The Chicago Cubs’ pitching struggles have been brought into sharp relief amid the absence of their ace Shota Imanaga, raising concern as the team prepares for a critical National League Central series. Despite a strong overall record, the Cubs’ weakness against elite opponents has pressured their front office to seek pitching reinforcements ahead of a challenging stretch.
With Shota Imanaga Cubs pitching impact under intense scrutiny, the team’s ability to maintain their lead in one of MLB’s most competitive divisions could depend heavily on patching up the rotation. Imanaga, sidelined by a hamstring injury since early May, is expected to return soon, but questions remain if his comeback alone will be enough to stabilize the staff.
Pitching Vulnerabilities Exposed in Recent Series
The Cubs entered the season as legitimate contenders, boasting a 46-31 record and leading the NL Central thanks to an explosive offense ranking among the league’s best in runs scored, home runs, and on-base-plus-slugging percentage. However, their recent three-game series against the Seattle Mariners at Wrigley Field exposed glaring deficiencies in their pitching staff. After a competitive 10-7 win fueled by five home runs, the Cubs were overwhelmed in a lopsided 14-6 loss, with their pitching unable to keep the game within reach despite the offense’s power display.
This defeat was emblematic of a deeper issue. Veteran sports analyst Bruce Levine of 670 The Score highlighted the stark contrast between the Cubs’ performance against weaker teams and those with winning records.
The Cubs are 22-6 against teams under .500 this season,
he noted, emphasizing his point further.
They’re 24 and 25 against .500-plus teams.
Levine’s assessment delivers a blunt message:
Right now, they’re not playing that well against the better teams,
which spells trouble as the Cubs face an increasingly tough schedule against contenders like the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros.
Imanaga’s Injury and Its Ripple Effects on Cubs’ Rotation
Before his injury on May 4, Shota Imanaga had been an essential part of the Cubs’ rotation, posting a 2.82 ERA that anchored the pitching staff. His hamstring strain, coupled with the season-ending injury to pitcher Justin Steele, has left the Cubs with significant gaps. While veterans Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon have stepped up admirably, it has become clear that the rotation lacks the depth necessary to consistently challenge top-tier opponents. Imanaga’s imminent return is timely, with the Cubs gearing up for a pivotal series against the Cardinals, yet uncertainty remains whether his comeback will suffice to shore up the pitching concerns.
The front office’s urgency to address these pitching shortcomings is underscored by their willingness to explore the trade market for additional starting pitching, signaling that the organization does not view Imanaga’s return as a standalone fix.
Potential Pitching Acquisitions to Bolster the Rotation
Chicago’s search for pitching reinforcements includes several veteran pitchers, with the primary name emerging being Los Angeles Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson. At 35 years old and a two-time All-Star, Anderson offers experience and durability, known for his ability to log innings and provide a stabilizing presence. Despite a dip in performance during June, his 3.39 ERA through his first 11 starts suggests he could plug a significant hole in the Cubs rotation during the crucial stretch.
Another candidate reportedly on the Cubs’ radar is Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates. At 34, Heaney has produced one of his better seasons, holding a 3.33 ERA and pitching on a low-cost, one-year deal. His postseason experience, including a World Series championship with the Texas Rangers in 2023, adds value as the Cubs look to deepen their playoff credentials. However, acquiring a player from a divisional rival could complicate trade negotiations, although the Pirates’ current status as sellers might facilitate a deal.
Beyond these options, the Cubs could consider pursuing a major acquisition such as Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins. Alcantara represents a controllable ace but would come with a high prospect cost, making the move a significant investment. Alternatively, Edward Cabrera, also of the Marlins, offers a younger, longer-term pitching solution. For a more affordable short-term addition, Tampa Bay Rays’ right-hander Zack Littell could provide valuable bullpen or rotation depth as a rental.
Urgency Amid Intensifying NL Central Competition
This upcoming trade deadline window is critical for the Cubs’ aspirations to stay atop the NL Central. Although they currently hold first place, the margin for error is thin. The Milwaukee Brewers, just 3.5 games behind, are surging, while the St. Louis Cardinals sit only 4.5 games back and have been one of the hottest teams in the league. The Cubs’ success down the stretch will largely hinge on their capacity to elevate their pitching against these divisional rivals.
With the offensive firepower already established, the team’s fortunes now depend entirely on reinforcing the pitching staff to neutralize strong contenders. The Cubs front office’s aggressive pursuit of starting pitchers highlights this reality and indicates a prioritization of pitching upgrades as paramount to ensuring a postseason bid.
The Stakes of Strengthening the Rotation
The Cubs’ conspicuous difficulties facing quality opponents have sparked widespread debate about whether their impressive overall statistics are simply a smokescreen masking deeper vulnerabilities. Until their pitching inconsistency is resolved, doubts remain about the team’s capacity for a prolonged October run. Given the physical demands of MLB’s final stretch and playoff intensity, reinforcing the rotation with dependable arms could prove decisive.
As Shota Imanaga prepares to rejoin the Cubs, his presence will offer a significant boost, but the front office’s parallel efforts to acquire veteran arms suggest that team management is keenly aware that pitching improvements are essential to converting their regular-season success into October victories. The upcoming trade deadline and the team’s ability to secure reliable starting pitchers will likely shape the narrative of the Cubs’ season.