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  • Chicago Cubs Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

    The latest Chicago Cubs free agent and trade rumors, along with notes and tidbits about the team.
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    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their rotation at next week's trade deadline. Yesterday, they were tied to Adrian Houser of the Chicago White Sox - an uninspiring yet solid arm.
    This morning, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic are reporting that the Chicago Cubs are "very interested" in starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore - a big impact arm. One that would require the Cubs to deal high-end assets, which they are open to doing.
    The southpaw Gore has started 21 games this season through July 26, 2025. He has pitched 117 2/3 innings with a 3.52 ERA. His FIP is 3.28, and he has a 29.3% strikeout rate and a 9.0% walk rate. Gore was named to his first All-Star Game in 2025. He is controllable through 2027 via arbitration.
    Do you think the Cubs should do what it takes to land Gore, even if it means depleting their farm system? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Adding to the long list of targets, the Chicago Cubs are interested in Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Adrian Houser.
    Houser has enjoyed a resurgent 2025 season with the southsiiders, proving to be a valuable addition after signing a minor league deal and eventually joining their rotation in mid-May. Through 11 starts and 68 2/3 innings pitched, he boasts a remarkable 2.10 ERA. While his FIP of 3.01 is nearly a full run higher, it still indicates strong performance, particularly given his ability to induce weak contact and generate groundballs (48.4% GB%). Houser's strikeout and walk rates are mediocre at 17.7% and 7.7%, leading to a lowly K-BB% of 10.0%. Houser will be a free agent at seasons end.
    How much would adding Adrian Houser improve the Cubs' rotations? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs are willing to go all-in on in 2025. Though their farm system isn't deep, their top-end prospects are very close to the big leagues, which provides an intriguing option for any team that is looking to retool in the short term rather than rebuild over a longer timeframe.
    Mike Rodriguez is reporting "the front office is ready to consider offers for any young player, including top prospects, such as Moisés Ballesteros [sic], Jefferson Rojas, Kelvin Alcántara, and Cristian Hernández." Rodriguez doesn't mention Owen Caissie, but that's likely just an oversight rather than having a deeper meaning.
    In Baseball America's latest prospect rankings, Ballesteros, Caissie, and Rojas all make the top 100 prospects in all of baseball. Alcantara, who fell out of their top 100 in May, didn't flash in his cup of coffee with the club and has been an average producer for Triple-A Iowa. Hernandez, their one top prospect who isn't near the big leagues, has also been an average producer at High-A South Bend.
    As one of the best teams in baseball, are you open to the idea of the Cubs depleting their farm system in an effort to add at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their bullpen and have been tied to multiple names on the market. Adding to the list of potential additions, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score is reporting that the Chicago Cubs have "discussed Baltimore Orioles' Seranthony Dominguez and Tampa Bay Rays Pete Fairbanks." It's worth noting that the Rays aren't sent on moving Fairbanks at the deadline.
    Dominguez is having a solid 2025 season, with Through 39 2/3 innings pitched across 41 appearances, he holds a 3.63 ERA. Dominguez continues to be a high-strikeout pitcher with a K% of 30.7%, however his walk rate has been a bit elevated, with a BB% of 14.5%, leading to a K-BB% of 16.2%. Despite the walks, he has been a reliable option in late-inning situations for the Orioles.
    Fairbanks has made 39 appearances and pitched 38 innings, He's posted a solid 2.84 ERA and has racked up 17 saves. While his strikeout rate (K% of 20.3%) is not as dominant as some top-tier relievers, his control remains decent with a BB% of 9.5%, leading to an 10.8% K-BB%. Despite some battles with consistency early in the season, Fairbanks has settled in to be a dependable back-end bullpen arm for the Rays.
    Do either of these players interest you? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Amid all the trade deadline buzz, it's being widely reported that the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field will host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game. The official announcement is expected the day following the trade deadline, August 1st.
    Wrigley Field last hosted the event in 1990. Prior to 1990, Wrigley Field hosted the All-Star Game in 1947 and 1962 (note that there were two All-Star Games played in 1962, with the other held in Washington, D.C.).
    In the 1947 MLB All-Star Game, the American League defeated the National League 2-1 in a pitcher's duel. Johnny Mize hit a home run for the National League, but the American League scored the tying and winning runs in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively.
    In the second All-Star Game played in 1962. The American League broke a five-game losing streak, defeating the National League 9-4. Leon Wagner was named MVP. The game was marked by four National League errors and three American League home runs.
    Finally, in the 1990 MLB All-Star Game, the American League shut out the National League 2-0. Julio Franco hit a two-run double in the seventh inning, providing all the scoring, and was named the game's MVP. The National League only managed two hits, the fewest in All-Star Game history.
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs are looking to beef up their bullpen at the trade deadline and may do so by acquiring one of the best relievers in baseball history.
    Francys Romero, an independent baseball reporter, is citing industry sources and sharing "the Chicago Cubs are one of the teams most actively monitoring Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase..."
    Clase, controllable through 2028 via team options, has been his usual dominant self for the Cleveland Guardians in 2025, continuing to be one of baseball's elite closers. Through 45 appearances, he boasts a stellar 2.80 ERA (2.31 FIP) over 45.0 innings, along with 22 saves. Clase continues to rely on his high-velocity cutter, generating a lot of weak contact and groundballs. He's maintained an excellent K% of 23.4% and a low BB% of 5.2%, resulting in a superb K-BB% of 18.2%. While he's had a few more bumps than his remarkable 2024 season, Clase remains a top-tier relief pitcher and will come with a heavy price tag considering his production and team-friendly contract.
    Do you think the Cubs should go all-in for Clase? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Matthew Lenz
    The San Diego Padres plan to be buyers at the deadline in anticipation of a playoff push. They may also be sellers, and the Chicago Cubs could be one of their suitors.
    Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting that San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease is available at the trade deadline, and that the Cubs are one of the teams that have discussed the 30-year-old free agent-to-be.
    Across 20 starts and 108.2 innings pitched, Cease's. ERA currently stands at 4.64, which is more than a full run higher than his FIP, suggesting he's experienced some bad luck or been hurt by his defense. Cease continues to be a high-strikeout pitcher, with a K% of 30.0% and a BB% of 8.4%, translating to an impressive K-BB% of 21.6%. He will be a free agent at season's end with incredible upside despite his under-performing surface stats. Given the shallow starter's market and the numerous teams seeking rotation help, his cost will be substantial. Any team acquiring the right-hander will likely need to overpay to acquire him. Moreover, given the Padres' position in the playoff picture, they are likely looking for a combination of MLB-ready and prospect pieces.
    Should the Chicago Cubs do what it takes to acquire Dylan cease? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    Add another potential trade partner to the growing list of teams the Chicago Cubs have discussed trades with.
    Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that the "[Chicago] Cubs have checked in with the Royals ahead of the trade deadline."
    With the Royals currently holding a 48-52 record and sitting 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, they are widely expected to be "sellers" at the upcoming trade deadline. Starting pitcher Seth Lugo, identified in Morosi's tweet, is having another excellent season with a 2.94 ERA through 18 starts, following his Cy Young runner-up campaign in 2024. As he's anticipated to decline his $15 million player option for 2026, he presents an attractive rental option for teams in need of rotation depth.
    Another strong trade candidate is closer Carlos Estévez, who was a 2025 All-Star and has maintained a 2.74 ERA across 43 appearances this season. If the Cubs can pry Bubic away from the Royals, he would bring boasting an impressive 2.38 ERA through 19 starts after recovering from Tommy John surgery last year. Though not mentioned by Morosi, infielder Jonathan India is another name to keep an eye on. In his first season with the Royals, he  is batting .246 with 4 home runs and 26 RBIs in 92 games. 
    Do you think the Cubs should target any of these guys? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Matthew Lenz
    It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs will be very active at the trade deadline, and are specifically looking to bolster their pitching staff and possibly add a third baseman.
    Today, MLB insider, "Mocc Bomb", is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs have discussed a deal around starting pitcher Taj Bradley, reliever Pete Fairbanks, as well as infielder Yandy Diaz.
    Bradley's 2025 season with the Rays has seen him post a 4.35 ERA and a 4.01 FIP over 109.2 innings across 20 starts. His K-BB rate stands at 11.8% (20.7% strikeout rate minus 8.9% walk rate). He'd be a strong addition to the middle of the rotation and is controllable through 2029.
    In 38 appearances as the Rays closer, Fairbanks boasts a 2.92 ERA and a 2.93 FIP over 37.0 innings. His K-BB rate is 10.9% (20.6% strikeout rate minus 9.7% walk rate), contributing to his 16 saves. He is controlled through 2026 via a team option that could see him making as much as $3 million.
    Though Mocc does mention Diaz, it seems that talks are just developing on the former third baseman. He's posted an impressive .820 OPS with 15 home runs resulting in a 130 wRC+. His club option for 2026 has already been vested and has a similar option in 2027 if he hits 500 plate appearances in 2026.
    Do you think the Cubs should move on any of these names? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Matthew Lenz
    With the All-Star break behind us, the hot stove is going to be scorching hot over the next 10 days.
    With that, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic are reporting that third baseman Eugenio Suarez and relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan are on the Chicago Cubs' radar.
    Suárez, who is a free agent at seasons end, is having a strong 2025 season, currently boasting a .254 batting average with 33 home runs and 81 RBI through 97 games. He's showing a late-career resurgence, with his .563 slugging percentage among the league's best. He's not great defensively, but his bat more than makes up for it.
    Finnegan, also a free agent at seasons end, has accumulated 19 saves in 37 appearances, despite a a 4.25 ERA over 36 innings. He carries a lowly 10.6% strikeout-minus-walk rate and has a 1.28 WHIP. While he isn't a high impact arm, he would provide decent depth at the bottom of the bullpen. 
    Should the Cubs acquire one or both of these pieces at the deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!

    Brock Beauchamp
    The Cubs added depth by signing 32-year-old right-handed pitcher Spencer Turnbull. He will be assigned to the minor leagues to ramp back up after being released by Toronto in late June.
    In 2024 with Philadelphia, Turnbull threw 54 1/3 innings of 2.65 ERA/3.85 FIP baseball, with a career-best 26.1% strikeout rate. Last season, Turnbull leaned on his new sweeper (about one-third usage), which held hitters to .145 AVG/.226 SLG and a 30.8% whiff rate. In very limited 2025 use (only 28 sweepers thrown), the results were poor.
    Things have unraveled for Turnbull in 2025, with his brief stop in Toronto showing negative run value on almost all of his pitches. Turnbull, once a starter with decent velocity (93.8 mph fastball in 2021 with the Tigers), has seen his velo drop consistently and sat at just 90.9 mph with the Blue Jays early this year.

    Bryan Jaeger
    The Cubs selected Kade Snell at #151 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Snell is a left fielder at the University of Alabama. The slot value for this pick is $465,400. 
    Here's what MiLB.com says about Snell:
    "Recruited by Auburn as a left-handed pitcher, Snell redshirted while dealing with injuries in 2021 before transferring to Wallace-Dothan (Ala.) CC and starring as a two-way player. The national junior college player of the year in 2023, he played both ways at Alabama in 2024 before becoming a full-time left fielder this spring. He's one of the more attractive discount hitters available as a Southeastern Conference performer with intriguing data and also no college eligibility remaining.
    Snell offers one of the better combinations of swing decisions, contact, and exit velocities in the college ranks. He has a quality left-handed stroke, rarely misses a fastball while handling all types of pitches, and drives the ball to all fields. While he's a hit-over-power guy, he has enough strength to provide 15 homers per year and perhaps more if he learns to lift balls in the air more regularly.
    While Snell will flash close to average speed at his best, he's more of a below-average runner with limited range in left field. He has an average arm and topped out at 93 mph with his fastball as a redshirt junior. Scouts love his competitiveness and leadership, and his all-star summer with wood bats in the Cape Cod League in 2023 is another point in his favor."
    Last season, Snell hit .363/.464/.575 with 10 home runs, 49 runs, and 52 knocked in. He has good plate vision, drawing 38 walks while only 18 strikeouts over 261 plate appearances. The lefty is a contact hitter primarily, but has the lift and exit velocity to produce runs. 
    What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.
    Bryan Jaeger
    The Cubs selected Kaleb Wing at #121 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Wing is an RHP at Scotts Valley High School (CA). The slot value for this pick is $623.300. The high schooler was ranked 127th on Northside Baseball's MLB Mock Draft Board.
    Here's our write-up of Wing by our draft expert, Jamie Cameron:
    "Wing is a prep-righty out of Northern California currently committed to Loyola-Marymount. He's been a two-way player for most of his amateur career and therefore hasn't focused solely on pitching for long, a fact that could play in his corner with a drafting org.
    It's a 6'2", 180-pound frame that a team will hope they can hang some more good weight on, but he's a slender-framed player. Nonetheless, his stuff took a major step forward this spring. His fastball, which previously sat in the upper 80s to low 90s, suddenly popped 95 mph. Additionally, there's a big curveball with good spin and depth, and a changeup that's more developmental. The delivery is solid, too. There's a lot to like here, with work to be done on the arsenal and developing a consistently usable third pitch. Even so, Wing has shot up boards this spring into day one consideration."
    As a senior at Scotts Valley High School, he only pitched in 10 games, but had a 1.23 ERA. At the plate, he had 108 plate appearances, hitting .307 with four home runs, 22 runs, and 24 knocked in. His dad, Ryan, was a two-way player as well, but he never went higher than Triple-A in the A's organization. Being a two-way player, Kaleb could provide a lot of production if he elects to skip college and begin his professional career. 
    What do you think of the pick? Add your thoughts in the comments.
    Bertz
    Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of the Athletic emptied their notebooks this morning with notes on what they're hearing about the Cubs' trade plans as we approach this month's deadline.  Among the many players touched on were two pitchers currently convalescing at AAA: Jon Gray and Tanner Houck.
    Jon Gray has been on Cubs' fans radars for over a decade.  First as the primary alternative to Kris Bryant in the 2013 draft, and subsequently many more times over the years as a potential trade or free agent target.  Gray is a pending free agent, and now firmly in the "boring innings eater" stage of his career.  Though he has quite a bit more fastball velocity than the innings eater archetype tends to offer, so he may still have some untapped upside.
    Tanner Houck is a much more intriguing option.  A year ago at this time he looked like a full blown superstar, ranking 3rd in the league in pitching fWAR heading into last year's All Star Break.  But a mediocre second half followed by an injury marred start to 2025 has changed things in a hurry.  Houck is not a free agent until after the 2027 season, so he would be a long term contributor if he can put the injury troubles behind him.
    Mooney & Sharma touched on a number of other names, including many of the usual suspects.  It's clear that Jed Hoyer and the Cubs' front office are casting a wide net for potential upgrades.
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs are enjoying arguably their best season in almost a decade. Jim Bowden of The Athletic speculates that the front office isn't letting the opportunity pass them by and will be aggressive at the trade deadline.
    In a questions and answers piece regarding the trade deadline, a subscriber asked about the Cubs potentially trading top prospects Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara to which he responds, "I get the impression the Cubs are “all-in” to win this year and will trade Caissie or Alcántara if that lands them the right pitcher(s)."
    Caissie currently has a .963 OPS at Triple-A Iowa with 18 home runs resulting in a 144 wRC+. Alcántara, who had a cup of coffee in the big-leagues in 2024, has a .810 OPS at the same level with 11 home runs.
    Do you think the Chicago Cubs should go all in at the trade deadline? Join the conversation in the comments!
    CBT847
    For the first time in his career, Owen Caissie has been named International League Player of the Week following an absolutely dominant series against the Omaha Storm Chasers last week.
    Caissie slashed an incredible .476/.560/1.143 hitting two doubles, four home runs and tallying six RBIs, while also scoring nine runs and drawing four walks.
    The Cubs' No. 1 prospect (MLB.com) started the series against the Storm Chasers with an 0-for at the dish before ripping off four straight multi-hit performances, which included three-hit games on Friday and Sunday.
    Caissie also launched two-homer games in consecutive contests on Thursday and Saturday, bringing his season total to 16, just six shy of his career-best mark of 22, which he set in 2023 at Double-A Tennessee.
    His torrid start to July comes on the heels of a monster June, where he slashed .316/.435/.605 with five home runs and 13 RBIs in 22 games.
    The headlining prospect return piece as part of the Yu Darvish trade with the Padres in the winter of 2020, his peak is coming at the perfect time for the Cubs, who might want to use the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game participant to headline a trade package for a top-of-the-rotation arm at the deadline.
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