The Chicago Cubs have been aggressively pursuing star players this offseason, with Alex Bregman and Dylan Cease among their top targets. However, neither of these acquisitions seems likely at this point.
Bregman recently signed a major contract with the Boston Red Sox, eliminating any chance of him joining the Cubs. While Cease remains a possibility, the San Diego Padres have set a steep asking price for their ace pitcher. Given that Chicago already traded away a significant prospect haul in the deal for Kyle Tucker, they may not be willing to make another blockbuster move.
Instead of Cease, the Cubs could shift their focus to another key player from the Padres—closer Robert Suarez. The right-hander was among the league’s most dominant relievers in 2024, finishing the season with a 2.77 ERA and 35 saves, securing his first All-Star selection. Even after San Diego acquired Tanner Scott at the trade deadline, Suarez remained their primary closer.
A potential trade between the two teams would involve Chicago receiving Suarez in exchange for two prospects: catcher/first baseman Moises Ballesteros and right-handed pitcher Jack Neely.
Ballesteros, 21, had an impressive 2024 minor league season, hitting .289 with a .354 on-base percentage and a .471 slugging percentage. The Padres lack depth at the catcher position beyond top prospect Ethan Sala, so adding Ballesteros would provide much-needed reinforcement.
Neely, 24, is a towering 6-foot-8 reliever with a powerful fastball and a devastating slider. He has had some limited major league experience but has not pitched enough innings to fully evaluate his potential.
If the trade goes through, Suarez would immediately slot into Chicago’s bullpen, likely as the primary closer. While there might be some debate over whether Ryan Pressly or Suarez should take on that role, Suarez would likely be the top choice.
With their clear win-now approach, the Cubs could benefit significantly from this move without depleting their farm system. If they execute this trade, they would further solidify their roster as one of the strongest in the National League.