Chicago Cubs urged to trade Matt Shaw for Tigers’ 2X All-Star pitching ace

With the addition of Alex Bregman at third base, the Chicago Cubs have some wiggle room to add an extra pitcher this offseason.

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The Cubs aren’t sure where Matt Shaw will end up this season. The plan for now is to use him as a utility player who can allow starters to get rest days during the regular season.

Shaw could wind up getting playing time in the outfield.

Or the Cubs could trade him for a two-time All-Star pitcher.

Marshall Harris of 670 The Score argued that the Cubs should try and trade for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, currently in arbitration. (He’s seeking $32 million, a nearly $13 million gap for the Tigers.)

Harris thinks the Cubs would become an instant competitor to the Dodgers for the NL if they landed Skubal.

“I believe the Cubs should go ahead and punch that,” Harris said of a trade for Skubal. “What would it look like to get Tarik Skubal on this rotation? I think if you can get this done, this puts them at the top of the list of challengers to the (Los Angeles) Dodgers in the National League.

“I think right now they’re in a pool of teams who are challengers to the Dodgers, but if you get Skubal pitching twice in a seven game series, maybe even three times, depending on how it works out, you feel real good about where the Cubs are and some of the young pitching that might have to go out to get them.”

Should the Cubs make a push for Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal? How much should they be willing to give up? @grotesports, @mharrisonair and @clayharbs82 discussed that in @Rahimi_Harris 5 On It. pic.twitter.com/xxMc65KXnL

— 670 The Score (@thescorechicago) January 29, 2026

Mark Grote asked Harris what the Cubs should give up to get a deal done for Skubal. He’d be okay with giving up prospects and Shaw or pitcher Cade Horton.

“Hi Matt Shaw, bye Matt Shaw,” Harris said. “Hi Cade Horton, bye Cade Horton.”

Could the Chicago Cubs trade for Tigers P Tarik Skubal?

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Per Mike Feinsand of MLB.com, the arbitration process could be a hinderance for teams that want to trade for the pitcher. He quoted an American League executive who said $32 million would be too much for many MLB teams.

“With the risk of $32 million a year, there could be some clubs that can’t afford him (Skubal), although I would guess most teams in for about $20 million would find the space,” the AL executive said. “Trading him pre-hearing would be awkward since the new club would go to a (hearing) with a guy they just acquired.”

Even worse for the Cubs, the Tigers don’t plan to trade Skubal.

But that could change if things turn ugly during Spring Training.

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