Scott Harris and the Cubs: A Reunion on the Horizon?

Ten years ago, Scott Harris was a young director of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. He played a unique role in their quest for a championship under the guidance of then-Cubs President Theo Epstein. As ESPN’s Wright Thompson described, part of Harris’s duties included a peculiar superstition: eating carbs to boost the team’s offense.

One memorable incident involved Harris consuming more than half a chocolate cake during a game where the Cubs faced a no-hitter against the White Sox. The result? The Cubs won. Theo jokingly asked Harris to start eating bread to invigorate the team’s bats against the Cardinals.

Following his success with the Cubs, Harris won a championship ring and moved on to become General Manager of the San Francisco Giants, eventually ascending to President of the Detroit Tigers. His current position has significant implications for the Cubs, as Harris manages star pitcher Tarik Skubal, and is open to trade offers before the MLB trade deadline.

Among those interested are the Cubs, led by Jed Hoyer, Epstein’s successor. The connection between Harris and Hoyer is strong, fueled by their annual competition for the imaginary ‘Theo Cup’ trophy during the Cubs-Tigers series. The question is whether the Cubs can assemble a trade appealing enough for Harris.

Historical patterns suggest that the Cubs might aim high but could end up with a less prominent starter while safeguarding their prospects. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal stands out with his impressive performance against the Orioles in Detroit on July 29, 2026, showcasing his potential value to any team.

Harris’s decision might not favor the Cubs, as he could opt to trade Skubal to their rival, the Milwaukee Brewers, or another team like the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have substantial resources to offer.

The potential trade would significantly impact the Cubs. Currently, their notable starters include Jameson Taillon, Marcus Stroman, and Shota Imanaga. The prospect of including Skubal would invigorate the team and energize the fans waiting for another thrilling playoff run.

While Harris missed a reunion of the 2016 champions, his representatives were present, signaling the potential for future success. Newly appointed Tigers special assistant Kyle Hendricks joined the festivities, hinting at ambitions for future championships.

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts emphasized the future prospects for the team. The 2026 Cubs have overcome challenges like injuries, losing streaks, and slumps to position themselves strongly for a wild-card spot. Key players such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matthew Boyd are contributing to a promising season.

The addition of Skubal would mark a pivotal moment in Cubs history, revitalizing the fanbase reminiscent of the exciting 2015 and 2016 seasons. Cubs podcasts featuring Anthony Rizzo and David Ross evoke bittersweet memories, highlighting the team’s past glory.

Recent victories have invigorated anticipation for the upcoming six-game homestand against the Yankees and Dodgers. With Skubal’s potential involvement, the excitement is palpable.

As Theo Epstein remarked at the beginning of the rebuild, every season holds significance. Cubs fans are eager for decisive actions from their leaders amidst opportunities that could lead to a championship run.