The Chicago Cubs are rolling into the 2026 MLB trade deadline as clear buyers, no doubt about it. But get ready, because how deep they’re going to dive is still anyone’s guess, even as the season heats up. According to MLB insider Robert Murray from Fansided.com, the Cubs are expected to be hitting up two major trade markets this year: starting pitching and the bullpen. This isn’t just a rumor, it’s a full-blown declaration of intent for what could be a wild summer.
“Pitching, Pitching, and More Pitching!” Sounds Like a Mantra
Look, sometimes you just gotta state the obvious. Murray’s exact words nail it: “Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. That should be the Cubs’ motto come the trade deadline.” You hear that? It’s not about finding a depth bat or a positional upgrade this time around. The front office, led by Jed Hoyer, has made their plans crystal clear. The team has been absolutely hammered by injuries in both their rotation and the bullpen. When your arms are dropping like flies, you gotta go get more. Hoyer and the Cubs are on a mission to add serious pitching help, and they’re expected to be active in both markets to make it happen.
The Shopping List Is Long, But Some Names Are Out of Reach
So, who’s on Hoyer’s radar? While superstars like Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller are probably out of reach for a deal right now, Murray says the Cubs could still pull off something massive if they truly deem it worthwhile. But beyond those big names, the list of potential targets is seriously interesting. For the bullpen, we’re talking about names like Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, Antonio Senzatela, and Kirby Yates. That’s a solid group of arms right there that could fortify any relief corps.
Switching over to the rotation, the options get even deeper. Imagine bringing in someone like Robbie Ray, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcantara, Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano, Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Foster Griffin, Casey Mize, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, or Kevin Gausman. That’s a stacked list of starters who could make a huge difference. While the bullpen market might not be as robust, Hoyer should still be able to find serious upgrades in both areas, even with plenty of other contenders out there also looking for pitching.
This summer is all about bringing in arms to combat those injury woes. Keep your eyes glued to what Jed Hoyer does in the coming weeks. The Cubs’ season could absolutely hinge on these moves.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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