Chicago Cubs: 3 Brutal reality checks before the trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs are headed towards the August 3 MLB trade deadline still in reported pursuit of pitching.

Specifically, the Cubs would like to add a front-of-rotation starter, maybe a back-of-rotation arm, and at least one closer-capable reliever. Amid a massive wave of pitching injuries, the reality is that the heft of a deadline pitching haul may make the difference between a deep playoff run and a quick exit from the postseason.

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With that in the forefront of everyone’s mind, trade rumors have been everywhere and buzz regarding possible deals is all over. However, some of what’s been put out there would appear to be straight science fiction.

Here’s a look at three harsh realities facing Cubs fans as the trade deadline approaches:

Tarik Skubal is not coming to Chicago

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As much as fans would like to envision a scenario where Mr. Everything Tarik Skubal becomes the ace of the Cubs rotation and leads them to a World Series, there’s almost zero chance of that actually happening. The Tigers will rightfully demand an absolute fortune in prospect capital for the last three months of the soon-to-be free agent. Even if the Cubs had that kind of prospect wealth in their system, Jed Hoyer and company would surely not spend it all on a short-term rental.

It would be awesome to be proven wrong. Chicago, given their offensive prowess and true grit, would instantly become a postseason favorite with Skubal at the top of the rotation and injured hurlers Edward Cabrera, Daniel Palencia, Ben Brown, Hoby Milner, and even Justin Steele hopefully getting healthy enough to pitch before the playoffs.

Mason Miller, forget about it

Ditto what was just said above about Skubal, but maybe three times that sentiment. If the Cubs balk at spending a fortune in prospect capital to acquire one starting pitcher, they’d double-dog balk at spending it for a closer—even one as dominant as Miller, who would be under team control through the 2029 season.

The San Diego Padres are also reportedly looking for young pitching in any return for Miller, something which the Cubs do not currently have in their system beyond Jaxon Wiggins.

Seiya Suzuki is not being traded

One of the recurring stories bopping around in the media all year has been the idea that the Cubs will trade Suzuki straight-up for the stud starting pitcher they need. Well, there are two major hurdles to that.

First, Suzuki has a full no trade clause in his contract and he’d have to approve any deal looking to place him anywhere.

Second, it would make no sense whatsoever for Chicago to trade away a key component to their offense—one of the parts of their team that is a verifiable positive—for a starting pitcher who may or may not prove to be an asset. This doesn’t make baseball sense and, more important, it doesn’t jibe with how the Cubs conduct their trade-related business.

If the Cubs were sellers, of course they’d try to trade the free agency-bound right fielder. But as buyers, swapping out a strength for a hope is not logical.

As always, time will tell how all this trade deadline stuff works out and who becomes a new Cub.

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