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MLB Insider Links Cubs to $63 Million 2.62 ERA Ace

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated May 1, 2025 3:45 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have done well in the aftermath of Justin Steele’s season-ending elbow surgery with a National League Central-leading 18-13 record.

Despite a stellar lineup, the Cubs have struggled with pitching, primarily due to a shaky bullpen, and have allowed 4.42 runs per game (18th-best in the Majors). Winning these shootouts is tough to sustain, and adding quality arms would enhance their division hopes.

MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger recently listed his top trade chips, including Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt.

Toronto has limped out of the gates, going 14-16, and faces an uphill battle to the postseason even in a relatively weak American League. Should Bassitt wind up on the trading block, Chicago should be one of the first callers.

Cubs receive: RHP Chris Bassitt

Blue Jays receive: C/1B Moisés Ballesteros (No. 4), RHP Brody McCullough (No. 23)

Bassitt, 36, has one year left on his contract and is experiencing a resurgent campaign. Through six starts and 34 and 1/3 innings, Bassitt has a 2.62 ERA, a 2.35 FIP, and 39 strikeouts to seven walks.

He is not going to pitch forever, but Chicago’s President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, who is also in a contract year, has shown his aggressiveness with the Kyle Tucker trade and Matt Shaw demotion. Now is the time for the Cubs to sacrifice prospects for a postseason run and better their odds of re-signing Tucker.

Ballesteros alone could probably land Bassitt, and McCullough is mostly a throw-in for this trade idea. Ballesteros should be the future behind the plate, but his hot start for Triple-A Iowa could entice potential suitors. He is batting .402 with a 1.077 OPS and four home runs through 97 at-bats.

Toronto has not gotten enough production from its starting catcher, Alejandro Kirk (.239 batting average, .610 OPS, 74 OPS+). It also lacks top catching prospects, and Ballesteros would flip that narrative around.

Cubs fans may loathe the idea of parting with a youngster as tantalizing as Ballesteros, but Bassitt is a proven pitcher who could help propel this team through October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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