Cubs could renew interest in rumored pitching trade

Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs have not been very busy so far this offseason. After signing veteran relief pitcher Phil Maton to a contract, the team has gone radio silent.

On Saturday, fans were sent into a frenzy when MLB reporter Bob Nightengale reported that the team was signing free agent starting pitcher Zac Gallen. However, that report was quickly rebuffed by ESPN insider Jeff Passan.

While Gallen remains a target to watch very closely, it doesn’t sound like a deal is close.

That being said, another report has come out about a pitcher the Cubs have been linked to having trade interest in previously.

According to a report from ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney, the Washington Nationals are expected to trade starting pitcher Mackenzie Gore this offseason. Gore was a name that was linked heavily to Chicago ahead of the trade deadline last year.

“Execs report a ton of trade talk going on right now, with some front office types saying teams are more open, more willing than in recent years to discuss a range of players,” Olney wrote on X. “There is a perception in a couple of front offices that the Nats’ Mackenzie Gore will definitely be among those moved in the days ahead.”