1 last-minute trade Cubs must make before deadline

The Chicago Cubs want to upgrade their pitching staff by Monday at 6 p.m. ET Major League Baseball trade deadline. This team considers itself a legitimate World Series contender, and the Cubs have looked brilliant during a pair of double-digit winning streaks and throughout other key areas of the schedule.

But team president Jed Hoyer knows there is work to do if he is going to give manager Craig Counsell a team that is capable of beating the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason.

The Dodgers just served notice that they are not satisfied with two consecutive World Series titles. They want a third and they let the rest of Major League Baseball know by trading for ace left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal late Saturday night. The Cubs also had a heavy interest in Skubal as did the New York Yankees, but the Tigers chose the Dodgers as their dance partner because they offered three excellent prospects in return for Skubal’s services for the rest of the season.

The Cubs have to find at least one starting pitcher if they are going to join the battle and fight on somewhat even terms for their first World Series title in a decade.

Chicago made one trade Sunday when the Cubs sent disappointing starting pitcher Jameson Taillon to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later as well as cash considerations. The Cubs knew they were going to move Taillon through a trade or releasing him when they designated him for assignment Monday.

That move may be considered addition by subtraction, but they still need a big-time pitcher. While they could not get Skubal, they need to turn their attention back to the Tigers.

Casey Mize could be a winning addition for the Cubs

The 29-year-old Mize has been having a solid year and while he does not have the profile of his former teammate in Skubal, he could be very effective the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

Mize has made 16 starts for the Tigers this season and 8 of those have been quality starts. While he has a 4-6 record, Mize has a 2.70 earned run average. He strikes out nearly one batter per inning as he has fanned 85 batters in 86.2 innings. He has only walked 19 battersand he has also allowed just 5 home runs this season. That has to appeal to Hoyer and Counsell since Wrigley Field can turn into home run heaven when the wind at Wrigley Field is blowing out.

Mize was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018 and he made his debut with the Tigers in 2020. He had a rather up-and-down career through the 2024 season, but he was able to turn things around last season. Mize was excellent throughout 2025 when he had a 14-6 record and made the American League All-Star team. He made 28 starts a year ago and he had a 3.89 ERA with 139 strikeouts in 149.0 innings.

Cubs need key addition to their rotation

If the Cubs are able to acquire Mize, he would likely fit in as their No. 3 starter. Shota Imanaga and Colin Rea are their top two starters at this point. Imanaga has a 7-9 record and has made 22 starts this year. He has a 3.67 ERA while striking out 119 batters in 127.2 innings.

Imanaga has allowed 24 home runs this season, and he has been vulnerable to the long ball throughout his tenure on the North Side of the Chicago.

Rea has also been somewhat effective. He has an 8-7 record after making 18 starts and 22 appearances this season. Rea has a 4.67 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 111.2 inning. and he has given up 17 home runs.

Gausman could be a solid fit if Cubs can’t get top candidate

Mize is likely to be one of the top pitchers who gets traded before Monday’s deadline. Hoyer has to have alternatives, and veteran Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman could be in the picture.

Gausman has been one of Toronto’s mainstays throughout his five years with the team. Gausman was a key part of the Toronto rotation last year when the Blue Jays went to the World Series and were one out away from beating the Dodgers in Game 7. He made 32 starts a year ago and he had a 10-11 record with a 3.58 ERA. He struck out 189 batters in 193.0 innings.

Gausman performed well in the postseason last year, pitching 30.2 innings for the Blue Jays with 26 strikeouts. He made 5 starts and 1 relief appearance and had a 2.93 ERA.

He has struggled somewhat this season with a 5-10 record and a 4.38 ERA, but coming to a contender could rejuvenate him and also give the Cubs a lift.

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