The Chicago Cubs’ starting pitching depth is already being tested only 20 games into the new season.
On Sunday, the Cubs received the brutal news that standout lefty Justin Steele will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. He will undergo surgery on Friday, and rehab will determine whether he is ready by the start of the 2026 campaign.
This is a pressure-packed season for the Cubs, especially with superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker slated to hit free agency. They have to make the playoffs, and though they’ll try to ride it out for now with their existing starting pitching depth, a move could still be forthcoming.
One baseball writer believes there is a perfect fit waiting for the Cubs on the trade market.
On Friday, Newsweek’s Andrew Wright named Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López, who is currently on the injured list himself with a hamstring strain, as a top potential trade fit for the Cubs at this year’s July deadline.
“Had left-hander Justin Steele not suffered a season-ending injury, the Cubs would not have made this list, but here they are. While they aren’t in desperate need for pitching, a quality arm certainly wouldn’t hurt,” Wright wrote.
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“Handing the ball to Lopez in an elimination game would be a much better option than handing it to Ben Brown or Colin Rea. While it isn’t an immediate need… seeing what it would potentially take to snag Lopez from Minnesota would not be a bad idea.”
The 29-year-old López was an All-Star in 2023 and has been a workhorse since the start of the 2020 season. In 161 starts, he’s thrown 906 innings, racked up 935 strikeouts, and posted a 3.86 ERA.
López’s $73.5 million contract extension pays him $21.75 million in each of the next three seasons. While it’s unclear whether the Cubs are willing to add that sort of burden to their payroll, it’s great value for a pitcher with his abilities.
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