Full Breakdown
Cubs Target Pitching Reinforcements as 2026 Trade Deadline Looms
7/23/2026, 9:28:30 PM
Cubs' Immediate Pitching Needs
Entering the deadline, the Chicago Cubs are 57-44, atop the NL Wild Card but 6 games back in the NL Central. GM Jed Hoyer must address a rotation thinned by injuries to Cade Horton, Justin Steele and uncertain returns from Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown, while also shoring up the bullpen after closer Daniel Palencia’s loss.
Recent Performance and Rotation Health
Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon and David Peterson have anchored the staff, but the lack of a clear ace limits postseason confidence.
Potential Trade Targets Identified by Insiders
Starting Pitchers
- Freddy Peralta (NY Mets) – Former Brewer, fifth in last season’s NL Cy Young voting; on an expiring contract.
- Trevor Rogers (Baltimore Orioles) – 4.28 career ERA, 1.69 in his last eight starts.
- Clay Holmes (NY Mets) – 2.39 ERA in nine starts before a leg injury; 55.3% ground-ball rate.
- Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins) – “Playoff-caliber” with an extra year of control.
- Robbie Ray (San Francisco Giants) – Left-hander, 3.33 ERA, consistently limits runs.
Mid-Season Rental Pitcher
- Foster Griffin (Washington Nationals) – 30-year-old left-hander returning from Japan; 2.68 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 111 Ks in 117.1 IP; cutter at 33% of pitches.
Relievers and Closer Options
- Luke Weaver – Potential high-leverage closer.
- Mason Miller – Likely to be moved this summer.
- Hoby Milner – Left-handed reliever expected back soon.
- Adrian Morejon – Target if the Padres become sellers.
- Brooks Raley (NY Mets) – Another left-handed reliever of interest.
Data & Statistics
- Cubs: 57-44, top NL Wild Card spot, 6 games behind Brewers.
- Peralta: Fifth in NL Cy Young voting (2023).
- Rogers: 4.28 career ERA; 1.69 in last eight starts.
- Holmes: 2.39 ERA in nine starts; 55.3% ground-ball rate.
- Griffin: 2.68 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 111 K in 117.1 IP; cutter 33% of pitches.
- Ray: 3.33 ERA; three runs or fewer in 17 of 20 outings.
Official Commentary from Cubs Management
Hoyer, previously hesitant to meet top-of-rotation asking prices, may shift strategy given the roster constraints.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Rogers’ availability depends on an Orioles decision to sell.
- Holmes’ trade hinges on the Mets’ contract extension plans.
- Ryan’s move is the “biggest if,” tied to Twins’ postseason outlook and Cubs’ farm depth.
No concrete offers have emerged.
Outlook Toward the Deadline
With injuries and a tight Wild Card race, the Cubs are likely to pursue both starters and rentals to bolster depth. Success will rest on seller clubs’ willingness to part with pitchers and the Cubs’ capacity to meet financial and prospect demands.
