Cubs linked to stunning trade target that will make fans shudder

The Chicago Cubs clearly need some reinforcements between now and the MLB trade deadline, and their recent slide has been concrete evidence of that.

While the Cubs do have a pair of 10-game winning streaks under their belt this season, they have now lost six of their last eight games as many of their issues are starting to come to a head.

During their series loss to the Chicago White Sox over the weekend, pitching became more and more of a problem for the Cubbies, as we saw them surrender 22 runs to their crosstown rivals during that three-game set.

The Cubs are currently dealing with a plethora of injuries to their starting rotation, and they could afford to add some bullpen help, as well. As a result, you should probably expect Jed Hoyer to be diligently working the phones in the coming weeks and months to try and patch things up.

But while big names like Freddy Peralta, Robbie Ray and Sonny Gray have been floated as the top potential trade targets for Chicago, Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib has shared another possibility that will surely make Cubs fans bristle: San Francisco Giants reliever Caleb Kilian.

Could the Chicago Cubs reunite with Caleb Kilian?

Cubs fans surely remember Kilian from the infamous Kris Bryant deal back in 2021, when Chicago sent its beloved former MVP to the Giants in exchange for Kilian and Alexander Canario.

Neither player is with the Cubs organization any longer, but Misener feels that a reunion could be in the cards. Should it be?

Kilian struggled mightily during his time in Chicago, logging a 9.22 ERA through eight appearances and five starts. He ultimately signed with San Francisco back in December and seems to have found his way in the Bay, having posted a 1.80 ERA while allowing 10 hits and registering 21 strikeouts over 20 innings of work.

That being said, there are still some concerns for the 20-year-old, such as the fact that he has walked 12 batters and owns a rather alarming 4.90 FIP, indicating that he has gotten pretty lucky with his ERA. His .156 BABIP is evidence of that, as well. In fact, FanGraphs has him at a negative-0.2 WAR.

There is certainly a chance — if not a likelihood — that Kilian comes crashing back down to earth, and Misener made sure to note that in his piece. But if he somehow continues at this pace, the Cubs might have no choice but to consider bringing him back in a trade.

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