{"id":102843,"date":"2025-06-26T00:43:02","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T04:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=102843"},"modified":"2025-06-26T00:43:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T04:43:02","slug":"chicago-cubs-trade-talks-heating-up-late-june","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/06\/26\/chicago-cubs-trade-talks-heating-up-late-june\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs Trade Talks Picking Up One Month from Deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs currently sit in first place in the National League Central, but have been sliding as of late. This is largely due to their starting pitching. As a team, they have given up 54 runs in their last six games. Jed Hoyer, Chicago’s President of Baseball Operations, has made it clear that the Cubs will be targeting pitching via trade. This could even come as soon as this week. But what is the reason the Cubs are so desperate for new pitching?<\/p>\n

Cubs Trade Talks Intensifying Amid Pitching Woes<\/h2>\n

Chicago’s Starting Pitching Troubles<\/h3>\n

The Cubs’ pitching issues started early in the season when Justin Steele was ruled out for the year<\/a>. Then, on May 4th, Shota Imanaga suffered a hamstring strain. He has been out ever since, but will make his return this week<\/a>. When Imanaga got hurt, the hardships started. Since May 5th, the Cubs’ starters have a 5.06 ERA, ranking them 27th in MLB over that time frame.<\/p>\n

The reason this hasn’t been as big a problem as it seems is because their offense has been so good. This is how they have stayed in first place in the NL Central, even holding the title of best record in the National League for a brief period. Unfortunately, their pitching is finally starting to slow them down as they have lost 5 of their last 6 games. They even lost three games scoring seven, six, and seven runs respectively.<\/p>\n

It has been a looming setback all year that they are finally addressing. So, what are the Cubs doing to try to resolve the issues they have in their rotation?<\/p>\n

The Cubs’ Top Trade Targets<\/h3>\n

The biggest developing story as of late is a duo of Miami Marlins pitchers that could be on the trade block. This duo consists of 27-year-old Edward Cabrera and 29-year-old Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic first reported that the Cubs are already “making inquiries on Miami Marlins right-handers Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara and Edward Cabrera, among many others.” While this news isn’t shocking, it is coming sooner than expected.<\/p>\n

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Jun 22, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Edward Cabrera is currently in his fifth year and has been solid. He is 2-2 on the season with a 3.81 ERA. In his last five games, he has put up a 1.46 ERA along with 30 strikeouts in 24 2\/3 innings. Sandy Alc\u00e1ntara is more interesting. He boasts a 6.69 ERA this season with a 4-8 W-L. Even though these are not good numbers, there is still hope for Alc\u00e1ntara. He won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022<\/a> but sat out the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, he has four quality starts and a 2.74 ERA in his last four starts. Either of these guys would be great for the Cubs to take a chance on to bolster their rotation.<\/p>\n

Another hot topic involving pitching and the Cubs is Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller. Bruce Levine and Bob Nightengale report that the Cubs and Pirates have talked about possibly trading Mitch Keller.<\/p>\n

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Confirming Pirates and Cubs have talked about Mitch Keller. @BobNightengale<\/a> first report of interest.Getting deal done is challenging because of sellers market. One GM said to me 25 teams still feel they have a wild card chance.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) June 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n