The Chicago Cubs are desperately seeking help for their starting rotation, and reports ahead of the trade deadline have consistently indicated that they are actively looking to strengthen their pitching staff.
Although the Cubs could pursue several possible targets, including Tarik Skubal, a more practical and realistic option may be a controllable starting pitcher, especially with some of their current starters expected to become free agents once the season ends.
One intriguing option is Seattle Mariners right-hander Emerson Hancock, who owns a 3.26 ERA and has pitched at an ace-like level this season. Acquiring him would be a major boost for Chicago’s rotation. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, rival MLB executives believe the Cubs have the strongest chance of landing Hancock, though prying him away from Seattle would likely require a significant trade package.
Cubs might have ‘best shot’ to trade for Mariners’ Emerson Hancock
“Teams are eagerly pursuing the possibility of acquiring Hancock, who is widely viewed as the most valuable young starting pitcher available on the trade market,” Nightengale wrote. “Many believe the Cubs may have the strongest chance of landing him if they are willing to include outfielder Seiya Suzuki and potentially infielder Matt Shaw as part of the package.”
Hancock has emerged as an outstanding starter, recording a 3.26 ERA across 20 starts during what has become a breakout season for the 27-year-old. More importantly, he remains under team control through the 2030 season, making him far more valuable than a short-term rental.
Naturally, Cubs fans would be excited to hear that their team may have the strongest chance of acquiring a pitcher of that caliber.
However, the price mentioned by Nightengale—potentially sending Seiya Suzuki and even Matt Shaw to Seattle in exchange for Hancock—would be extremely steep and difficult for many fans to accept.
The Mariners do have enough depth among their position players to make a deal possible, and they could potentially address any losses by later acquiring another outfielder and a versatile infielder to replace Suzuki and Shaw.
Even if that scenario makes sense on paper, moving both Suzuki and Shaw would likely be painful for Cubs fans. Hancock is an excellent pitcher whose combination of upside and long-term team control gives him significant trade value.
Still, giving up Suzuki and Shaw to acquire him may be more than the Cubs should be willing to pay, even for a pitcher of Hancock’s caliber. Therefore, although Chicago may have the strongest chance to land the Mariners right-hander with a 3.26 ERA, the biggest obstacle remains the extremely high asking price.
