Chicago, IL – As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly facing significant challenges within their starting pitching rotation, a situation described by one prominent former executive as a “dire need.” Amidst key injuries that have depleted their staff, the Cubs are expected to be active in the market, seeking reinforcements.
According to an analysis by former MLB executive Jim Bowden, writing for The Athletic, the path forward for the Cubs’ front office involves targeting a specific group of starting pitchers available via trade. Bowden has identified five potential candidates who he believes could help solidify the rotation and bolster the team’s prospects for contention.
The Urgency in the Rotation
The catalyst for the Cubs’ perceived need is the impact of injuries to crucial members of their starting staff. Pitcher Justin Steele, a key figure, is reportedly out for the year, representing a significant loss. Furthermore, injuries have also affected Jameson Taillon, further exacerbating the team’s depth concerns.
This two-pronged challenge has created a substantial void, placing immense pressure on the remaining starters and prompting the assessment that the rotation requires urgent attention if the team is to maintain a competitive posture in the latter half of the season.
Expert Insights and Potential Targets
Jim Bowden, leveraging his extensive background as a former MLB executive, has provided a clear list of pitchers he believes the Cubs should prioritize pursuing ahead of the trade deadline. His analysis, published in The Athletic, serves as a potential roadmap for the difficult decisions facing the club’s leadership.
The five starting pitchers identified by Bowden as potential targets for the Chicago Cubs are:
* Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates
* Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks
* Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks
* Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins
* Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins
Analyzing the Potential Additions
Each pitcher on Bowden’s list presents a distinct profile and set of circumstances that could factor into trade discussions:
Mitch Keller (Pittsburgh Pirates): Keller holds a 3.58 ERA this season and is under team control through 2028. The fact that the Cubs have reportedly inquired about his availability with Pittsburgh suggests that he might be a more attainable target than some others on the list. His performance this season indicates current effectiveness, while his contract status offers long-term value to an acquiring team.
Zac Gallen & Merrill Kelly (Arizona Diamondbacks): Both Gallen and Kelly are named as potential targets from the Diamondbacks. While specific statistics or contract details for these two pitchers were not provided in the summary of Bowden’s analysis, their inclusion suggests they are viewed as potential impact arms who might become available under the right conditions, perhaps as their current team navigates its own season trajectory.
Edward Cabrera (Miami Marlins): Cabrera, another pitcher identified from the Miami Marlins, currently possesses a 3.33 ERA and is also under team control through 2028. Like Keller, his age and lengthy team control make him a valuable asset, potentially commanding a significant return in any trade scenario. His strong ERA this season indicates solid performance.
Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins): Perhaps the most intriguing, yet complex, name on the list is Sandy Alcantara. A former Cy Young Award winner, Alcantara possesses undeniable elite potential. However, his performance this season has been challenging, evidenced by a 7.01 ERA through 17 starts. Despite these struggles, he remains under team control through 2027, adding a layer of trade value beyond his current statistics. Acquiring Alcantara would represent a move to acquire a pitcher with proven top-tier capability, albeit one currently working through difficulties.
The Imperative for Contention
Bowden’s analysis underscores the critical nature of the Cubs’ rotation situation. He explicitly states that if the team is serious about contending, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell must acquire one of these identified starters. This assertion highlights the perceived gap between the current roster construction and the requirements for a deep postseason run.
The trade deadline often necessitates difficult decisions regarding prospect capital in exchange for immediate help. Bowden’s list provides clear potential targets, framing the acquisition of a significant starting pitcher not merely as an option, but as a strategic imperative for the Cubs’ aspirations this season.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a pivotal moment as the trade deadline looms. Facing a “dire need” in the starting rotation due to key injuries, the team’s path forward, according to former MLB executive Jim Bowden’s analysis in The Athletic, involves aggressively pursuing one of five specific pitchers: Mitch Keller, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Edward Cabrera, or Sandy Alcantara. The stats and contract statuses of these pitchers vary, presenting different acquisition complexities and potential rewards. The onus is now on Jed Hoyer and Craig Counsell to navigate the market effectively and secure the necessary pitching reinforcement if they intend to position the Cubs as true contenders.
