cubs trade rumors
Cubs Trade Buzz: Pursuing Pitching, Partners, and Prospects
1. Marlins’ Sandy Alcántara
- What’s new? After recovering from Tommy John surgery, the 2022 Cy Young winner has seen an up-and-down 2025—with a tough ERA above 7.00 early but signs of regained form in June .
- Why trade? Chicago’s rotation is stretched thin following Justin Steele’s injury and Jameson Taillon’s calf strain; Alcántara’s elite upside gives the Cubs a potential playoff-caliber ace .
- Cost? Sources point to top prospect Owen Caissie, possibly paired with pitches like Jefferson Rojas or Jostin Florentino . One analyst argued, “Trading Caissie for Alcántara is the next logical step.”
2. Miami’s Edward Cabrera
- Current form: 27-year-old righty boasts a 3.33 ERA overall, and a scorching 2.11 ERA since May .
- Trade appeal: Under team control through 2028. The Marlins, undergoing a rebuild, might trade him for a strong offer — potential package: Caissie + Rojas + Florentino .
- Cubs’ dilemma: Is giving up multiple cost-controlled prospects worth a long-term rotation piece?
3. Other Arms on the Radar
- Pablo López (Twins): Reliable veteran with ~$21.7M AAV; salary reduction may entice Minnesota, and Chicago has payroll space after the Cody Bellinger to Astros move .
- Tyler Anderson (Angels): Solid 2.97 ERA over 19 starts, one year of control—though FIP suggests some possible regression .
- Adrian Houser: Former Cub system arm, currently sparkling with a 1.56 ERA; familiarity with Counsell could make this a lower-risk option .
4. Catching & Offense Enhancements
- Willson Contreras (Cardinals): A potential emotional and veteran lift—tied directly to postseason experience and defense .
- Logan O’Hoppe (Angels): Chicago reportedly “aggressively pursued” the 24-year-old backstop, but talks fell apart .
- Eugenio Suárez: As a midseason rental, his power bat is a likely fit—though the elevated price tag could be a hindrance .
5. Cubs on the Block: Trade Pieces in Play
- Owen Caissie: Top prospect, yet blocked at outfield; he’s seen as the centerpiece for a major acquisition .
- Ryan Pressly: Veteran reliever with inconsistent results; his expiring deal yields trade value—expect bullpen depth in return .
- Cody Bellinger & Seiya Suzuki: Offseason sparks pointed to potential trades. Bellinger carries salary baggage; Suzuki has a no-trade clause, but remains a topic of speculation .
Fan Buzz & Insider Thoughts
- Reddit reflects excitement over the Kyle Tucker acquisition from Houston, with fans emphasizing the need for pitching: “We need pitchers for the back end of the bullpen”
“Once we get rid of Belli’s contract we’ll be able to do so” (referring to taking on payroll flexibility)
🧭 Where Things Stand
- The Cubs are aggressively pursuing a frontline starter, primarily through Alcántara, Cabrera, López, and possibly Anderson or Houser.
- Prospect capital—especially Caissie—is likely to be the currency for any high-end deal.
- Ancillary upgrades at catcher or offense could happen if Chicago offloads veterans like Pressly, Bellinger, or Suzuki.
🗓️ Timeline & Outlook
With the July 31 trade deadline fast approaching, expect escalating pressure on GM Jed Hoyer and President Carter Hawkins to finalize big moves. The Cubs, poised for a playoff push, may “overpay” prospect value in exchange for proven MLB talent.