Cubs Urged to Target Specific Move Before MLB Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs and Jed Hoyer have gotten off to a solid start to begin the 2026 MLB season, but there are clear issues that they must address in order to be a true World Series contender.

At this point in the year, the Cubs hold a 14-9 record. After beating the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night, Chicago has now won seven straight games. However, there is an obvious issue that has been made even worse due to injury.

Cade Horton came into the 2026 season expected to blossom into a star. Unfortunately, his season ended quickly due to an elbow injury. Now, the Cubs will need to address their pitching staff in some fashion.

Keeping that in mind, ESPN has made it clear that they believe Chicago needs to target pitching ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

ESPN Urges Chicago Cubs to Target More Pitching Help

ESPN’s David Schoenfield has provided an MLB trade deadline preview for all 30 teams. When it came to the Cubs, he noted that pitching will be the most likely focus of Hoyer’s trade plans.

Schoenfield also suggested that prospect Jefferson Rojas is the team’s most likely trade candidate.

“Rojas is one of the Cubs’ top prospects, a shortstop in Double-A with a nice swing and enough glove to stick at the position. With Dansby Swanson signed through 2029, Nico Hoerner recently extended with a six-year deal and Alex Bregman signed through 2030, Rojas’ path to playing time in the infield is blocked,” Schoenfield wrote.

“Meanwhile, with Cade Horton out for the season and some concerns about the bullpen depth, dealing Rojas could help get a quality pitcher for the stretch run.”

It’s a bit too early to know which teams are going to buyers and which are going to be sellers. There is no clear target for Chicago at this point in time. However, as the season progresses, those potential targets will be more clear.

Over the last couple of weeks, the Cubs had been heavily connected as a suitor for free agent starting pitcher Lucas Giolito. That possibility came to an end on Wednesday when the San Diego Padres signed the veteran pitcher. Now, Chicago will need to focus on trades to help bring in an impact starter to round out the rotation.

Also, it is important to remember that Justin Steele will make his return from injury at some point this season. Steele is capable of being a No. 1 caliber pitcher, but it would be foolish to expect him to come back at that level right off the bat.

Expect to continue hearing rumors and speculation about what Chicago could do ahead of the trade deadline. The Cubs will need pitching help more than likely and they’re being urged to target adding just that.

The post Cubs Urged to Target Specific Move Before MLB Trade Deadline appeared first on ChiCitySports.