Suzuki alone might not bring back more than a good reliever (which they clearly need), but the Cubs have other assets they could include if you want to upgrade the return.

Seiya is a beloved player, but he would much prefer to play the outfield and instead of primarily at DH.

Just a thought.

Seiya Suzuki has been a 3+ WAR player the last two seasons. He has 1.5 years of control left on his contract at $19 million per year. That's about $6 million per 1 WAR. Not great value, but good. He is currently hitting 25% better than the average major leaguer.

That is an attractive player.

The Cubs currently don't have an 18-year-old in High-A, Low-A or even the ACL putting up great numbers like many other clubs do.

Yes, those are rare, but if the Cubs are going to have sustained success and avoid another rebuild 5-7 years from now, they need to scout, develop and draft better soon.

There are bright spots at the lower levels.

At Low-A, RHP Nazier Mulé, reliever Brayden Risedorph, and INFs Angel Cepeda, Yahil Melendez and Ty Southisene all have intriguing ability, but outside of Risedorph, the performance is lacking.

In Mesa, OF Eli Lovich and C Jairo Diaz lead the pack.

I wouldn't say that the outlook is bleak at these levels, but the early returns this season are. Obviously, you reserve judgment on players in Low-A, ACL and DSL.

Of those players, 2025 IFA signee SS Juan Tomas has the highest upside. But most recent big money IFAs have not hit the ground running

RHP Sean Gallagher seems to be the only pitcher in South Bend right now with a decent chance of making an impact in the major leagues.

The Low-A and complex league levels are always wide open for interpretation. The players are still quite young with a lot of development left to achieve.

After that, when it comes to potentially impactful future major leaguers, it really thins out.

In AA, RHPs Jaxon Wiggins and to a lesser extent Will Sanders make the list. INF Pedro Ramirez might carve out of utility role.

In High-A, INFs, Jefferson Rojas and Cristian Hernandez make the list.

INFs James Triantos and Ben Cowles seem destined for utility roles. While Triantos' defensive versatility is limited, his bat still has some upside.

The best performing relief pitcher in AAA who I could still call a prospect is lefty Luke Little. He's still just 24 but there's a reason he's in AAA

There likely are some big league regulars in the minors still to come. OFers Owen Cassie and Kevin Alcántara should have big league careers with Alcántara having the higher ceiling but lower chance of reaching it.

LHP Jordan Wicks looks like he might peak as a 5th starter or minor league depth.

Is a 15-10 record over 25 games meaningful? Eh, a little. What's more meaningful is HOW the Bulls are winning games, their style of play, their effort. I see the coaching of Billy Donovan shining through.

Will AK extend Josh Giddey? If so, at what price? Can AK keep this team's arrow pointed up?

Another reason for the turn around? Coby White.

Pre All-Star: 18.3 pts, 4.5 ast, 3.3 reb
Post All-Star: 26.1 pts, 4.3 ast, 4.2 reb

And since the All-Star break he is just shy of averaging 50/40/90. 50.2 FG%, 38.1 3P%, 90.4 FT%.

In 3 April games, he's averaging 64.6 FG%, 52.4 FT%, 95.8 FT%. Lol

Okay, so that's quirky. But what's changed?

One? Josh Giddey. Prior to the All-Star break, Giddey was averaging 12.2 pts, 6.4 ast, 7.1 reb and 34.5% from 3. Not bad, not great.

Since the break? 20.8 pts, 9.2 ast, 10.4 reb and 45.3% from 3. He's averaging just under a triple double.

AVERAGING.

My pleasure, Oskee.

That is wild mischaracterization of Brennen Davis' minor league career, but I essentially agree with your comment.

The trade will be more than worth the price if two things happen. They need to sign him long term and Tucker stays healthy. Pony up the money for this guy, Ricketts and Jed.