Matthew Lenz

The Chicago Cubs’ top priority at the trade deadline is adding starting pitching, as injuries have left the rotation in need of reinforcement for the stretch run. While the bullpen has also absorbed its share of attrition, the biggest need is a dependable starter who can provide stability and innings. Offensively, the Cubs are more likely to pursue a complementary bench piece rather than a major everyday upgrade. If they make a significant move, it will likely come at the expense of some of their hitting prospect depth to address the more pressing need on the mound. Multiple MLB insiders are reporting that Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene is drawing significant trade interest, though the Cubs haven't been formally tied to the 26-year-old righty. Of course, an interdivisional trade would complicate matters and even raise the asking price. Greene, who is under team control through 2029, has only made four starts in 2026. Though his ERA is 7.06, his 3.20 FIP suggests that the gloves behind him have been a large reason for the inflated ERA. He's pitched to a 23.5% strikeout-minus-walk (K-BB) rate across 21 2/3 innings. Though the former 2nd overall pick is young and controllable, durability has certainly been a huge question mark in his first five big league seasons. Do you think the Cubs should take a chance on the fireballer? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs are expected to focus their trade deadline efforts on upgrading the starting rotation, with injuries taking a significant toll on both the rotation and bullpen throughout the season. Position-player additions appear less urgent, with the club more likely to seek a complementary bench bat than an everyday lineup upgrade. If Chicago does make a deal, it’s likely to leverage the organization’s surplus of hitting prospects to address its much greater need for pitching, One name that is simmering on the hot stove is Reid Detmers, whom Russell Dorsey of Yahoo! Sports is reporting the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in. Through 21 starts, Detmers has posted a 4.05 ERA (3.28 FIP) and a gaudy 20.5% strike-minus-walk (K-BB). The 27-year-old southpaw is controllable through the 2028 season. Do you think Detmers is the answer the Cubs are looking for in the rotation? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Cubs’ clearest deadline priority is starting pitching, driven by a rotation and bullpen that have been hit hard by injuries throughout the season. On the other side of the ball, their lineup is likely limited to a bench bat rather than guys who could contribute daily. If they were to strike a deal, it would likely come from the team’s hitting prospect depth, since pitching is the far greater organizational need. One option who's been on the market is Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners. Daniel Kramer of MLB.com is reporting that the Seattle Mariners are willing to eat part of Luis Castillo's contract to help facilitate a deal. Castillo, 33, has had a down year, posting a 4.85 ERA (4.37 FIP) with a 12.9% strikeout-minus-walk rate across 94 2/3 innings. This comes after seven consecutive seasons of sub-4 FIPs and five straight seasons of a K-BB north of 15%. Despite all that success, a down 2026, an impending lockout, and a $24+ million salary for the next two years make him a little less attractive on the open market. He also has a vesting option for 2028 that locks in if he reaches the 180 IP mark in 2027. It's not clear if that number gets prorated based on a lockout/shortened season. Do you think the Cubs should move a hitting prospect for the southpaw? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

Following the acquisition of superstar third baseman Alex Bregman, rumors have been swirling about the Chicago Cubs and two of their utility infielders regarding their roles with the team. While it seems unlikely that Nico Horner ends up being traded, Matt Shaw seems like a more likely candidate. Or, maybe they'll just turn him into a super utility… John Antonoff shared a video via his X account of Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw taking reps in the outfield. However, how deep we can look at that remains to be unclear. On one hand, they could be getting shot reps so that he can play either corner outfield spot when Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki needs a rest. While both players are strong, offensively, they are both average, two slightly below average, defenders at their respective positions. Shaw's experience in the outfield is extremely limited, while he doesn't have any professional experience, he did appear and left and right field a total of 40 times as an amateur. Depending on how quickly he can pick up outfield defense, he may not be much of a downgrade when half or Suzuki need a day off. On the other hand, the Cubs could be using this time as an opportunity for teams to see that Shaw in the outfield is within the realm of possibility. Do you think the Cubs end up hanging onto Shaw? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

Over the weekend, Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins suggested that the franchise is willing to surpass the competitive balance tax threshold and pay luxury tax in the 2026 season, given the team's status as a contender. While it was initially thought that it would impact a potential return in a Matt Shaw or Nico Hoerner deal, recent reports suggest that the Cubs may not be done in free agency. While on 670 The Score, Bruce Levine reported that talks between the Cubs and Zac Gallen are (still) "ongoing". It was erroneously reported over a month ago that the two sides had agreed to a deal. Additionally, Jon Heyman of the NY Post is reporting that the Cubs are one of many teams interested in utility man Miguel Andujar. For a dive into Gallen, be sure to check out our own Matthew Trueblood's analysis from early December. We at Diamond Centric predict that Gallen will sign a four-year, $74 million deal. On the other hand, Andujar is a new name in the fold. At 31 years old, Andujar is coming off his best season with a .822 OPS (125 wRC+) and 10 home runs. With the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds, he played a little bit in each of the corner infield and corner outfield spots. The need for Andujar is questionable as the team is flush with versatile depth after acquiring Alex Bregman, Tyler Austin, and Justin Dean this offseason. However, Andujar would represent an upgrade over the latter two names. Do you think the Cubs should sign either or both players? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs see themselves as contenders in 2026. After the offseason they've had, that is a completely justifiable viewpoint to have. In fact, a recent report suggests that they are willing to do what it takes to topple the modern-day "evil empire known" as the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports that Chicago Cubs general manager Cody Hawkins has said paying the luxury tax in 2026 is "less of a consideration." He added that the team will remain active in the free-agent and trade markets if something presents itself. Although not off the table, realistically, this likely indicates the Cubs' willingness to add payroll via trade. Cody Bellinger and Framber Valdez represent the two biggest names left on the free agent market, and the Chicago Cubs have not been tied to either player. However, the Alex Bregman signing created an opportunity to shop Matt Shaw and/or Nico Hoerner to two teams in need of versatile infield help. It would be in those trade talks, which have reportedly already been presented, where the Cubs would be willing to add a high-impact player to their roster regardless of what it would mean for their payroll and luxury tax situation. If the Cubs were to pay the luxury tax, which player(s) currently available would be worth it? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs are hoping to hit on at least one diamond in the rough and have added another candidate to the growing list of players on a minor league contract. Independent reporter Francys Romero is reporting that the Chicago Cubs and righty reliever Yacksel Rios have agreed to a minor league deal. Though not reported, these deals typically include an invitation to big league camp as well. Rios, 32, hasn't pitched in Major League Baseball since 2023 with the Oakland Athletics. For the last two seasons, he has spent time in the New York Mets organization (mostly at Triple-A - Syracuse); however, he was limited to 4 appearances in 2025 after suffering an injury in 2024. Over his career, he has made 92 relief appearances, posting a 6.32 ERA (5.61 FIP) across 98 1/3 innings. He has a lowly 8.3% strikeout minus walk rate thanks to an elevated walk rate, which has always been a hindrance to his success. Do you think Rios can show enough to break camp with a big league club, or is he destined for Triple-A Iowa? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor

It's been a very good off-season for the Chicago Cubs, and now they are rewarding three members of their front office. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com shared an official communication from the Chicago Cubs, announcing Garrett Chiado being promoted to assistant general manager, Ben Martin being promoted to assistant director of Major League development, and Brad Moylan being promoted to coordinator of Major League Video and Technology. Chiado previously held two titles, Director of Pro Strategy and Director of Pro Analytics. Per the release, he will "we're closely with executive leadership on broader organizational strategy and acquisition initiatives." Martin, previously the assistant Director of player develop, will "lead evidenced base planning and analysis for Major League position players, while ensuring alignment with the Player Development department", per the release. Moylan, who was the International Scouting Data and Technology assistant, will "oversee the club's instant replay process, providing video and technology support, and assisting with advanced logistics." What do you think of these promotions? Let us know in the comments! View full rumor