Starting rotation options available now

[Rcal10]

8 hours ago, Stratos said:

I don't see much of a need to trade for a SP right now, unless it's a clear upgrade.  They can wait and see and pull the trigger based on injuries.  Imanaga doesn't seem that far from a return.  Assad has also been playing catch and Wicks has been pitching better in Iowa.

If it's an upgrade they might as well do it now and get their money's worth.  Losing Steele will hurt in the playoffs.

 

A late-inning reliever and a bench player might also be on the deadline shopping list.

Isn’t Wicks hurt? Is he back? Also they need to limit innings. They can use a starter who eats innings to lower the innings if Brown, Horton and even Boyd. 

[chibears55]

13 hours ago, Stratos said:

I don't see much of a need to trade for a SP right now, unless it's a clear upgrade.  They can wait and see and pull the trigger based on injuries.  Imanaga doesn't seem that far from a return.  Assad has also been playing catch and Wicks has been pitching better in Iowa.

If it's an upgrade they might as well do it now and get their money's worth.  Losing Steele will hurt in the playoffs.

A late-inning reliever and a bench player might also be on the deadline shopping list.

They currently have 2 starters now that they're using an opener for, so if they can add a TOR type SP before the break that can take pressure off the bullpen now and provide a solid 1-2 punch with Imanaga when he returns why not jump on it.

 

[Rcal10]

1 hour ago, chibears55 said:

They currently have 2 starters now that they're using an opener for, so if they can add a TOR type SP before the break that can take pressure off the bullpen now and provide a solid 1-2 punch with Imanaga when he returns why not jump on it.

 

Besides this, he mentioned once Imanaga coming back they could move Horton back down to AAA. I believe it was to keep an eye on his innings. So that would leave Rea and Brown in the rotation. Which is less than ideal. Of course they need a starting pitcher. To your point, it would take pressure off the others, and limit innings from iffy pitchers. Ideally, I would like to see Brown and Horton around 100-110 innings during the regular season. Then they can be used in the playoffs. Either in the pen, if the Cubs get at least one solid pitcher at the deadline, or even in the rotation. With that in mind, they need a pitcher ASAP. 

[Bobson Dugnutt]

I’m mindful of overextending the bullpen as the season wears on but the two opener games so far haven’t done that. 6 IP for Brown and 5.1 for Rea in those games.

[Tryptamine]

23 hours ago, Rcal10 said:

I am actually starting to warm to the idea of Alcantara. But he has to be able to be acquired using no more than 2 top 10 prospects in the system and maybe another lower level guy. I know it is a risk, but it is also a big swing that could pay off. 

God would i be pissed off if it cost 2 top 10 players in a pretty good farm system to get a guy who has been awful this year and super mediocre last year because he was last good in 2022. This isn't too far off from wanting to throwing top prospects away on Luis Robert. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

[gflore34]

Burnes done for 2025 with TJS, I just wouldn’t give up the farm for a pitcher no matter who he is, Gore, Skenes even Skubal.  Too risky, seems they’re all destined for TJS, especially the hard throwers who generate lots of spin.

[Hunter]

I bet Arizona is loving the "discount" deal Burnes signed.

[gflore34]

At least PCA and Kelly made some hard contact both 99+ EV's.

[Rcal10]

14 hours ago, Tryptamine said:

God would i be pissed off if it cost 2 top 10 players in a pretty good farm system to get a guy who has been awful this year and super mediocre last year because he was last good in 2022. This isn't too far off from wanting to throwing top prospects away on Luis Robert. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

 

I get that. Marlins will want to be paid as if Alcantara is still a TOR starter. However. TBH, based on comments from a lot of people, I have a feeling whoever the Cubs do end up getting there will be several people complaining they have up too much. Hell, I remember people saying that in ‘16 when they first Chapman. Honestly, some still say that, which RJ me is ridiculous. 

[Backtobanks]

Instead of trading for a questionable starter, just go get Sale from Atlanta.

[Rcal10]

43 minutes ago, Backtobanks said:

Instead of trading for a questionable starter, just go get Sale from Atlanta.

Even with a down year by the Braves, I do not see then trading guys they can use next year. They are too good, IMO. They will probably run it back next year after filling some holes. I don’t see them tearing the team down. 

[JD94]

On 6/6/2025 at 4:36 PM, gflore34 said:

Burnes done for 2025 with TJS, I just wouldn’t give up the farm for a pitcher no matter who he is, Gore, Skenes even Skubal.  Too risky, seems they’re all destined for TJS, especially the hard throwers who generate lots of spin.

I would include my first born child and every prospect in my farm system to get a Skenes or Skubal lol. But no really, Skenes might get dealt down the road, won’t be now, but when that time comes, I seriously wouldn’t think twice about trading whatever it took. That guy is generational. Wouldn’t be worried about moving prospects for proven greatness. 

[Layoutman]

On 6/7/2025 at 7:20 AM, Backtobanks said:

Instead of trading for a questionable starter, just go get Sale from Atlanta.

Sale has a full no trade clause. Atlanta is home for him - he is going nowhere. 

Probably shopping from this list (until it gets closer to the deadline):
Merrill Kelly (Rental 7mill total for 2025) or Zac Gallen (Rental) D Backs
Eflin or Sugano from the Orioles, (Both Rentals)
Martinez from the Reds (Rental)

Andrew Heaney Pit (Rental)

Tyler Mhale Tex (Rental)
Alcantara Miami

EDIT:

If Boston and Toronto sell then add:

Buehler (Rental) and Gausman (2026)

Edited June 10, 2025 by Layoutman

[Stratos]

On 6/6/2025 at 7:17 PM, Hunter said:

I bet Arizona is loving the "discount" deal Burnes signed.

You look at Burnes, Steele, and the LA arms and there's a good reason Jed put most of our resources into the offense.  1 star SP going down and you've got 30+ million AAV sitting on the 60-day DL.

[Stratos]

Jed has spoken:  

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/jed-hoyer-cubs-planning-to-look-for-pitching-at-deadline.html

[Dfan25]

The dream acquisition would be Sale , but chances of that seem low . Outside of Sale , Merril Kelly seems like a very good fit , if Arizona sells . 

[We Got The Whole 9]

I don't think Sale will let hometown affinity get in the way at a postseason run and a chance to build on his HOF resume. The Braves have a lot of work to do to get back in the race legitmately. I bet he gets moved.

[Rcal10]

2 hours ago, We Got The Whole 9 said:

I don't think Sale will let hometown affinity get in the way at a postseason run and a chance to build on his HOF resume. The Braves have a lot of work to do to get back in the race legitmately. I bet he gets moved.

I agree. I mean I am not sure the Braves will trade him, but if they did I think he would gladly come to Chicago. He played here for a long time. And I think he would take great pleasure in pitching for the Cubs and showing up the white sox. 

[Rcal10]

Alcantara with 6 shutout innings. Would be nice if he took Rea’s next start……

[Stratos]

5 hours ago, Rcal10 said:

Alcantara with 6 shutout innings. Would be nice if he took Rea’s next start……

Coming off TJS i'm not sure if he's the right guy in the right situation for the Cubs this year.  I assume he'll be limited in innings, not exactly the ideal guy you want down the stretch and playoffs.  

[Rcal10]

6 hours ago, Stratos said:

Coming off TJS i'm not sure if he's the right guy in the right situation for the Cubs this year.  I assume he'll be limited in innings, not exactly the ideal guy you want down the stretch and playoffs.  

I am not sure of his innings being limited. Is that a thing if the pitcher is fully back from TJS and has pitched over 180 innings previously? And even if it is the Cubs have the other pitchers who can work in and out and all have innings limited. When Imanaga comes back they would have Imanaga, Boyd, Taillon, Alcantara, Brown and Horton. And, if they have a good enough lead in the division they can spot Rea from time to time. If Alcantara is healthy for the playoffs he adds a quality pitcher to the playoff rotation. I would be more worried about him back in form then I would be about limiting his innings. 
And, honestly, doesn’t have to be him either. I just want someone asap to replace Rea in the rotation. Not many available just yet. I doubt the Dbacks are ready to admit selling yet. Same with the Rangers. I am not sure what the Braves might do. If they made Sale available he would be a good get. Maybe Eflin or Keller are also available now. As for the others, I don’t see teams deciding to sell at this time. 

Edited June 11, 2025 by Rcal10

[Bertz]

I wouldn't be to worried about Alcantara's innings.  He's on pace for ~160 and he was the most durable starter in the league prior to his TJ.

Like don't try and 2008 CC Sabathia him, but he should be fine.

[Cuzi]

I dont see the Cubs aggressively pursuing a 30th percentile pitcher, especially one that is still treated like the franchise ace.

[Rcal10]

1 hour ago, Bertz said:

I wouldn't be to worried about Alcantara's innings.  He's on pace for ~160 and he was the most durable starter in the league prior to his TJ.

Like don't try and 2008 CC Sabathia him, but he should be fine.

This is where I am with him. I would be way more worried he was fully back then I would limiting his innings. He is a high risk high reward sort of guy. I guess it depends on what the Cubs want to do. If they want a MOR guy they can target guys like Kelly, Mahler, Keller, Eflin, etc. But not sure which are available now. Pretty sure for the right deal Alcantara is available now. 

[Stratos]

15 hours ago, Rcal10 said:

I am not sure of his innings being limited. Is that a thing if the pitcher is fully back from TJS and has pitched over 180 innings previously? And even if it is the Cubs have the other pitchers who can work in and out and all have innings limited. When Imanaga comes back they would have Imanaga, Boyd, Taillon, Alcantara, Brown and Horton. And, if they have a good enough lead in the division they can spot Rea from time to time. If Alcantara is healthy for the playoffs he adds a quality pitcher to the playoff rotation. I would be more worried about him back in form then I would be about limiting his innings. 
And, honestly, doesn’t have to be him either. I just want someone asap to replace Rea in the rotation. Not many available just yet. I doubt the Dbacks are ready to admit selling yet. Same with the Rangers. I am not sure what the Braves might do. If they made Sale available he would be a good get. Maybe Eflin or Keller are also available now. As for the others, I don’t see teams deciding to sell at this time. 

Well being off a year (atrophy) and having a new elbow i'd imagine he's not going to throw 180 IP (without increased injury risk).

It depends what the Cubs are looking for.  If they're looking for a solid arm for this year and potentially good or really good arm next year they could pull the trade.  If they're looking for a TOR for this season for down the stretch/playoffs I don't think they'd assume Alcantara is going to return to form this year or be the ideal guy to make an extra month of starts in Oct.

I obviously don't hate the trade, I do like Alcantara generally, I just don't know if it's the fit the FO would want.  They're more in need of SP or this season than next year, where everyone in our rotation now should be back plus Steele (though extra arms never hurts).  They're kinda in win-now mode with Tucker likely leaving and Jed's job on the line.