Cubs Linked to Diamondbacks Starter Amid Search for Justin Steele Replacement

"You're looking for competent pitchers that can pitch innings for you," Levine said. "And you know, certainly a guy like Kelly is available that would be a nice find for them."

The veteran right-hander would be a solid addition for the Cubs. He's not too expensive at $7 million total, and while he's 36-years-old, he'd be a reasonable rental option for the 2025 season.

After the Diamondbacks saw staff ace Corbin Burnes get ruled out for the year due to needing Tommy John Surgery, their expiring deals became a lot more feasible to target. Kelly, on an expiring deal, is one of the most likely trade candidates for the Diamondbacks.

Kelly is in the final year of a two-year, $18 million deal with a club option of $7 million for 2025. The Cubs would pick up a small amount of that money and would likely not have to spend a lot to do so.

While Kelly is an older option, he's still pitching at an elite level. In 2025, Kelly has a 3.43 ERA and a 6-2 record. Across 76 innings, Kelly has 72 strikeouts compared to just 19 walks. His WHIP is below one, at a 0.987, which is 13th in baseball.

Since Kelly made his MLB debut in 2019, he's been an above-average starter. Adding someone like Kelly to the Cubs rotation would be a good move to make. 

It wouldn't cost a lot, thanks to Kelly being 36 and in the final year of his deal. But it would bring in a good starter to replace the injured Steele, and help bolster a Cubs rotation that could contend for the World Series.