor tendon injury has significant implications for the Cubs' pitching rotation. This injury opens the door for Ben Brown to solidify his place in the starting lineup while Colin Ray steps into the No. 5 spot. As the Cubs seek a replacement for Steele, their involvement in trade talks for Sandy Alcantara is increasingly relevant, especially as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The missing contribution from Steele is a vital loss for a team aspiring to make a playoff push this season.
Cubs' Offensive Performance
The Cubs continue to demonstrate a robust offensive output, maintaining a high position in league rankings for runs scored. Players like Kyle Tucker and Michael Bush have emerged as key contributors, aiding the team in a successful series against the Dodgers. Despite the excitement around their batting prowess, the challenge remains in bolstering their pitching staff, especially after Steele's injury, which adds pressure to their roster decisions as they explore trade opportunities. The Cubs are clearly in a pivotal moment where their hitting strength must be matched by an equally reliable pitching performance.
Pete Crow-Armstrong's Contract Situation
The negotiation for an extension with Pete Crow-Armstrong is currently on hold, creating uncertainty around his future with the Cubs. Comparisons to recent rookie contracts reveal potential risks if he continues to perform well and opts to test free agency. Crow-Armstrong's defensive skills and flashes of offensive capability make him a valuable asset, prompting the Cubs to consider a proactive approach to his extension. However, internal considerations about future salary demands could complicate the franchise's decision-making process as they navigate these contract discussions.
Ben Brown's Role and Future Prospects
With Justin Steele sidelined, Ben Brown's opportunity to cement a role in the Cubs' rotation has gained considerable importance. His current performance displays potential, but concerns about his command suggest a cautious approach moving forward. Observers note that Brown's two-pitch repertoire limits his effectiveness against deep lineups, emphasizing the need for him to develop additional offerings. The Cubs must balance immediate needs with the long-term development of Brown as he takes on increased responsibilities amid a crucial season.
Trade Strategies Surrounding Sandy Alcantara
As the Cubs look to strengthen their pitching staff, the possibility of acquiring Sandy Alcantara has become a significant talking point. The Cubs appear better positioned to make an attractive trade offer compared to other contending teams, potentially leveraging their top prospects for an immediate upgrade. Alcantara's capability as a high-stuff pitcher and his cost-controlled status adds to his appeal, especially since the Cubs are aiming to capitalize on their current competitive window. However, the urgency to act before more teams enter the trade conversation adds complexity to their strategy.
Eno and DVR discuss a big weekend for the Cubs, who took two of three from the Dodgers in Los Angeles including a blowout on Saturday night, but revealed that Justin Steele will have season-ending arm surgery. They discuss the need for more pitching in Chicago even prior to Steele's injury, and add the Cubs to the Sandy Alcantara sweepstakes. Plus, they discuss what a Pete Crow-Armstrong extension might look like down the road after the two sides put negotiations on hold, and look at changes for Joe Boyle and where the money went in fantasy baseball leagues this weekend.
Rundown
6:06 Justin Steele to Undergo Season-Ending Arm Surgery
12:42 Pete Crow-Armstrong and a Future Extension with Cubs
16:59 Eno's Concerns About Ben Brown's Two-Pitch Mix
19:48 CJ Abrams' Nice Start Slowed by IL Stint
23:51 Other News & Notes: Changes for Joe Boyle?
33:43 Level of Concern with Christian Walker, Mark Vientos, Jake Burger and Matt Shaw
40:53 The Early Struggles of Tomoyuki Sugano
46:29 Where the Money Went: Making Sense of Weekend Waiver Pickups
