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Cubs Trade Idea Lands $64.5 Million Left-Hander from Lousy NL Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 1:30 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs will likely be looking for any help for their under-performing starting rotation.

That is why Jim Bowden at The Athletic is expecting Chicago to target a variety of pitchers at the MLB trade deadline. He listed several starters that are either having down years or struggling on underperforming teams, one of which was the Rockies' left-hander Kyle Freeland.

Freeland's best season was back in 2018, when he posted a 17-7 record with a 2.85 ERA. It was the only season the Rockies have had a winning record (91-71) over the last 10 years, since they went 86-76 in 2015.

But the veteran starter is just 1-8 this year in 13 starts, playing on a team that is 12-54 and headed for one of the worst records in baseball history.

Freeland's ERA sits at a below-average 5.19 for the season, but it is essential to recognize that Coors Field is a difficult venue in which to pitch. The Rockies' struggling defense and lack of run support also play a role.

Still, Freeland's ERA is narrowly better than Cubs starter Ben Brown's 5.37 ERA, and Brown is on one of the best teams in baseball.

Freeland is not known for a dominating fastball; instead, he excels with his off-speed pitches and command of the zone. One MLB Insider says that it fits well with what Chicago wants out of their starters.

The Rockies are on pace for their seventh straight losing season, which is why the change of scenery coming from a trade to Chicago could revitalize Freeland.

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

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