Full Breakdown
Cubs Acquire Veteran Aaron Civale to Shore Up Injured Rotation
7/19/2026, 6:22:59 AM
Core Transaction
On July 18, 2026 the Chicago Cubs completed a trade with the Oakland Athletics, acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale and cash considerations in exchange for 22-year-old minor-league pitcher Aiden Moffett. The move was announced the day after the Cubs’ 6-2 victory over Minnesota and marks Civale’s second stint with Chicago within 12 months.
Background: Injury-Riddled Staff
Chicago entered the second half of the season with a record-setting number of pitchers on the injured list—12 arms, including five starters. Current IL entries include Cade Horton (Tommy John surgery), Jameson Taillon (hamstring), Edward Cabrera (hamstring/abductor), Ben Brown (neck), Justin Steele (elbow), Ethan Roberts, Riley Martin, Hunter Harvey, Daniel Palencia, Hoby Milner, and Drew Pomeranz (recently added). Only Shota Imanaga, Javier Assad, and Colin Rea have avoided the IL among starters.
Key Personnel
- Aaron Civale – 31-year-old right-hander, eight-year MLB veteran who has logged 723 strikeouts with a career 4.26 ERA across six teams. Signed a one-year, $6 million deal with Oakland in February.
- Aiden Moffett – Undrafted free-agent from Texas, 22, who split his debut season between the Cubs’ Arizona rookie league and Low-A Myrtle Beach affiliates, posting a 9.67 ERA over 17 appearances.
- Jed Hoyer – Cubs president of baseball operations, overseeing roster moves ahead of the August 3 trade deadline.
- Injured starters Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, and Justin Steele are projected to return in August, but remain unavailable at the time of the trade.
Performance Data
Civale entered the trade with a 5-7 record and a 5.42 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) for Oakland, recording 58 strikeouts and a 1.62 WHIP over 74 2/3 innings. His 2025 Cubs stint featured a 1-0 record, 2.08 ERA, and a 0.54 WHIP across five relief appearances, including 4 1/3 scoreless postseason innings. Moffett’s 2026 season yielded a 9.67 ERA and 2.42 WHIP in 17 relief outings, with 42 walks to 25 strikeouts.
Official Statements & Responses
Cubs officials emphasized the need for immediate depth. Jed Hoyer indicated the acquisition is intended to “keep getting good news on guys” as injured starters recover. Oakland’s decision to designate Civale for assignment was framed as a roster move to promote infielder Tommy White and right-hander Yunior Tur, their No. 7 and No. 27 prospects respectively.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts note Civale’s 5.42 ERA represents a career-worst performance, raising questions about his effectiveness as a starter. The Cubs’ bullpen, already patched together, may see Civale used in a long-relief role rather than high-leverage situations, limiting his immediate impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The hope is that guys can start getting healthy and trickling back, and we can keep getting good news on guys,” — Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations
- “It’d be great to be in that position,” — Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations
- “Aaron Civale had the impression of a reunion candidate for the Chicago Cubs when he was designated for assignment earlier this week by the Athletics, and Jed Hoyer and Co.” — Jesse Rogers, ESPN reporter (tweet)
- “co/9smylL7344 — Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 18, 2026 Trading for Aaron Civale starts a busy few weeks for Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs Moffett was an undrafted signing for the Cubs last summer.” — Jesse Rogers, ESPN reporter (tweet)
- “No, Civale won't be a high-leverage option in the bullpen, but he offers much-needed length.” — Jesse Rogers, ESPN reporter (tweet)
What’s Next
The Cubs must add Civale to the 26-man roster, likely displacing veteran Drew Pomeranz, whose recent outing produced a 9.64 ERA. Chicago’s front office is expected to remain active before the August 3 deadline, with the return of Taillon, Cabrera, and Brown slated for mid-August, potentially reshaping the rotation once the new acquisitions are integrated.
