The Chicago Cubs missed the postseason in 2024 and could be aggressive this winter to try and win the division in 2025. They could look to swing a blockbuster trade to add a bullpen threat.
Mason Miller was a breakout star for the Athletics last season. In the summer, he was the center of many trade rumors, but he was not dealt. FanSided’ Jacob Mountz proposed this trade that ships Miller to the Cubs:
- Cubs receive: right-handed pitcher Mason Miller and catcher Shea Langeliers
- A’s receive: catcher/first baseman Moises Ballesteros, second baseman/third baseman Pedro Ramirez and right-handed pitcher Brandon Birdell
The Cubs have one of the best far systems in baseball and the A’s need young talent. The A’s likely will lose Miller when he hits free agency so trading him while his value is high would be wise.
Miller was named an All-Star in his rookie season. In 44 games, he had 104 strikeouts and a 2.49 ERA. He also recorded 28 saves for the A’s last season. The Cubs bullpen blew 26 saves last season and had a 3.81 ERA.
Miller is one of the best young players in baseball, and the Cubs would also be getting a big power bat with Langeliers. He has hit 51 home runs in the last two seasons.
“Along with Miller, the Cubs would get Shea Langeliers. In 2024, Langeliers slashed .224/.288/.450/.739 with 29 home runs through 482 at-bats. He is also one of the top arms behind the plate when it comes to nailing runners,” wrote Mountz. “As a hitter, Langeliers posted the second-highest home run rate amongst catchers. Even with the low batting average, he would be a welcome improvement over the Cubs’ current options. Acquiring a player with his power would certainly be a step in the right direction for the north siders. He will be a free agent after the 2028 season.”
The Cubs would be parting ways with three of their top 30 prospects. Ballesteros is the Cubs’ No. 4 prospect and the No. 44 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
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