Overview
- Reports on Saturday say rival clubs believe the Cubs have the best shot to acquire Emerson Hancock if Chicago includes Seiya Suzuki and possibly Matt Shaw in a package.
- Hancock is enjoying a breakout 2026 season with about a 3.26 ERA, a roughly 23% strikeout rate and a near 6% walk rate, and he is under team control through 2030.
- Chicago wants to add multiple pitchers rather than one piece and would preferably acquire three arms, which keeps the club linked to starters such as Tarik Skubal, Robbie Ray and Casey Mize.
- The Cubs are also hunting high-strikeout bullpen help and have been tied to San Diego's Adrian Morejón, but rental relievers and payroll or tax concerns could raise asking prices.
- With the Aug. 3 deadline two days away, any move for a controllable starter like Hancock would likely cost the Cubs key offensive contributors and reshape their lineup and playoff planning.