The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central, but the Milwaukee Brewers are suddenly right behind them. The Cubs could use some help in the starting rotation.
Justin Steele will miss the rest of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. The Cubs have Shōta Imanaga back, but could still add some starters to help them ensure a postseason run. Jameson Taillon, Colin Rea, Ben Brown and Cade Horton all have ERAs above 4.00. The starting pitcher market could be weak, but the Cubs will need to identify who can be an upgrade for them.
There are not many teams already out of contention. However, the Miami Marlins are likely going to be sellers at the trade deadline. Sandy Alcántara could be the talk of the deadline after better play as of late. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposed this “outrageous” trade that would bring Alcántara and Edward Cabrera to Chicago:
- Cubs receive: RHP Sandy Alcántara and RHP Edward Cabrera
- Marlins receive: OF Kevin Alcantara (No. 3 Cubs Prospect), IF Jefferson Rojas (No. 4 Cubs prospect), RHP Jaxon Wiggins (No. 8 Cubs prospect), RHP Ryan Gallagher (No. 17 Cubs prospect) and IF Yahil Melendez (No. 24 Cubs prospect)
Five Top 30 prospects are no joke. However, the Cubs would be getting two great starters for more than just this season. Cabrera has a 3.78 ERA in 13 starts this year and is under club control through 2028. He has a 2.36 ERA in his last 10 starts. He would be a great addition to the Cubs, but he is not the headline player in the trade.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Sandy Alcántara won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022. He struggled in 2023 and missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He started this season off poorly, but has pitched better as of late. He signed a five-year, $56 million deal in 2022 and is under club control through 2027.
More MLB: Dodgers could replace Michael Conforto with Pirates star outfielder
