Cubs Could Make Season-Altering Trade for Frontline Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 MLB season with one of the best starting pitching rotations in baseball. Unfortunately, their rotation was dealt a severe blow when Cade Horton went down for the season due to an elbow injury.

With Horton now out for the rest of the 2026 campaign, the Cubs have been rumored to have interest in adding to their rotation. Justin Steele should return from injury at some point this season, but there is no telling how good he will be upon his return. That could lead to Chicago looking into the trade market as the MLB trade deadline draws closer.

Plenty of names have been suggested as potential targets for the Cubs. They were rumored as a possible landing spot for veteran free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, but he chose to sign with the San Diego Padres earlier this week.

That being said, Chicago has been named a top trade suitor for a frontline starter.

Chicago Cubs Linked to Blockbuster Joe Ryan Trade

Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy created an “MLB Trade Deadline Big Board” on April 22. He named Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan as one of those candidates, while also naming the Cubs as a top suitor for him if he’s made available.

“The reason for Ryan’s fall here is simply because of the fact that the Twins have been better than expected,” McAvoy wrote. “Minnesota is 12-11 on the season and in second place in the American League Central. If things shift, Ryan will rise on this list again. But, for now, he’s No. 5.”

Ryan is one of the most underrated star pitchers in Major League Baseball. He is a clear ace caliber pitcher and would be an elite target for Chicago.

So far this season, Ryan has made five starts for the Twins. He has compiled a 2-2 record to go along with a 3.29 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, a 4.7 K/BB ratio, and 27.1 innings of work completed.

Last season, the 29-year-old starting pitcher made 31 appearances and 30 starts. He went 13-10 with a 3.42 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, a 5.0 K/BB ratio, and pitched 171 innings.

Whether or not the Cubs are planning to make a run at trading for Ryan remains to be seen. However, they make obvious sense as a suitor due to the Horton injury. Should Chicago find a way to acquire Ryan from Minnesota, the rotation would be right back to being arguably the best in baseball.

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