Cubs rumors: Bob Nightengale names 3 non-Tarik Skubal ‘bucket list’ trade targets

The Chicago Cubs have been struggling in recent action. While the Cubs’ performance has been underwhelming to say the least over the past week, the ball club still expects to compete in 2026. They will likely look to buy at the trade deadline in an effort to bolster their roster.

The entire MLB world knows the Cubs need another starter given all of their pitching injuries. MLB insider Bob Nightengale believes Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal may require too big of a trade return. Nightengale mentioned three other starters the Cubs could look to acquire in a recent article for USA Today.

“Tarik Skubal may be too rich for their blood, but Sandy Alcantara, Robbie Ray and Freddy Peralta will be on their bucket list,” Nightengale wrote.

Alcantara’s Miami Marlins, Ray’s San Francisco Giants and Peralta’s New York Mets have all struggled so far this season. All three starters could be made available for potential trades. The Cubs already acquired Edward Cabrera from the Marlins during the offseason, so there may be a recent trade relationship in place between the teams. Of course, deals with the Giants and Mets remain realistic as well.

The Cubs could still inquire about Skubal, but the Tigers will certainly want an attention-grabbing return for the two-time Cy Young winner if he is even available for a trade.

For now, the Cubs are focused on trying to snap their seven-game losing streak. Chicago will host the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon at 2:20 PM EST at Wrigley Field.

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