The trade deadline is approaching, and the Chicago Cubs are under immense pressure.
In potentially their only season with superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have surged to a 53-36 record, with a four-game lead atop the National League Central. But they have a potential Achilles’ heel to worry about: starting pitching depth.
Ever since Justin Steele’s elbow injury ended his season in April, the Cubs have been at least one starter short at all times. Shota Imanaga’s return and Matthew Boyd’s resurgence certainly help matters, but one more piece is a prerequisite to a deep playoff run.
Will the Cubs land the number-one starter on the trade market in terms of name value?
On Saturday, baseball content creator Steven Russell predicted that the Cubs would acquire Miami Marlins star Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, in a deadline blockbuster.
“Sandy Alcantara’s getting traded to the Cubs,” Russell said. “The Cubs need another starting pitcher and it just makes too much sense. And I do think better days are ahead for him.”
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Of course, Alcantara isn’t anywhere near the Cy Young conversation this season. His last two starts have been bad, and his ERA now sits at a shocking 7.01 through 17 starts. But after his early struggles in his return from Tommy John surgery, his command has appeared more consistent of late.
Still, Alcantara’s contract is good, as the five-year, $56 million extension he signed includes club control for both 2026 and 2027 (team option). Assuming he’s back in full form by next season, he’d be a sustainable piece for a few years of a potential championship window.
The Cubs have some major decisions to make this month, and there’s no doubt Alcantara’s name will be bandied about in the front office.
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