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. View full rumor

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? View full rumor

With the July 31 MLB trade deadline looming on the horizon, urgency will begin to mount for many Major League Baseball teams. While some clubs are firmly entrenched in playoff contention and will be looking to bolster their rosters, there is a distinct group already facing the reality of a lost season. So, who are the likely sellers from the National League? What valuable assets might they put on the market, and how could the Chicago Cubs leverage these opportunities to their advantage? Let's delve into the teams poised to power the rumor mill, and the potential impact on the Cubs’ playoff aspirations. Colorado Rockies The Rockies are on pace for all sorts of records, and not in a good way. They're currently on pace to win 31 ball games, which is 10 fewer than the 2024 Chicago White Sox. The Rockies don't have much in the form of rentals, with starters Germán Márquez (6.62 ERA) and Austin Gomber (just returned from a shoulder injury) the only expiring deals, but that's not to say they don't have trade chips. Most notably, many teams will be calling about starter Kyle Freeland (controlled through 2026) and third baseman Ryan McMahon (controlled through 2027). Freeland’s surface numbers are bloated by pitching in Coors Field half the time. On the road, the lefty has a 3.64 ERA (3.31 FIP) and a 14.6-point difference between his strikeout and walk rates. As for McMahon, Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cubs have already shown interest in the 30-year-old. Like Freeland, McMahon’s surface stats are impacted by Coors, but the effect is the opposite: a .739 OPS overall drops by nearly 200 points on the road. Other, less notable names who could be available are infielders Thairo Estrada and Kyle Farmer, who both have mutual options for 2026. Miami Marlins The Marlins are 15 games under .500 and well outside of the playoff picture. However, they are the youngest team in Major League Baseball, which makes it a challenge to know how much they're willing to sell. Kyle Stowers, Connor Norby, and Agustín Ramírez have all been great, but they're also in their pre-arbitration years. Would the rebuilding Marlins really sell what looks to be a solid core of hitters? I doubt it. On the other hand, starting pitchers Cal Quantrill (a free agent at season's end) and Sandy Alcántara (controllable through 2026) could be attractive buy-low options at the deadline. Quantrill has an ERA 1.27 runs higher than his FIP, and Alcántara, a former Cy Young award winner, has underperformed his ERA by 2.43 runs. Both, then, are better than a glance at their numbers would say. However, both have below-average strikeout-to-walk rate differentials, suggesting their upside might be limited. The Marlins have gotten some good production out of their bullpen from guys like Ronny Henriquez, Janson Junk, and Patrick Monteverde. While these guys are controllable, it would make sense for the Marlins to listen to offers on any relievers. Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates are in a race for second-worst team in the NL with the Marlins. There's been (mostly sarcastic) speculation that they may trade starter Paul Skenes, but I don't think they will do that yet. Instead, they have a few assets who will likely have a market over the next month and a half. There's already been rumors floating around regarding infielder Isiah Kiner-Faleda, who has a solid (but empty) .714 OPS. Other solid players on expiring deals include outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Tommy Pham, as well as starter Andrew Heaney, and reliever Ryan Burocki. Aside from Burocki, whose peripherals suggest some positive regression, all those players have been more than serviceable this season. However, the most valuable realistic trade chip is current closer David Bednar, who is controlled through the 2026 season. In 20 appearances, the righty has a 3.42 ERA, 2.14 FIP, and a 29.2 K%-BB%. He may end up being the most sought-after reliever on the market. Cubs’ Needs Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer recently confirmed the team's priority for the upcoming trade deadline: pitching. On a New York Post podcast last week, Hoyer explicitly stated the Cubs will target "both rotation and bullpen" help. This declaration, while seemingly obvious given the team's recent injuries to their pitching staff, is a notable public affirmation of their intentions. While the Cubs anticipate some internal pitching reinforcements later in the season, there's no guarantee these players will return at full strength and immediately contribute to a playoff push. Despite acquiring Kyle Tucker this offseason, the Cubs still possess valuable prospect capital in the upper levels of their farm system, which could be used to facilitate trades. With an offense that ranks among the best in baseball, Hoyer's focus on pitching makes perfect sense. The key question now is whether the Cubs will pursue a high-impact acquisition or opt for more modest additions. What level of pitching upgrade do you think the Cubs should target? Join the conversation in the comments! View full article

Even though the MLB trade deadline is still a ways off, it's starting to get late early for some teams across Major League Baseball. With July 31 serving as the league-wide trade ultimatum, we are roughly a month away from the hot stove reaching it's inferno. However, there are a handful of teams who we can pretty confidently say are going to be sellers around the deadline. Who are they, what do they have to offer, and how could the Chicago Cubs benefit? Let's dive in. Chicago White Sox The White Sox are 12 games below .500 and 13 games out of a playoff spot. They acknowledged a multi-year rebuild over the offseason, so it shouldn't be surprising that they are sellers once again. Potential rentals include outfielders Michael A. Taylor and Austin Slater, as well as recently-acquired starter Aaron Civale. Otherwise, intriguing players who are controlled beyond 2025 include infielder Josh Rojas and outfielder Mike Tauchman. However, it’s more realistic that teams aggressively kick the tires on outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who has been the subject of trade speculation for a while now. Robert Jr. signed a pre arbitration extension that included $20 million team options for 2026 and 2027 that can be bought out for $2 million. Once a top prospect in baseball, the 28-year-old has had a hard time staying healthy throughout his career and has struggled at the plate over the last two seasons. The cross-town trade used to be rare, but recent history has proven there's a genuine relationship between the front offices here. Perhaps a reunion with Tauchman is in order, given the Cubs' needs on the bench for a true fifth outfielder? Athletics The Athletics have been in a free fall ever since they started their season 22-20. In their last 28 games, they have just four wins. While they are a young team with some exciting talent, they're obviously not ready yet and have a handful of rentals that teams could kick the tires on. Most notably are utility players Miguel Andujar and Luis Urias, who have both produced above average at the plate. Third baseman Gio Urshela is more than two years removed from his last productive season and has a mediocre glove at the hot corner, but could be an intriguing option to handle the short side of a platoon. On the mound, Jose Leclerc and T.J. McFarland are two potential reliever rentals, though Leclerc has been sidelined with a lat strain since April and McFarland has been plain bad. It seems likely that at least one of Andujar, Urias, or Urshela is traded ahead of the deadline, and given that the Cubs need an upgrade to their porous bench unit, the fit is right. Baltimore Orioles Injuries aside, it's still pretty shocking to see the Orioles struggling this much. After winning 91 games and earning a playoff berth in 2024, they are currently 13 games below .500 and 8.5 games out of a playoff spot. The difference here is that the Orioles are not in the midst of a rebuild, so it's likely they limit their moves to players on expiring deals. Those names include: pitchers Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Gregory Soto, as well as outfielder Cedric Mullins. Of those players, Eflin, Sugano, and Soro are having successful seasons on the mound and will draw significant trade interest. However, two names that have been the subject of trade rumors but are controllable beyond 2025 are first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and outfielder Heston Kjerstad. Mountcastle, who will miss the next 8-12 weeks with a hamstring strain, is having a down year with a .628 OPS and two home runs. Kjerstad, who was recently optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, has also struggled this season but has often found himself as the odd man out of a stacked group of young talent. Cubs Needs Well, Jed Hoyer recently made this easy. Earlier this week, he joined a New York Post podcast and stated that the Cubs will look to add pitching (“both rotation and bullpen”) at the deadline. While this is obvious considering the slew of injuries they've had to their staff, it's encouraging to hear Hoyer be so publicly emphatic. While some internal reinforcements are expected to come later in the season, it's no guarantee they will come back and be ready to compete in a playoff race. Even after acquiring Kyle Tucker this offseason, the Cubs have some prospect trade chips at the top levels of their organization. With one of the best offenses in baseball, Hoyer stated the obvious: the Cubs need pitching help. Now the question is, will they go fishing for a trophy, or a small fry? What do you think the Cubs should do at the MLB trade deadline? Join the conversation in the comments! View full article

On a recent podcast, David Kaplan of ESPN1000 was quoted as saying, "I’m hearing that the [Chicago] Cubs have wrapped their brain around, doesn’t mean he’ll accept it, wrapped thier brain around whatever it costs we’re paying it and they want to keep [Kyle] Tucker, that’s what I’m hearing” When the Cubs acquired Tucker, it was under the assumption that the two sides could reach a long-term agreement. To this point, the two sides have had discussions but obviously nothing has come to fruition. Tucker is currently sent to reach free agency at season's end ahead of his age-29 season. The superstar has been well worth the trade costs as he's accrued 1.5 fWAR in the first month of the season. He's slashing .289/.397/.579 with seven home runs and 25 runs scored and runs batted in while adding eight stolen bases and strong defense. How much do you think the Chicago Cubs should hand over to Kyle Tucker? View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs rotation took a big hit when their ace suffered a season ending injury to his throwing elbow and forearm. Here at NSBB, we speculated on five external options that the team could pursue to replace Steele at the top of the rotation. However, earlier this week Patrick Mooney of The Athletic that the team would be pursuing internal options (for now). Within the report, Steele's rotation mate Matthew Boyd was quoted as saying "We have a very talented rotation. We have guys that can step up and perform in those roles. We’re excited for that." Aside from sounding like he has a future in an organization's front office, Boyd emphasizes that the team has the "next man up mentality". Currently, Colin Rea looks to be the fill-in although Javier Assad may be the more permanent solution. Assad is reportedly close to returning and appears to be the initial predecessor for the job given the Cubs four off days between today (Thursday, April 17th and April 28th). Mooney goes on to report that Cade Horton, the Cubs no. 7 pick in the 2022 draft and one of the team's top prospects, is one arm to keep an eye on. The 24-year-old right hander does have injury concerns, though his "staff and athleticism" has "wowed" Cubs official leading them to use such high draft capital on the Oklahoma product. In three Triple-A starts, he has 16.7% K-BB rate and a 4.11 FIP due to command issues across 12 1/3 innings. If those options don't pan out or if more injuries strike, Mooney points to the depth of hitting prospects that could be packaged to swing a blockbuster deal. If you're in the Cubs front office, how are you trying to replace Justin Steele? View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker with the expectation being they could extend the superstar outfielder. While nothing has come to fruition, Hector Gomez is reporting that there is a potential deal on the table. https://x.com/hgomez27/status/1911207956005220426?s=46&t=W3bjFFhKBgsnZF2kQS6WJg Tucker is off to a torrid start this season with the Cubs slashing .317/.442/.667 with 5 home runs. The 28-year-old has already accrued 1.1 fWAR on the season. View full rumor

Building off a previous report, Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletics are reporting that the Chicago Cubs are keeping pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn on their radars despite their rotation being relatively healthy at the moment. They also mention that the Cubs kicked the tires on Andrew Heaney before he agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and they go on to suggest that a move could be made following their trip to Japan. While it's presumed the two veterans are staying in shape in hopes of signing with a big-league club, it's not a guarantee that either would be game ready by Opening Day. This is prompting "some clubs" (the Cubs weren't specifically named) to ask pitchers to sign a 45-day-advance-consent form, which allows a team to terminate the contract in the first 45 days for any reason except injury and only pay them for the time spent on the roster. While the Cubs rotation is currently looking solid, you can never have enough pitching. Should they add one of Gibson or Lynn for added depth in a position group that is the most valuable asset in the sport? Join the conversation in the comments! View full rumor

The Chicago Cubs have had a pretty busy and solid offseason highlighted acquiring Kyle Tucker and more recently high-leverage reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. While it was suggested earlier this week that they're not done supplementing the bullpen, Jon Morosi has some more intriguing hot stove fodder related to their starting rotation. Cease, who is just 29-years-old and has two top-4 Cy Young seasons under his belt, has recently been the subject of trade rumors as the San Diego Padres look to get below the luxury tax threshold amid a lawsuit between family members of late owner Peter Seidler. The right-handed ace has just one year left of arbitration making him an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2025 season. While the Cubs don't have a shortage of arms, Cease would undoubtedly create an extremely formidable 1-2-3 punch with Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. If the Cubs acquired the zero time all-star (how is that possible????), they would assuredly be up there with the Los Angeles Dodgers as having one of the best and deepest rotations in baseball. Given the Padres preference to shed some salary but also remain competitive, the deal would likely require another big-league starter who's in their pre-arbitration years plus additional pieces. The Cubs also have depth in the outfield, but the only players who fit the bill would be Pete Crow-Armstrong, and to a lesser extent Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara. What do you think a deal for Dylan Cease looks like for the Cubs? View full rumor

The Cubs finally acquired Ryan Pressly assumedly making him the team's closer given years of late-inning success. Just a couple days removed from that trade, multiple outlets are reporting that the Cubs "aren't done" adding to the bullpen. Bruce Levine in an appearance on 670 The Score’s Mully & Haugh Show, Meaghan Montemurro ($$) of the Chicago Tribune, and Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma ($$) of The Athletic all either implied or flat out stated that they weren't done after Pressly. Ryne Stanek and David Robertson are two names in particular that have been tied to the North Siders. Would Stanek or Robertson move the needle for you or would you like the Cubs to go after another big arm? View full rumor

Jon Heyman of the NY Post is reporting that the Chicago Cubs (along with the Houston Astros) are showing significant interest in third basemen Alex Bregman. He also identifies the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox are "among others involved". That comes off the heels of a report from Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Sports that "at least three teams have offered Bregman a deal of five years or longer". It seems as though, if the Cubs are truly interested, they're going to have field a very competitive offer for the two-time All-Star and World Series champion. Currently, the Cubs' hot corner is up for grabs as FanGraphs Roster Resource has top prospect Matt Shaw penciled into the starting lineup. Bregman, a gold glove winner, would obviously be another great get for a team that already added former Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker. How much and for how long are you willing to pay for Bregman's services? View full rumor

The Ryan Pressly sweepstakes is turning into a bit of a hard-to-follow saga. Yesterday, in a tweet that has since been deleted, MLB Trade Rumors said that the Cubs were "on the verge" of acquiring Pressly. Chandler Rome of The Athletic was quick to point out that the two-time All Star had not yet waived his no-trade clause. In a separate update, multiple writers from The Athletic stated that the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, and a "mystery west coast team" were all interested in the 2022 World Series Champion's services. In yet another twist, this morning we got this nugget form Jim Heyman of the NY Post. So the good news is that, of the teams reportedly showing interest, the Cubs are the only ones still in the running. That said, it's currently unclear whether he'll waive his NTC to join the North Siders. If he does waive his NTC, what are you comfortable giving up to obtain his services? View full rumor