The Chicago Cubs have a 48-33 record heading into the weekend with a three-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. The two teams just split a four-game series at Busch Stadium this past week. As we inch closer to the All-Star game and the trade deadline, rumors will swirl. I plan to explore some of the rumored targets for the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline.
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Biggest Need
Starting Pitching
The Chicago Cubs started the year with a strong one-two punch of Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. James Taillon was their slotted number three in the rotation. The rotation was filled out with Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea. Steele went down with a season-ending elbow injury, forcing Ben Brown into the rotation. Imanaga went down with a hamstring injury, forcing the team to call up top pitching prospect Cade Horton. Boyd, Rea, and Horton have done well. Boyd has been a pleasant surprise leading the team in ERA. James Taillon leads the team in wins. With all the early success, signs of struggles have shown their face. Ben Brown was sent down this week, making room for Shota in the rotation. Taillon got lit up against the Cardinals in his most recent start, struggling to keep the ball in the yard. The Cubs need another guy to throw in the mix, at least with Boyd and Shota. One might not be enough. Boyd has an injury history. Horton lacks experience. If the Cubs look to make a serious push deep into the playoffs, they need more depth.
Rumored Targets
Sandy Alcantara
15 GS, 4-8, 6.69 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 59 K
Coming off a recent Tommy John surgery, Alcantara has not had the same results as he did before the injury. The Marlins aren’t in contention and always seem to be looking to add young talent. I have concerns with Alcantara. If you want to contend now, what if he doesn’t turn the corner and improve in the second half? I would be open to bringing him on. This could be combined with acquiring another starter at the deadline. His team control through 2027 is attractive if priced right.
Edward Cabrera
13 GS, 2-2, 3.78 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 69 K
Cabrera is another Marlins pitcher. He has been rumored to be traded. The Cubs are interested in him, and I would welcome it. He should be significantly less expensive than his teammate Alcantara. Since May 31st, he has not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his starts. One thing that concerns me with Cabrera is the walks. He has 29 in 64 and one-third innings pitched this year. This 27-year-old could be a great addition at the deadline for the Cubs.
Luis Severino
17 GS, 2-8, 4.83 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 68 K
The Athletics will be dealing off a few pieces at the deadline. Severino is a guy I could see Jed targeting at the deadline for what he offers on the mound. However, he just signed a three-year deal with the Athletics this past winter. The deal is worth 70 million dollars. For that reason, I think the Chicago Cubs won’t bring him in. They would only do so if the return was limited due to the contract. He has two years and 47 million left on the deal. Unfortunately, other teams will be more willing to eat the contract and control, and Severino will end up elsewhere.
Zac Gallen/Merrill Kelly
17 GS, 5-9, 5.75 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 88 K / 16 GS, 7-3, 3.39 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 93 K
Nope, no thanks, pass on Gallen and maybe Kelly if he was the second of two starters brought in. Of the two, Kelly intrigues me the most. Gallen just doesn’t look good this year. Let someone else pay for Gallen if the Diamondbacks do end up selling. The Chicago Cubs should keep a close eye on the Diamondbacks and check in on Kelly frequently, in my opinion.
Mitch Keller
16 GS, 1-10, 4.02 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 73 K
The idea of another Pirates and Cubs deadline trade wouldn’t hurt my feelings. I recently saw Keller pitch live at PNC Park. I said to those with me, I’d love to see this guy with the Cubs. He battles and receives very little in run support. He’s a guy who could thrive with run support. Having a solid lead would allow him to pitch confidently. Not being forced to be perfect in a 2-1 ball game could be just what he needs to succeed.
Walker Buehler
13 GS, 5-5, 6.29 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 56
The Red Sox have already traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Not in a sell-now move, but a move for the betterment of the clubhouse. I think Craig Breslow has shown his willingness to act decisively. If the right deal is there, he will pull the trigger without any fear. The trouble is that Buehler is the guy the Red Sox would need. They need him if they believe they are contenders. This is because of his playoff experience and his performance from last year’s postseason. All reasons why he just might be a guy who gets overpaid for. Jed Hoyer should make a call to see the cost at the very least.
Seth Lugo
14 GS, 4-5, 2.93 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 68 K
If the Royals decide they are sellers, Seth Lugo is an arm that will be in high demand. He’s a free agent at the end of the year and has been pitching well the past few seasons. He doesn’t have over-power stuff or eye-popping K/9 numbers. What he does is avoid hard contact and can strand runners when they do reach base. His ERA over the past few years with the mid-3.00s or lower ERA.
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One big Bat
Alex Bregman
51 GP, .299 AVE, 32 R, 17 2B, 11 HR, 35 RBI, .938 OPS
The Red Sox must have a terrible start in the first few weeks of July. This would prompt them to shop their big fish from this past winter’s free agency. Matt Shaw has been playing good defense since his recall from Triple-A. However, he has yet to show the offense everyone was hoping for. Bregman has an opt-out clause at the end of the year. If Boston cannot resign him, the Cubs could be Boston’s first call. Alternatively, if they have changed their minds on him, the Chicago Cubs could be Boston’s first call. If Bregman gets traded, it would be interesting. He has been Boston’s best offensive player, besides recently traded Devers. Reunite him with Kyle Tucker and instantly become the most dangerous lineup in perhaps all of baseball.
Conclusion
The likes of Jeff Passan and others will spend the next month sharing lists and rumors. They do this as the Trade deadline approaches, as the buyers and seller become more clear. I want the Chicago Cubs to acquire two starting pitchers for security down the stretch. This might not be popular, but Cade Horton could be sent back to Iowa to make room. Additionally, Rea has experience from the bullpen as well. I have ranked my top choices below based on team control, cost, and best fit.
1. Edward Cabrera
2. Seth Lugo
3. Merrill Kelly
4. Mitch Keller
5. Walker Buehler
I do not believe the cost of acquiring Alcantara will be worth it to me personally. Zac Gallen and Severino just do not interest me at this point.
Alex Bregman would be a great addition. Could they manage to keep Shaw in the process? They could stash him down in Iowa. Bregman has an opt-out clause in his contract. My fear is losing Shaw at the deadline. Then, seeing Bregman walk in free agency would leave a hole again at third. I like Shaw and believe his bat will come around. He has been playing good defense and has stayed healthy. Acquiring two starting pitchers and holding on to Shaw would be a win for the Cubs. Even if they grab a bat to play third, it benefits them now and in the future.
