The Chicago Cubs are staring down a pivotal offseason, one that could define the franchise's direction for years to come. Following a strong 2025 campaign where they finished 92-70 and reached the National League Division Series (NLDS) before bowing out to the Milwaukee Brewers in five games, a significant challenge awaits. The likely departure of star outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency has thrust the team into a search for a new cornerstone superstar.
The Blockbuster Prediction: Cubs Pursue an Ace
In response to this void, a major prediction has emerged that sees the Cubs swinging for the fences. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter has outlined a scenario where Chicago executes a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Tigers to acquire left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Skubal, whose next contract is projected to be in the staggering $400 million range, would instantly provide the elite, frontline ace the Cubs' rotation currently lacks.
The proposed trade structure is as follows:
Chicago Cubs Receive:
- LHP Tarik Skubal
Detroit Tigers Receive:
- C Moises Ballesteros
- RHP Jaxon Wiggins
- OF Kevin Alcántara
- RHP Javier Assad
While the cost in prospects is steep, the Cubs would be acquiring one of baseball's most dominant pitchers at the peak of his powers. Skubal is coming off a season where he won his second consecutive Cy Young Award, becoming the first pitcher to achieve that feat since Jacob deGrom in 2018-19.
Why the Cubs Are Desperate for a Pitching Powerhouse
The driving force behind this potential mega-deal is a clear deficiency in the Cubs' 2025 roster. Their rotation was filled with reliable mid-rotation arms but lacked a true, shutdown ace. While rookie Cade Horton showed flashes of brilliance, relying on a second-year pitcher to lead a championship-caliber staff is a considerable risk.
Joel Reuter pinpointed this exact issue, stating, "The Cubs have a rotation filled with No. 3/4 starter types and lacking a bona fide ace, and while 2025 rookie Cade Horton has the potential to fill that role, adding a proven frontline starter this winter would make them legitimate title contenders."
This analysis underscores why the Cubs are viewed as potential aggressors. Having previously paid a heavy price to acquire Kyle Tucker, the front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves. With Tucker's exit looming, securing a new franchise player like Skubal becomes a logical, albeit expensive, priority.
Skubal's Dominant 2025 Season by the Numbers
The enormous price tag for Tarik Skubal is justified by his otherworldly performance last season. His statistics were not merely ace-level; they were historic and franchise-altering:
- Record: 13-6
- ERA: 2.21
- Strikeouts: 241
- WHIP: 0.891
- Innings Pitched: 195
- Awards: Cy Young (second straight)
The Transformative Impact on the Chicago Cubs
If executed, this trade would be a seismic event for the Cubs organization. Acquiring Tarik Skubal would address three critical issues simultaneously: the absence of a true ace, the need for a new superstar face after Tucker, and a leadership void in the clubhouse.
His presence would create a potentially devastating one-two punch at the top of the rotation, pairing him with the promising Cade Horton. This duo would immediately rank among the most feared in Major League Baseball, providing a stable foundation for a deep postseason run. More than anything, such a move would signal an unequivocal all-in push for a World Series championship.
However, the trade itself is only the first step. The Cubs would almost certainly need to follow it with a long-term, massive contract extension to secure Skubal beyond the 2026 season. The front office's confidence in their ability to sign him to such an extension would be a crucial factor in pulling the trigger.
In the tightly contested NL Central, adding a pitcher of Skubal's caliber could be the definitive factor that transforms the Cubs from playoff participants into legitimate championship contenders. As they potentially watch Kyle Tucker walk away, securing a new headline star like Tarik Skubal could open a renewed championship window for the next decade.
