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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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    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!
    Connor Tomko
    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.
    Brock Beauchamp
    Kyle Tucker has earned his fourth All‑Star nod—but this time as a National League starter, joining the Cubs after a blockbuster offseason trade. This season he’s slashing an impressive .290/.393/.533, with 17 homers, 20 steals, and a .923 OPS. Although Tucker has been one of the best players in the game for years, this marks his first All‑Star start, coming after three previous reserve selections with Houston.
    Pete Crow‑Armstrong, the 23‑year‑old Cubs center fielder, has turned heads this season and is the first All‑Star selection as an NL starting outfielder. Offensively, he’s recording a .265/.301/.537 line with 21 home runs and 25 steals, ranking first in NL bWAR (4.5) and second in fWAR (4.0). His defense has been equally elite, leading NL outfielders in defensive runs saved. Crow-Armstrong has quickly become a fan favorite, and this is the first time he has been voted into the starting lineup for the All‑Star Game.
    Bertz
    The Chicago Cubs are second in MLB in runs scored per game and second in total WAR from their position players, and yet according to Patrick Mooney at The Athletic the plan is still to add offensive help prior to this year's trade deadline.
    Two main reasons are cited for the team's search for a bat.  First is underperformance.  The lack of offensive production from Matt Shaw and Justin Turner provides an opportunity to upgrade the team and push additional chips in on upgrading a likely playoff team.  The second is vintage Hoyer: an attempt to limit downside risk.  Knowing that the deadline is the last chance to add help, the front office doesn't want to leave itself vulnerable to something like an injury. 
    Mooney lists Taylor Ward, Ryan McMahon, and Eugenio Suarez as "names to monitor", though it's unclear if there is traction with any of those players or if they are simply the type of hitter the team is likely to explore.
    Matthew Lenz
    Independent reporter, Francys Romero, is citing "industry sources" saying that the Chicago Cubs are "potential suitors" for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
    Hayes, 28, is controllable through 2030 on an extremely team friendly deal that has him averaging less than $9 million per season.
    A former top 100 prospect across all of baseball, Hayes' bat hasn't really lived up to the hype, though he is one of the best defensive third basemen in all of baseball.
    Hayes has always been a below average hitter, though this season he is slashing .236/.290/.290 with just two home runs and nine stolen bases. The lack of production puts him an abysmal 38% worse than the average player (62 wRC+).
    Even with his glove and contract, would you like to see the Cubs pursue Hayes?
    Matthew Lenz
    Along with Brad Keller and a pair of Marlins' starters we've previously covered, Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Chicago Cubs are "keeping an eye on" Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino as the trade deadline nears.
    He also states that the Cubs "would love to get their hands on [Mitch] Keller and [David] Bernard." While we know talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates have included starting pitcher Mitch Keller, this is the first we're hearing reliever David Bednar's name. While it's not surprising, as he may be the best reliever available via trade, it's not clear if the Cubs have explicitly shown interest or if Nightengale is speculating.
    Severino, 31, is in the first year of a three-year deal that includes a 2027 player option. Pitching in a Triple-A stadium and in a climate that favors hitters, his 4.83 ERA is a little inflated as suggested by his 3.99 FIP. What may be more concerning is that his strikeout rates are down nearly 10 points from his career norms, resulting in an extremely poor 8.5% strikeout-minus-wall rate. Nightengale points out that the optically the Athletics may be hard pressed to trade the starter, but even if he's on the market it will be interesting to see how expensive he gets. His numbers aren't overly encouraging, though it may be a thin starting pitcher market which will inherently drive up costs.
    If the Athletics are open to trading Severino, would you want the Cubs to pursue? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline, and have a significant need to add to their starting rotation.
    Though Shota Imanaga is expected to return from injury on Thursday, the Cubs are down Javier Assad and Justin Steele. Moreover, earlier this week they demoted Ben Brown who struggled after a strong start to the season.
    Now, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score is reporting that they have had discussions around Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller.
    Keller, 29, has been solid this season with a 4.02 ERA, 3.25 FIP, and a 12.4% strikeout-minus-walk rate. The right hander is controlled through the 2028 on a relatively team friendly deal given his level of production.
    As Levine points out, the market may be thin which will likely drive up the cost to acquire a pitcher of Keller's caliber.
    Should the Cubs swing a deal for Keller? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    With the seventh best odds to win the World Series, per Fangrpahs, it's no secret the Chicago Cubs are going to be buyers at the trade deadline.
    On Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic is reporting that the Cubs are "canvassing the market" for  starting pitcher.
    The Cubs current rotation rank in the bottom third of baseball with a 4.32 ERA and a 4.47 FIP and a lowly 14.4% strikeout-minus-walk rate. Some of that poor production can be attributed to injuries as Shota Imanaga (returning Thursday), Javier Assad, and Justin Steele. Just earlier this week, the club sent Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa to rediscover some of the early season success he was having.
    Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera are big names on the market that will come with a heavy price. Who else should the Cubs kick the tires on? Join the conversation in the comments!
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs have optioned starting pitcher Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa to make room for reliever Porter Hodge who is returning from an oblique injury.
    Brown, 26, has struggled this season churning out a 6.13 ERA, 4.08 FIP, albeit with a decent 17.8% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate. After a solid start to the season, he seems to benefit from a bit of a reset with the Iowa Cubs. The move paves the way for the anticipated return of Shota Imanaga on Thursday.
    Hodge, 24, has also struggled with the big-league club with a 5.12 ERA, 4.16 FIP, and a lowly 9.5% K-BB rate due to control issues. He will likely slot in as a low- to medium- leverage option out of the Cubs' bullpen.
    Matthew Lenz
    The Chicago Cubs have recalled Nate Pearson from Triple-A Iowa. The right-handed reliever will likely cover low- to medium-leverage situations out of the Cubs' bullpen.
    This is Pearson's second stint with the big-league club. After producing a 10.38 ERA in his first eight appearances, he was optioned to Iowa in mid-April.
    In 24 1/3 innings for the Iowa Cubs, Pearson carried an impressive 2.22 ERA, 3.94 FIP, though with an extremely high walk rate. Control was something he has always struggled with and has been the reason he hasn't been able to reach his ceiling as an effective high-leverage reliever.
    Do you think the Cubs should address the bullpen at the trade deadline?
    Matthew Trueblood
    Let's be honest here. Maybe Vidal Bruján is a trifle more broadly talented than Emmanuel Rivera, but in practice, he's a worse player—especially for the current Chicago Cubs. The Cubs need a righty batter who can occasionally work their way on base without being deployed as a pinch-runner, and one who can capably handle the hot corner with the glove. Much though all Cubs fans wish that either Bruján or Jon Berti met those descriptions, right now, they don't.
    Emmanuel Rivera does, though. Rivera, who turns 29 at the end of this month, has hit just .232/.302/.275 for the Orioles this season, so it's hard to fault them for designating him for assignment. However, that's against a career line of .243/.306/.363—no star slugger's line, but a fine one for a solid defensive infielder off the bench. That's precisely what Rivera is. He's been worth 5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) even in very limited action for the Orioles at third this year. He can also play some first base. Against lefties, he's a career .254/.318/.381 hitter, much better than what Bruján can offer as a backup to Matt Shaw at third base.
    Rivera is a good floor to reset for third base. The Cubs should be able to acquire him for cash, and if the front office is smart, they'll place a quick call to Mike Elias in the wake of this news.
    Brock Beauchamp
    Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer recently appeared with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post to talk about the Cubs and the trade deadline.
    After shedding some New York tears over the Pete Crow-Armstrong trade, Heyman and Sherman ask Hoyer about a potential Kyle Tucker extension, which Hoyer deflects as something most likely to happen after the season.
    Hoyer talks about the Cubs' desire to add pitching at the deadline, referring to it as "not a secret". He comments that Chicago will be in the market for both starters and relievers, reinforcing his general belief that a major league bullpen is a work in progress throughout the season.
    See the interview below: 
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