With October in Mind, Cubs Hunt for a Frontline Starter

The Cubs are flying high in the National League this season. At 38-23, they lead the NL Central and have mashed their way to the top with the league’s most dangerous offense.

A big part of that success has come from their outfield trio: All-Star Kyle Tucker, the consistent Seiya Suzuki, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has looked like an emerging star in center field. Even with all their firepower, the Cubs know they need more help on the pitching side if they want to make a deep playoff run.

Injuries Test the Cubs' Rotation

Two of the Cubs’ best starting pitchers, Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, are out with injuries. Steele had season-ending elbow surgery, while Imanaga is recovering from a hamstring strain. Without them, the Cubs’ starting rotation has been tested. Right now, their team ERA is 3.84, which ranks 14th in the league. That is pretty average for a team with championship dreams.

Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon have been reliable but unspectacular, and the Cubs know that might not be enough to survive October. If they end up facing top teams like the Dodgers, Phillies, or Mets, they will need more than just solid pitching. They will need star-level arms to get big outs in big moments.

Cubs President Eyes Trade Market

Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, spoke openly about the challenge in a recent interview with Marquee Sports Network.

“To quote our manager, we just need to get outs, you know?” Hoyer said. “And so we have to figure that out, whether it’s the beginning of the game or the end of the game. Our depth has been tested, and we have to assume that that’s not going to stop, that we’ll continue to be tested.”

That’s why the Cubs are expected to be aggressive as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

Potential Fits for the Cubs Rotation

One name that has come up is Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins. Alcantara won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022, but he has been struggling this year while coming back from Tommy John surgery. Still, many think he could bounce back with the right coaching and a strong team around him. If the Cubs believe he can return to his old self, Alcantara could be a game-changer.

Another target is Zac Gallen from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gallen was an All-Star in 2023 but is having a tough year with a 5.54 ERA. Whether or not he is traded depends on what the Diamondbacks decide to do at the deadline. If they become sellers, Gallen might be available, and the Cubs could be very interested.

With their offense clicking and a playoff spot in sight, the Cubs know what is missing: a top-level starting pitcher. If they can find the right one before July 31st, they will be a tough team to beat in October. If they stand still, their current pitching might not be enough to go all the way. The clock is ticking.