Morosi: "[Chicago] Cubs Have Checked In With The [Kansas City] Royals

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!