Scott Harris and the Cubs’ Pursuit of Tarik Skubal

Ten years ago, Scott Harris was the 29-year-old director of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, determined to win a championship. His boss, then-Cubs President Theo Epstein, had beliefs that while unusual, were deeply held. When the team needed a boost, Harris had a unique job — eat carbs to spark a Cubs offense.

ESPN’s Wright Thompson describes an occasion where Harris ate over half a chocolate cake when the team’s bats were cold against the White Sox. The team won, and Epstein’s method seemed to work.

Harris has won a World Series ring, moved up to general manager of the San Francisco Giants, and is now president of the Detroit Tigers. His leadership is crucial as he manages a top pitcher, Tarik Skubal, heading into Monday’s MLB trade deadline. One interested party, reported by Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, is the Cubs, now run by Epstein’s successor, Jed Hoyer.

If Hoyer appears keen during a game against the Yankees, it may be due to potential deals with Harris. The Cubs-Tigers series includes a lighthearted competition, the Theo Cup.

Could the Cubs create a deal satisfactory to Harris? Historically, they aim high but settle for less, keeping their prospects. Harris has other options, capable of sending Skubal to rivals like the Milwaukee Brewers.

The idea of Skubal joining the Cubs might seem unlikely, given Hoyer’s past deals. He’s signed starters like Jameson Taillon and Marcus Stroman to shorter contracts. Skubal’s agent, Scott Boras, tends to favor free agency, making Skubal possibly a short-term addition for several players.

Bidders include top teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan notes, have deep pockets and interest in a long-term agreement with Skubal. The Cubs would need to sacrifice significant prospects, similar to their move for Aroldis Chapman in 2016.

The unfolding season has been challenging for the Cubs, facing injuries and slumps. Yet they are poised for a wild-card position with talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong and recent strong performances from pitchers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. Acquiring Skubal could electrify fans eager for October’s postseason action.

The Cubs’ upcoming homestand against the Yankees and Dodgers already generates buzz, which Skubal’s involvement could elevate further.

Epstein once noted the sacred nature of each season, a notion resonating this year. With possibilities on the horizon, Cubs supporters must clearly convey their desire for action.

So, Jed, maybe eating cake isn’t so outlandish if it drives positive results.