MLB: Miami Marlins at Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes (13) is greeted by his teammates after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs seem seriously interested in package trade with Pirates based on reports

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 9:50 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs don’t appear to be looking to make one move before the trade deadline on July 31. The Cubs have a few areas of need, and they could be turning to an NL Central rival to help them contend for a World Series title this fall.

On Saturday, a report by Francys Romero came out that the Cubs were “closely monitoring” 2023 Gold Glove Award winner and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, a player the Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to trade before the deadline.

The Chicago Cubs are interested in two Pittsburgh Pirates players

The Cubs could use a boost at third base, as rookie Matt Shaw has been inconsistent this year. However, the team’s greatest need is at starting pitcher, and Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that Chicago is engaged in ‘serious trade talks’ with the Pirates over Mitch Keller.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates have been engaged in serious trade talks for more than a week with the Chicago Cubs about starter Mitch Keller,” Nightengale wrote. “Keller, who’s in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract, is under control through 2028, earning $15 million this year, $16.5 million in 2026, $18 million in 2027 and $20 million in 2028.”

Mitch Keller and Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cubs?

MLB: Cleveland Guardians at Pittsburgh Pirates Apr 20, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart (14) and starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) make their way in from the bullpen to play the Cleveland Guardians at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Keller, 29, has a 3.90 ERA in 88.1 innings pitched in 17 games this season. The 2023 All-Star has a career ERA of 4.51.

The Cubs could be preparing to make a package deal with the Pirates, landing an infielder in addition to someone who can take a spot in the rotation. President Jed Hoyer will have to decide what to give up to Pittsburgh in exchange for two quality players.

While the Cubs are contenders for the World Series this year, Hoyer doesn’t want to give Pittsburgh too much ammunition for future seasons.

MLB: Chicago Cubs Press Conference Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talks to the media after introducing pitcher Shota Imanaga (not pictured) during a press conference at Loews Chicago Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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