The Cubs are intensifying their efforts to strengthen their pitching staff before the MLB trade deadline, with a focus on both immediate and long-term improvements. Among their top considerations are adding veteran reliever Raisel Iglesias and exploring the possibility of acquiring Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, emphasizing the Cubs’ growing interest in the MacKenzie Gore trade opportunity.
Raisel Iglesias Emerges as a Clear Trade Candidate
Raisel Iglesias stands out as a more straightforward acquisition target due to his impending free agency and the struggling Atlanta Braves’ unlikelihood of reaching the playoffs. Although Iglesias’s 5.09 ERA over 40 2/3 innings this season appears underwhelming, his underlying metrics tell a different story. His 3.00 SIERA suggests better performance, supported by above-average to elite strikeout, walk, and hard-hit ball rates. Iglesias’s inflated ERA is largely the result of a few rough outings, including games against the Giants, Diamondbacks, and Yankees.
At 35, Iglesias still has effective pitching left to offer and could provide significant relief in high-pressure situations. While the Cubs’ bullpen has shown improvement recently, inconsistency remains a concern. Daniel Valencia’s emergence as the team’s closer has been promising, but the Cubs might prefer Iglesias’s proven experience to solidify their relief corps as the season progresses.
MacKenzie Gore’s Trade Prospects Are Uncertain but Intriguing
MacKenzie Gore, on the other hand, represents a more speculative target. Nationals interim general manager Mike DeBartolo has expressed a clear intent to keep Gore as part of the team’s core, stating,
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not a focus of mine to move him.
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Gore holds arbitration control through 2027 and has recently solidified his role as Washington’s ace, making a trade difficult to justify at this point.
DeBartolo’s interim status may also limit his authority to approve a substantial trade involving Gore. Even if the Nationals remain open to offers, their asking price is expected to be exceptionally high. Acquiring Gore would likely require the Cubs to part with multiple top prospects and at least one young player close to major league readiness.
Chicago’s Prospect Depth Could Facilitate a High-Stakes Deal
The Cubs’ farm system is among the few in MLB deep enough to potentially meet Washington’s steep price. Owen Caissie, an elite outfield prospect thriving at Triple-A, stands out as a key asset in any potential trade talks. Despite his strong performance, Chicago’s crowded outfield means Caissie currently lacks a clear path to the major league roster, though this could change depending on offseason moves such as Kyle Tucker’s possible free agency departure.
Patrick Mooney reports that Chicago is reluctant to trade Caissie unless the return includes a controllable, frontline talent like Gore. Caissie was reportedly involved in prior trade discussions for Athletics pitcher Jesus Luzardo, but concerns over Luzardo’s medical condition ended those negotiations. Caissie’s continued success in Triple-A this season likely only strengthens the Cubs’ desire to retain him unless offered something truly significant in return.
What These Moves Could Mean for the Cubs’ Future
The addition of Raisel Iglesias could immediately bolster the Cubs’ bullpen as they aim to stabilize late-inning relief, while the pursuit of MacKenzie Gore signals a willingness to invest heavily in pitching talent for the long haul. Iglesias offers a relatively low-risk option with upside given his track record, while Gore would represent a transformative but costly acquisition requiring the Cubs to dig deep into their prospect pool.
As the deadline nears, the Cubs’ decisions on these pitchers will reveal whether the organization prioritizes a push for short-term bullpen reliability or begins a more substantial rebuild around pitching assets. With key players like Owen Caissie awaiting opportunity, Chicago’s approach to these trades will have lasting effects on the team’s competitiveness and roster construction.