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Cubs Trade Idea Adds Left-Handed Starting Pitcher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 4:00 PM ET

It is no secret that the Chicago Cubs need pitching help.

Chicago’s bullpen has been awful, with a combined ERA of 5.19 (fifth-worst in the Majors). However, the Cubs did trade for lefty Drew Pomeranz, and he should bolster that unit.

As for the rotation, it’s been solid, especially with Shota Imanaga (2.22 ERA, 4.44 FIP) and Matthew Boyd (2.01 ERA, 3.30 FIP) off to dominant starts. Still, there's a Justin Steele-sized hole as he’s out for the year following elbow surgery.

Steele’s production is not replicable by one player, but Chicago should search for available arms to eat innings and lessen the relievers’ workload.

A Bleacher Report article listed Pittsburgh Pirates’ starter Andrew Heaney as a trade target, and he would make for a fine addition to the bottom or middle of this staff.

Cubs receive: LHP Andrew Heaney

Pirates receive: 1B/3B Cole Mathis (No. 15), INF Angel Cepeda (No. 17)

Should the Cubs trade for Heaney, it would push either Ben Brown or Colin Rea to the bullpen for long relief duties. Rea is a lower upside starter, but Brown could benefit from this move. He really only throws a fastball and a curveball, and that limited arsenal does not bode well for his starting capabilities.

Moving Brown (or Rea) to the bullpen, along with Pomeranz, Ryan Pressly, and Julian Merryweather, would make late-inning situations a little more comfortable for manager Craig Counsell.

Mathis and Cepeda are both young, A-ball infielders who should entice Pittsburgh, which is seemingly perpetually bad offensively. Heaney is also turning 34 this June and has one year left on his contract. Heaney becomes a more movable piece with Paul Skenes and, eventually, Bubba Chandler leading the charge.

Heaney has had a solid second half of his career, with a 3.89 ERA, a 4.13 FIP, and 442 strikeouts over 405 and 1/3 innings since 2022.

He is not Justin Steele, but he can provide quality starts and help Chicago pursue the National League Central crown.

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

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