With the MLB trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Chicago Cubs face a pressing need to reinforce their starting rotation, mainly due to recent injuries. The team’s focus remains on strengthening their pitching staff to improve their postseason chances while navigating available market options.
Rotation Setbacks and Current Pitching Performance
The Cubs have encountered significant hurdles in their rotation this season. Justin Steele is sidelined with a season-ending injury, while Jameson Taillon remains unable to pitch. Additionally, Shota Imanaga missed a large portion of the year, limiting the team’s depth. Despite these setbacks, Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have provided strong performances when healthy, standing out as the rotation’s most reliable arms.
Outside of Boyd and Imanaga, starting pitching production has been underwhelming. Colin Rea is the only other starter with a Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement (bWAR) above zero, highlighting the overall deficiency in effective starters. This has raised concerns about the Cubs’ ability to maintain momentum in the competitive National League Central.
Challenges in Securing an Elite Starting Pitcher
The Cubs ideally want to acquire a frontline starting pitcher capable of delivering quality postseason starts, but such pitchers are scarce and often come with a steep price tag. Miami Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara has emerged as a rumored trade target; however, his high level of production justifies a costly demand from the Marlins, complicating the possibility of a deal.
Mitch Keller’s Trade Prospects and Cubs’ Position
Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been widely mentioned as a potential trade candidate for the Cubs. Having pitched his career within the National League Central, the Cubs are familiar with his abilities. Keller’s contract runs through 2028, including an extension starting in 2024, making him a young pitcher with long-term value rather than a short-term rental.
Despite frequent rumors of a Keller trade, recent reports suggest the Cubs are not prioritizing him as their top choice for bolstering their rotation. Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted,
“This isn’t to say Toronto is the front runner for Keller. The Mets and Yankees remain interested, as do the Cubs, although sources informed the Post-Gazette last week that Keller isn’t believed to be Chicago’s first choice.”
—Noah Hiles, Sportswriter
This indicates the Cubs could have alternative targets in mind but might revisit Keller if other plans falter.
Possible Obstacles and Required Assets in Pursuing Keller
Landing Keller would not come cheaply for Chicago. The Pittsburgh Pirates have no incentive to aid a division rival currently ahead of them in the standings without receiving significant compensation. The Cubs might need to include promising players, such as outfield prospect Owen Caissie, to finalize any deal — underscoring how valuable Keller is considered by his current club.
Looking Ahead: Cubs’ Strategy Moving Forward
The Cubs are carefully evaluating their starting pitching options as the trade deadline approaches, balancing cost and long-term team composition. While Mitch Keller remains a potential piece, the team’s measured approach suggests alternatives are also being explored to address their rotation weaknesses.
Strengthening the rotation is essential for the Cubs to maintain their competitive standing in the National League Central and to position themselves for a postseason run. Their decisions in the coming days will likely have a significant impact on the club’s short- and long-term trajectory.