The Chicago Cubs made some big moves to improve their roster heading into the season, but the pitching staff still needs some work. While Jameson Taillon and Ben Brown have struggled, Justin Steele recently suffered a season-ending elbow injury that will make the Cubs’ situation even worse.
At this point, it’s clear the Cubs will need to use the trade market to upgrade their pitching staff before it’s too late.
Which pitchers could the Cubs pursue in a potential blockbuster trade this season, and what would they have to give up to land them?
Trade proposal 1: Cubs add star pitcher from contender
- Cubs receive: RHP Michael King
- Padres receive: 2B/OF James Triantos, OF Kevin Alcántara, RHP Jaxon Wiggins
Michael King is one of the best pitchers available on the trade market, and he just proved this again on Sunday evening. King tossed a complete game shutout over the Colorado Rockies.
For the Cubs to land him, they would need to part ways with a serious prospect haul. Sending three talented prospects like James Triantos, Kevin Alcántara and Jaxon Wiggins to the Padres would be the price of doing business with a fellow contender.
The Cubs have shown the willingness to go all in by acquiring Tucker. They will need to continue to chase the World Series with aggressive moves like this one.
Trade proposal 2: Cubs steal reliable pitcher from rival
- Cubs receive: RHP Nick Martinez
- Reds receive: OF Kevin Alcántara, SS Fernando Cruz, RHP Jack Neely
The Cincinnati Reds have a lot of talented starting pitchers. Carson Spiers and Andrew Abbott have looked good at the back of Cincinnati’s rotation. Rhett Lowder will return from injury soon, and prospects like Chase Petty could be in the big leagues soon, too.
The Reds don’t need to trade Nick Martinez, but if the Cubs get desperate enough, they could make a deal happen. A trade that sends Kevin Alcántara, Fernando Cruz and Jack Neely to the Reds would add Martinez to the Cubs’ rotation.
Martinez isn’t an ace, but he’s consistent and could benefit quite a bit from playing at Wrigley Field.
Trade proposal 3: Cubs add former top prospect
- Cubs receive: RHP Bobby Miller
- Dodgers receive: OF Owen Caissie
Bobby Miller doesn’t have a clear path to the rotation with the Los Angeles Dodgers because of Los Angeles’ loaded big league pitcher staff, but he would have a shot with the Cubs.
This deal is kind of a long shot, but it would give the Cubs a young pitcher with ace potential. If Miller can return to his 2023 self, the Cubs would have one of the better young pitchers in the league. It’s far too early to write him off.
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