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Cubs Trade Deadline 'Blueprint' Includes Acquiring Pirates' All-Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are all over the trade market searching for upgrades. While they can shoot high for National League RBI leader Eugenio Suarez to occupy third base or convince the Padres to part ways with Dylan Cease, either way, the odds are high that Chicago makes more than one move at the deadline.

Defining a perfect trade deadline is tough, but Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report gave it his best shot when putting together a “Deadline Blueprint” for the Northsiders.

Among potential options, Miller believes the Cubs should acquire Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting pitcher Mitch Keller in a rare in-division trade.

The Cubs' starting rotation is headlined by ace Shota Imanaga, who is dominating in every form of the word. Left-hander Matthew Boyd continues to be a stabilizing force in the absence of Justin Steele, but outside of the duo, the Cubs do not have any consistent pitchers. Colin Rea is borderline unplayable, and the rest of the rotation is made up of whoever is healthy at the moment.

Meanwhile, Keller is the epitome of consistent. Since 2022, the right-hander has averaged an ERA below 4.30 and accumulated over 159 innings in each season. In 2025, Keller is on pace to do it again with a 3.53 ERA and has already tossed 125 innings. He may not be the marquee name, but Keller is exactly what Chicago needs at the moment.

It helps knowing that acquiring Keller is not an expensive rental option, and he will stick in the rotation through 2028. While he immediately helps solidify Chicago’s rotation, amid a tight NL Central race, his presence should keep the Cubs competitive beyond 2025.

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

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