The Chicago Cubs want to add an impact starter.
The Tampa Bay Rays are eager to move Tyler Glasnow’s $25 million salary for 2024.
The theory dictates that there is a clear match between the two squads.
It all comes down to economics regarding the Rays’ decision to move Glasnow.
They intend to compete next year, but don’t want to pay Glasnow that much money.
The Cubs, instead, are at a stage in which they know they need to invest money to bring in good, impact players.
And they are fine with that, fortunately for their fans.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the two organizations are at a stage in which they have begun exchanging names in a potential deal.
A young, up-and-coming slugger with a bright future came up in discussions.
“Chicago Cubs outfielder Christopher Morel’s name has surfaced in talks with the Tampa Bay Rays about starter Tyler Glasnow,” he tweeted.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Christopher Morel’s name has surfaced in talks with the Tampa Bay Rays about starter Tyler Glasnow
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 5, 2023
Morel is a strikeout-prone 24-year-old from the Dominican Republic, with two years of MLB experience.
In 2022 as a rookie, he hit 16 homers while striking out 137 times.
This past season, he struck out 133 times but increased his homer tally to 26 and contributed 17 doubles and three triples, too.
He had a cool .821 OPS in 2023 and can play multiple positions, such as second base, third base, shortstop, and the three outfield spots.
He is very valuable and cheap, so one would think the Rays would have to offer something more than Glasnow.
Glasnow is a proven ace who just had a 3.53 ERA in 120 innings, with 162 strikeouts.
But he is somewhat injury-prone and will be a free agent after 2024.
The offseason is young and the teams can have face-to-face negotiations at the Winter Meetings.
Stay tuned.
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