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

[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!

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[Hunter]

With a looming trade deadline, I'd imagine the number of teams they haven't checked in with is smaller than the teams they do check in with.

[Dfan25]

Funny how this works . Lugo is pitching tomorrow againts the Cubs and he may well be pitching next week in a Cubs uniform .

[Rcal10]

20 minutes ago, Hunter said:

With a looming trade deadline, I'd imagine the number of teams they haven't checked in with is smaller than the teams they do check in with.

That is his job. And I believe you are correct that he is checking in on a lot of teams. 

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

I assume Lugo will be really cheap? Because his baseball savant page is pretty scary.