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Cubs Trade Idea Adds Another International Star in Form of Japanese Ace

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 27, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have been fortunate to play the way they have despite the injuries they've faced on the mound.

Unlike other teams, which have been somewhat healthy, including the Baltimore Orioles, the Cubs have taken care of business.

Speaking of the Orioles, there might be a chance that the Cubs could hook up with them at the deadline for a trade for Tomoyuki Sugano, who Jim Riley of Ball Cap Sports predicted them to be interested in.

Nick Radosevich of The Sporting News added that the Cubs could be in play for Sugano after Justin Steele went down with a season-ending injury.

Shota Imanaga won't be back until mid-to-late June, either, putting pressure on the Cubs to get a deal done for a starter in the near future.

“The Cubs could be in play after Justin Steele had season-ending surgery, and Shota Imanaga isn’t expected back until mid-to-late June. They have had trouble with starting pitching recently, a unit that is 20th in ERA and could use a boost,” he wrote.

Sugano has been very good throughout the first 58.2 innings of his big league career.

Signing with the Orioles after playing in Japan throughout his career, he's been excellent, posting a 3.07 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

His strikeout numbers aren't great, which typically doesn't lead to the success he's found, striking out just 32 hitters.

However, he's been able to get hitters out at a high level, and if the Cubs wouldn't have to give up much for him, it could be a smart idea to give him a chance.

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

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