Cubs linked to $73.5 million trade that doesn’t make much sense

The Chicago Cubs still need to add another pitcher this offseason, and after whiffing on Tatsuya Imai, their options are now even slimmer.

Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez and Zac Gallen are the top pitchers remaining in free agency, and while Gallen seems like a prime bounce-back candidate, none of the options are overly appealing due to the price point.

Of course, the Cubs could always explore the trade market, as they are armed with a bevy of top position players in their farm system that they could swap out for an extra arm. There may also be some rather intriguing pitchers available via trade.

But Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib offered up a suggestion that doesn’t make a ton of sense: Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez.

Could the Chicago Cubs swing a trade for Pablo Lopez?

Let me preface this by saying that Lopez is definitely a good pitcher. Since entering the big leagues with the Miami Marlins in 2018, he owns a lifetime 3.81 ERA, 3.61 FIP and 1.175 WHIP. He has also averaged a very solid 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

But Lopez isn’t exactly the frontline ace the Cubs need, and he may also be a bit too expensive for their taste.

Lopez has two years remaining on the four-year, $73.5 million extension he signed with the Twins and is slated to earn $21.75 million in both 2026 and 2027. Considering Chicago wouldn’t surpass the Houston Astros’ three-year, $63 million offer for Imai, it seems hard to imagine he Cubs would feel comfortable paying Lopez even more while also surrendering some top trade chips in the process.

Additionally, Lopez — who has historically been very durable — dealt with a couple of concerning injuries last season, suffering shoulder strain in June and then sustaining a forearm strain upon returning in September. He logged an impressive 2.74 ERA across 14 starts, but there is no doubt that the health issues are a bit worrisome.

Given how conservative Chicago’s front office has been in recent years, Lopez does not seem like the type of player it would target, even if the 29-year-old would absolutely help its rotation.

Now, Joe Ryan would be another story, but Minnesota does not appear open to moving him.

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