Chicago Cubs trade with A’s for pitcher with 27 ERA doesn’t go over well

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 7, 2026 8:58 PM ET

Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs are in desperation mode to find pitching help this week after Matthew Boyd suffered a freak meniscus injury that required surgery.

In addition to Boyd, the Cubs lost Cade Horton for the season due to an elbow injury that required surgery. Chicago starting pitcher Justin Steele won’t return as soon as the team hoped after he suffered a setback this spring.

And that’s nothing to say of the injuries inside the bullpen.

On Thursday, Chicago traded cash considerations to the Athletics for a pitcher with a whopping 27 ERA this season.

Per Bruce Levine, the Cubs traded for right-handed pitcher Tyler Ferguson.

Ferguson, 32, first made his debut in the MLB in 2024. He’s made one appearance this season, giving up two home runs, four hits, and four runs in 1.1 innings pitched in a 9-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

And it’s no wonder the A’s canned him two days after that performance.

In 2025, Ferguson had a 4-2 record with a 4.66 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 58.0 innings pitched.

Fans on social media reacted to the trade, and it’s not surprising the Cubs faithful were less than enthusiastic.

Chicago Cubs trade for Tyler Ferguson criticized

Sep 27, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Tyler Ferguson (44) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

“27.0 ERA. Fantastic,” wrote a fan.

“I fully expecting Jed to do something like this, just to get an arm on the roster,” posted another.

“Always good to keep an open mind but in this also on a short leash,” posted a fan.

“Just like Pomeranz he was just in AAA and pitching meh and came over and dominated. Trust the cubs pitching staff to find and fix whatever they found intriguing,” hopes another.

“I mean I could give you a 27 Era lol,” wrote a fan.

“Have they ever watched Tyler Ferguson pitch? What did we get? $20?” posted another.

The Cubs will hope Ferguson will pitch better with a fresh start in Chicago. He’ll act as a band-aid until the Cubs staff gets healthier this summer.

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

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