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  • Chicago Cubs Trade & Free Agent Rumors

    Follow the latest Chicago Cubs trade and free agent rumors, along with quick notes on the big league club, the minor leagues and the draft.
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    Brandon Glick
    A quiet trade deadline doesn't mean you can't still upgrade your team.
    Earlier today, the Cubs brought in veteran first baseman Carlos Santana to round out their bench. Now, they're adding two more players to their roster just as rosters expand in September.
    Civale has been with the White Sox since he was traded for Andrew Vaughn a few months ago. He hasn't been great in either Chicago or Milwaukee this season (5.26 ERA on the season), but he was quite good in July, authoring a 3.86 ERA in 25 2/3 innings prior to the trade deadline. The Cubs now benefit from the White Sox's inability to trade him.
    Alcantara, meanwhile, gets his second crack at the majors after getting a brief cup of coffee at the end of last season. He's slashing .266/.349/.470 through 102 games in Iowa this year, and he appears ready to make a case for a long-term spot on the roster.
    Brandon Glick
    The one thing the Cubs successfully did at the trade deadline was address their porous bench, adding utility man Willi Castro just before the final buzzer sounded. Now, Castro hasn't been great in Chicago (.433 OPS), but his defensive versatility has been huge for a lineup that was overplaying its regulars.
    Now, the team is adding more depth to the bench, as they appear close to signing Carlos Santana, just days after the Guardians released him:
    I did a full write-up of Santana a few weeks ago prior to the trade deadline (in regard to his fit with the Red Sox, but the analysis still applies), so to paraphrase myself: he's a 39-year-old former catcher playing in his 16th MLB season. Offensively, Santana isn't quite the voracious slugger he once was, but he's still capable of producing when it counts. Through 116 games (455 plate appearances this season), the veteran is slashing .225/.316/.333, good for an 86 wRC+. His ISO (.109) is down at career-low levels, but his walk (11.4%) and strikeout rates (18.9%) remain positively elite.
    Santana has become a great defender at first base in recent years, and he's on pace for perhaps his best season with the glove yet. His seven Outs Above Average are in line with the 14 he gave Minnesota in 2024, and his 11 DRS tie his best mark (set in 2023).
    Cubs fans will remember him best from the 2016 World Series, when he tormented Cubs pitching to the tune of a .771 OPS. Hopefully, he can provide the kind of veteran leadership this club needs to make a deep run in the playoffs.
    Matthew Trueblood
    The Cubs haven't made Moisés Ballesteros untouchable. But they're only going to trade him if one of their potential partners on a deal is willing to accept him as the centerpiece of a trade for a controllable, high-end talent. To this point, according to at least one report, those would-be traders haven't put a fair value on Ballesteros, at least from Chicago's perspective.
    Ballesteros is still very young, and he's thrived as a hitter at Triple A over an extended sample. The Cubs are right to be open to trading him only if the agreed-upon deal reflects the fact that he could easily be an impact player in the majors as soon as the end of this year. If that's not happening, neither Jed Hoyer nor Carter Hawkins can really force it to.
    On the other hand, as the deadline creeps nearer, it's fair to wonder just how value-conscious the team intends to be. That's one of their hallmarks; it's part of the organizational DNA. At a moment when they need some high-octane help to keep pace with the streaking Brewers in the NL Central, that resolve is about to be tested in a way that it hasn't been since Hoyer took over as the main guy when Theo Epstein departed the organization. Passing that test might not mean showing the willpower not to make a move; it might have to mean showing the courage and conviction to take a bold chance.
    Brian Kelder
    ESPN posted a trade deadline piece, with many options and savvy moves posited. Cub fans can skip ahead to the juicy part: Could the Cubs be interested in Shane Bieber?
    Bieber, for all intents and purposes, missed the 2024 season (2 starts) with Tommy John surgery. After tearing up the lower levels to the tune of 14 strikeouts in seven innings, he threw 57 pitches in four innings, no walks, seven strikeouts, and eight whiffs in his latest appearance.
    His stuff seems ready,
    Bieber would be a flier similar to Matthew Boyd for Cleveland last season. He would not be an innings eater, but could be a lightning bolt similar to Rich Harden in 2008. Keep an eye on this possibility.
    Brian Kelder
    According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Cubs continue to be in pursuit of Arizona star 3B Eugenio Suarez. He won’t come cheap, but no good player does. So, what would land Suarez?
    Bowden floats two names: Kevin Alcántara and Jaxon Wiggins. Alcántara, who has battled injuries and middling results in 2025, would be a part of a package deal. Bowden argues that Wiggins alone, however, could get Suarez. The newly minted top 100 prospect would be a steep price for a rental bat.
    The Cubs will have to balance this year's needs with the future in this specific trade discussion. Matt Shaw may be making the question moot; he’s hitting .444 with four home runs in the past two weeks. Wiggins, with his 99 MPH fastball, could also be a key part in keeping any contention window open.
    But Suarez is a 40-home run bat! We shall see. Going to be a fascinating decision. 
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs will stop at nothing to improve their chances of winning the 2025 World Series. Currently in a battle with the Milwaukee Brewers for both the NL Central crown and best record in baseball, the Cubs reportedly are not leaving any prospect untouchable.
    While they've been tied heavily to various bats and starting pitchers, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic is reporting that Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias “is one of several options under consideration” to improve the team's bullpen.
    Iglesias has appeared in 43 games, pitching 40 2/3 innings with an ERA of 5.09, though his 4.23 FIP suggests the potential for some positive regression. This is backed by a strong 21.2% strikeout-minus-walk rate. He has recorded 11 saves this season. He would be a very good high-leverage option out of the bullpen that lacks top-end arm talent. Iglesias is set to be a free agent at season's end.
    Given his struggles this year, do you think the Cubs should add Iglesias? Join the conversation in the comments!
    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!

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