MLB rumors: Cubs still want to trade for 3 pitchers after missing on Tarik Skubal

Following the massive news that the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, many fans are throwing up their hands and looking toward the 2028 MLB season. But life carries on. Instead of cussing out this ever-growing beast that has been stomping over the competition, playoff-caliber teams like the Chicago Cubs can still upgrade their rosters. Perhaps all hope is not lost.

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer should be plenty active heading into the MLB trade deadline. Even though Skubal is no longer an option, insiders expect Chicago to remain ambitious. Just how ambitious will the organization be, though?

“Ideally, the Cubs will add three pitchers before Monday’s deadline, according to a source briefed on their thinking — two starters and a reliever or two relievers and a starter,” Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic write. “That might not be possible, but the supply of both rotation and bullpen options is plentiful, creating numerous possibilities.”

Who can the Cubs pursue?

While there are seemingly a limited number of true sellers, the New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers still present Hoyer with opportunities to make a move.

Freddy Peralta is a two-time All-Star who manager Craig Counsell knows exceptionally well from his time with the Milwaukee Brewers. Clay Holmes has found success as both a starting pitcher and reliever. He is working his way back from a fractured fibula. Luke Weaver, another man who has played for both the Mets and New York Yankees, could help Jacob Webb finish off games in the Cubs’ bullpen. He owns a 1.88 ERA in 43 innings pitched.

Angels hurler Reid Detmers should also be on Hoyer’s radar. Following back-to-back rough starts to begin July, the 27-year-old Illinois native has allowed only three runs in his last 16 1/3 innings of work. Fellow left-hander Casey Mize should be attainable as well now that the Tigers have dealt Tarik Skubal. He has quietly tallied a 2.70 ERA in 86 2/3 innings. Those American League pitchers are both appealing, but the most coveted southpaw could be forthcoming free agent Robbie Ray.

The 2021 AL Cy Young and two-time All-Star has been on a bright spot on an overall dreary Giants squad. If not for a brutal May start versus the Arizona Diamondbacks (surrendered nine runs on 11 hits), he might be drawing some consideration in the NL Cy Young race.

There are several paths for the Cubs to take in the next day-plus. Adding three impactful arms may be unrealistic, but with Edward Cabrera and Daniel Palencia due to return at some point this season, even one difference-maker could launch Chicago into genuine title contention.

The clock is ticking, though.

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