The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing pitching options before the MLB trade deadline this week, with particular attention on Washington Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore. According to reports from The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma, the Cubs are very interested in acquiring Gore, although his trade price is considered exceptionally steep.

Gore, 26, is in his third season with the Nationals after beginning his career with the San Diego Padres. This year marks the best statistical season of his young career, as he maintains a 3.52 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP, despite a disappointing 4-10 win-loss record tied to Washington’s overall struggles. The Nationals, currently 13.5 games behind in the wild card race with a 43-62 record, may be open to trading Gore if the offer matches their valuation. The Cubs, aiming for a strong postseason push, could find Gore’s talent a significant boost sufficient to warrant the high cost.

Additional Pitching Options Include Braves’ Raisel Iglesias

In addition to Gore, reports highlight that the Cubs are evaluating several pitchers, including Atlanta Braves veteran Raisel Iglesias. Mooney and Sharma note that Iglesias

“is one of several options under consideration”

for Chicago. Iglesias, now in the final year of his contract, is experiencing difficulties this season with a 5.09 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP—both career-worst marks—but he showed excellent form during the previous year, recording a 1.95 ERA and 34 saves.

While Iglesias’ current performance has been uneven, recent trends suggest he may be recovering form. The Braves, who sit 12 games out of the wild card race, are expected to look at trading some assets at the deadline, making Iglesias a potential candidate to be moved. For the Cubs, Iglesias represents a lower-commitment option compared to Gore, appealing for a team balancing competitive urgency with contract considerations.

Trade Deadline Strategies and Potential Implications for the Cubs

The Cubs find themselves at a crossroads this trade season as they attempt to bolster their pitching staff to improve postseason chances. Acquiring MacKenzie Gore would provide a young, ascending starter who has demonstrated strong individual performance despite Washington’s team difficulties. However, Chicago must weigh whether their willingness to meet the Nationals’ high trade demands is justified by Gore’s value and durability.

Alternatively, Raisel Iglesias offers experience and recent high-level success, albeit with some uncertainty this year, along with a shorter financial and contractual commitment. The possibility of bringing Iglesias to the Cubs could address bullpen needs without the significant cost Gore’s acquisition might entail.

With the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Cubs’ decisions regarding Gore and Iglesias will reveal how aggressively the organization intends to pursue a playoff run and manage resources. These moves may also signal the team’s longer-term approach to balancing veteran presence and emerging talent on their pitching roster.