The Milwaukee Brewers ended their 2023 campaign nine games ahead of the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central Division, but as offseason talks intensify between the Chicago Cubs and a prolific starting pitcher, winning the division again in 2024 might become a lot more challenging.
Milwaukee Brewers Rival Chicago Cubs Linked in Trade Rumor to Tampa Bay Rays Ace Tyler Glasnow
Reports have surfaced linking the Chicago Cubs with Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow, one of Major League Baseball’s most respected starting pitchers.
According to Chicago baseball analyst Bruce Levine, details are emerging around how a deal could get done.
Cubs talks with Rays confirmed on Tyler Glasnow.Rays must dump $25 mil ,one year contract commitment.multiple big market clubs involved.120 inn career high plateau,a concern. 21 starts ,most of his career. 678 strikeouts in 528 career inn is compelling. @jonmorosi first report.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) November 30, 2023
And his colleague Jon Morosi expanded on the interest in Tyler Glasnow from the Chicago Cubs, saying it could be a critical acquisition as they pursue additional difference-making players.
Could Tyler Glasnow and Shane Bieber be on the move?@jonmorosi details the trade market for the two accomplished starters, including two NL Central squads 👀 pic.twitter.com/HA1D2W9ZO5
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 28, 2023
In an eight-year career, the 30-year-old has racked up 30 wins, 678 strikeouts and a career 3.89 ERA across more than 529 innings. At 6’8”, Tyler Glasnow has one of the highest fastball velocities in the majors and he’s got a solid three-pitch mix between a nasty four-seam fastball, curveball and a slider he added to his repertoire in 2021.
Tyler Glasnow has struggled with injuries, but when he’s got his stuff, he’s as intimidating as anybody for opposing batters.
A union between Tyler Glasnow and the Chicago Cubs could make sense for both sides. The Chicago Cubs have the necessary roster and farm system depth to entice the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that might not be able to demand much in return thanks to the $25 million remaining on the final year of his contract.
How Will a Tyler Glasnow Trade to the Chicago Cubs Impact the Tampa Bay Rays?
A strong right-hander at the top of the rotation for the Chicago Cubs would not be the worst possible thing for the Milwaukee Brewers whenever they face. In 2023, the Milwaukee Brewers fared pretty well against righties compared to lefites.
But if the Chicago Cubs add Tyler Glasnow this offseason, it will most likely be part of larger plans to revamp their roster and chances of contending. The Chicago Cubs have also been linked to megastars Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto among others.
If the Milwaukee Brewers’ biggest division rival is able to add a slew of marquee players, it would make a 2024 return to the playoffs that much more difficult. And if Tyler Glasnow stays healthy and builds on his 2023 campaign for the Chicago Cubs, the Milwaukee Brewers will be facing a Cy-Young-worthy starter on a much more frequent basis.
That would not bode well for their chances of winning the National League Central Division again in 2024, but Tyler Glasnow alone will not be enough to change the Chicago Cubs fortunes. If and when they do sign the ace pitcher, the Chicago Cubs will have to hope he makes their team an enticing destination for additional stars.
