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Cubs Linked to $21 Million Red Sox Starting Pitcher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 12:15 PM ET

It's not a secret that the Chicago Cubs need help in their starting rotation. With Justin Steele out for the season and Javier Assad suffering a setback, the Cubs' need for a rotation from before the season is even more dire.

With such a clear need, it's no surprise that Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report linked the Cubs with Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler. The Red Sox sold Rafael Devers and could also look to move some of their expiring deals. Buehler would be one of the most coveted pieces they could sell.

"As for Buehler," Rymer writes. "We know he was on the Cubs' radar over the winter. He wouldn't cost them much in a trade besides money, and they can still spend plenty of dollars before they risk running afoul of the luxury tax."

Adding a player to the starting rotation is a priority for the Cubs. Moving past the trade deadline without help in the rotation would be malpractice.

Fortunately for Chicago, with Buehler's contract coming in at $21 million, there won't be many teams jumping on the chance to add a player like him. That's especially the case if the Red Sox are looking to shed all of his contract like they did with Devers.

While Buehler would be an intriguing add, there's a reason he's potentially available despite the Red Sox being in the postseason hunt. In 2025, Buehler has been struggling, and to a huge degree.

Over his past five starts, he has a 10.64 ERA and has a 1-3 record. Throughout his full season, Buehler has a 6.29 ERA in 13 starts with a 5-5 record. This season, Buehler also has negative 1.2 WAR, tying his career low from one season ago with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While he's struggled in 2025 and also in 2024, he has a history of being a dominant starter. In 2021, he was an All-Star and had a 2.47 ERA in 33 starts with a 16-4 record and accumulated 7.1 WAR. He placed fourth in Cy Young voting that season.

Despite his history of success, since returning from Tommy John surgery in 2024, he's struggled significantly. But, even with his struggles, he still provides intriguing upside and has shown he can cobble together quality starts.

The Cubs, with their rotation issues, aren't in a position to be picky when trading for a starter. Despite Buehler's struggles in 2025, the Cubs taking a chance on him isn't out of the realm of possibility. For that reason, Rymer notched the Cubs down as the second-best fit for the two-time All-Star.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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