Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Cubs to Aggressively Pursue Pitchers at MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 11:30 AM ET

After a strong start to the 2025 season, the Chicago Cubs are sitting atop the National League Central. The reason for such early-season success has been the incredible offense the Cubs have put together. But, there is still a need to improve the pitching staff, both in the rotation and the bullpen.

According to a new report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline. Nighengale writes, "The Cubs are seeking a front-line starter and relievers," as the teams trade targets.

With Justin Steele done for the year, Javier Assad dealing with a setback in his recovery, and Shota Imanaga also banged up, the Cubs have a clear need in the starting rotation.

There may not be a lot of options on the table at starting pitcher, but the Cubs have the Minor League prospects to beat out the competition for a top-of-the-line starter available on the market.

After Corbin Burnes suffered a season-ending injury, the Arizona Diamondbacks could move Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly at the trade deadline. If the Boston Red Sox fall out of it, they could move Walker Buehler. There will be options available, but the Cubs will have competition for those arms.

The same goes for the Cubs' desire to aggressively pursue bullpen help. This comes after the Cubs' bullpen had the best ERA in baseball among bullpens in May, with an impressive 2.37 ERA.

Even more impressive, the Cubs' bullpen since April 19th has been the best in baseball, allowing the lowest ERA (2.46), the fewest home runs allowed (7), the lowest batting average (.191), and the lowest WHIP (1.04).

Despite the Cubs' bullpen putting together such a strong stretch, there is still concern over the long-term viability of the bullpen. Adding an arm, especially a top-end talent like Mason Miller or Pete Fairbanks, would elevate the Cubs' bullpen ever further.

After a great start to the year, the Cubs are expected to be aggressive at the MLB trade deadline. With a stacked offense, the Cubs will look to improve their bullpen and add one of the top starting pitchers available on the market.

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

More must-reads: