Come get me plea-Cubs could acquire one of Yankees top prospects, according to MLB executive

Cubs Eyeing a Future Star: Yankees’ Top Prospect on the Trade Radar

As the 2024 trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a position they hadn’t anticipated. Despite a promising off-season, highlighted by re-signing Cody Bellinger, acquiring Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, and signing manager Craig Counsell to a record deal, the Cubs are currently on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

With a 49-55 record, the Cubs’ playoff chances sit at around 8%. While they managed to turn things around last season with a strong winning streak, which led their front office to be active at the trade deadline, it’s too late for a similar turnaround this year.

Compounding the issue, the Cubs’ roster is dominated by veterans, many of whom are signed to long-term contracts but have struggled to perform. With the current roster mix not yielding results, a major trade could be necessary to shake things up.

In a recent piece by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, MLB executives weighed in on trade strategies for various teams. One executive suggested that the Cubs should consider making a move for one of the New York Yankees’ top prospects.

The executive proposed that the Cubs could package a major league player or two, such as pitcher Jameson Taillon or reliever Mark Leiter Jr., in exchange for top prospects Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones. Both Dominguez, 21, and Jones, 23, are considered the top two prospects in the Yankees’ system. Dominguez impressed with his 2023 call-up before undergoing Tommy John surgery, while Jones participated in the 2024 Futures Game.

Acquiring either prospect would certainly boost the Cubs’ power potential in the future. However, questions remain about whether Taillon, a middle-of-the-rotation starter with a 2.96 ERA in 100.1 innings this season, would be enough to land one of the Yankees’ prized outfielders.

Taillon is familiar with the Yankees, having played for them from 2021-22, and has raised his trade value this season. However, giving up a future star like Dominguez, who is highly regarded by Yankees fans, may be too steep a price. On the other hand, Jones, who stands 6-foot-7, has struggled with a high strikeout rate in Double-A, which could make him more expendable.

Although Jones still holds significant potential, the Yankees may be open to parting with him if they believe Taillon could help their pitching staff. However, with the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs and Yankees have a limited window—until 6 p.m. on Tuesday—to pull off what would be a major deal.