Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Cubs are shaping up to be a World Series contender and will be looking to strengthen their case at the trade deadline.
- Jeff Passan reported Wednesday that Chicago is looking to add a starting pitcher to their rotation.
- Below, find three ideal fits for the Cubbies to complement Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd.
Royals starter Seth Lugo (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Quinn Allen shares for RG who he believes the Chicago Cubs should pursue at the trade deadline as they reportedly search for another starting pitcher.
The Chicago Cubs are shaping up to be a legitimate contender in the National League, and they will reportedly be using the MLB trade deadline to strengthen their roster in the pursuit of a World Series title.
Jeff Passan reported on Wednesday that the NL Central leaders are looking to add a starting pitcher by July 31. Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have been brilliant at the top of this rotation, but bolstering the staff with another proven arm would be beneficial, especially with Jameson Taillon currently sidelined with a calf injury and Justin Steele going down earlier in the year. Yes, Colin Rea has stepped up heavily in July and pitched a mile better, but the Cubbies could still use another experienced, consistent starter.
Craig Counsell’s squad has an electrifying offense that ranks top-five in several major categories. Chicago is making it known they’re for real, and this team could very well be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest threat at returning to the Fall Classic. On the hill, Boyd is putting together a Cy Young campaign at 34, while Imanaga is certainly proving his worth in the Majors in just his second year in America.
Could the Cubs go all the way without a trade for a starter? Absolutely. But as Passan mentioned, they do have the type of prospects to pull off a blockbuster. Owen Caissie is the headliner, one of the best prospects in baseball who isn’t all that far off making the show.
With a plethora of arms expected to be available at the trade deadline, here are three names that make sense for Chicago.
Seth Lugo, Royals
Once a dominant reliever, Lugo has made the shift to starter and thrived. He was a runner-up behind Tarik Skubal last season for the AL Cy Young, compiling a 3.00 ERA. He’s carried that brilliance into 2025, going 6-5 with a 2.94 ERA in 18 starts. Lugo may not be a star, but he’s reliable, and the last two seasons have been phenomenal. KC isn’t in playoff contention, and Lugo has a $15 million player option next season. He may end up being a rental for the Cubbies, but the right-hander is worth a look.
Mitch Keller, Pirates
How about an NL Central rival? Keller has pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates his entire big league career, and he’s already been linked to the Cubs in recent months. Keller has improved a lot this season, and the right-hander has compiled an ERA well under three since the beginning of June. He’s enjoying arguably his best campaign since coming up to the Majors, posting a 3.53 ERA. Ignore his 4-10 record – the Bucs give none of their starting pitchers any run support. Chicago isn’t the only team interested in Keller, though. The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and New York Mets are all eyeing the 29-year-old, too, via the Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh won’t be keen on sending Keller to a divisional foe, so it may cost the Cubbies a pretty penny.
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
Passan has already linked Sandy Alcantara to the Cubbies. But, doesn’t it make a lot of sense? The big Dominican was the NL Cy Young winner in 2022 and before injuries hit, he was undoubtedly one of the best at his craft in the sport. Alcantara has struggled since coming back from Tommy John, posting atrocious numbers this year. He has a 7.14 ERA at the moment. That being said, a fresh start elsewhere could be exactly what Alcantara needs. While the Marlins would definitely be smart to keep him, the right-hander could be a perfect addition for the Cubs. He gets to pitch for a contender for the first time in his career, and honestly, a change of scenery is all that’s needed sometimes for a player that’s struggling, whether it’s on the mound or at the dish. Alcantara has two years remaining on his five-year, $56 million contract, with a club option in 2027. If he regained his form, a trio of Boyd, Imanaga, and Alcantara would be deadly.
