Cubs Seek Pitching Relief Amid Injury Surge

On May 7, 2026 the Chicago Cubs acquired right-hander Tyler Ferguson from the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations. Ferguson, 32, was DFA'd after a 1.1-inning outing that allowed four runs. He posted a 4-2 record with a 3.68 ERA in 48 games in 2024 and a 4-2, 4.66 ERA in 56 games in 2025. Over three Oakland seasons he posted a 4.69 ERA and 4.57 FIP in 110 2/3 innings. The move adds low-risk depth amid injuries.

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The Cubs have nine pitchers on the injured list, the most battered bullpen in MLB per analyst Wynston Wilcox. Lost starters include left-hander Matthew Boyd (meniscus), left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) and right-hander Cade Horton (season-ending surgery). Reliever Jordan Wicks is on the IL with a forearm issue; top prospect Jaxon Wiggins is also sidelined. Despite the setbacks, Chicago is 26-12 and leads the NL Central.

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MLB analyst Wynston Wilcox urges the Cubs to acquire Phillies reliever Jhoan Duran before the deadline. Duran is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA and five saves this season, and was 7-6 with a 2.06 ERA and 32 of 37 saves last year. He is under a $7.5 million 2026 contract and will be a free agent after 2027, giving Chicago two years of control. Wilcox notes the Phillies, 17-21, could fetch a strong return.

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Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Boyd’s recovery could take “closer to six weeks, and that’s with him getting ramped back up,” stressing to limit missed throwing time. Athletics Communications confirmed the trade, stating, “The A’s have traded RHP Tyler Ferguson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.”

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Fans were split on the Ferguson trade. Some welcomed any arm, while others wrote “Please no” and questioned his recent performance after a rough 1.1-inning outing. Duran’s $7.5 million salary also draws scrutiny, as does uncertainty over what the Phillies would receive.

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• “I don’t think any team in MLB has a bullpen more beat up than the Chicago Cubs,” — Wynston Wilcox, MLB analyst

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• “It’s probably closer to six weeks, and that’s with him getting ramped back up,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager

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• “The A’s have traded RHP Tyler Ferguson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.” — Athletics Communications, A’s PR

Cubs strike trade with Athletics to address ailing pitching staff

• “They have nine pitchers on the injured list yet, they’ve found a way to stay afloat.” — Wynston Wilcox, MLB analyst

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No official comment from the Cubs front office confirms interest in Jhoan Duran, leaving a gap between analyst speculation and team intent. The exact trade return the Phillies might receive for Duran also remains undefined.

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The Cubs will monitor Boyd’s rehabilitation while evaluating Ferguson’s early contributions. As the trade deadline nears, Chicago may explore a Duran acquisition if the Phillies present a satisfactory return, aiming to solidify a bullpen already enduring a historic injury barrage.

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