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ESPN's Jeff Passan Links Cubs to Marlins Starter Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 1:16 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are heading towards the MLB trade deadline with a clear need: starting pitching. Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and Jameson Taillon are all out for a while, leaving the rotation in dire need of an addition.

With such a clear need, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan linked the Cubs to Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara as the team's best fit ahead of the trade deadline.

"The market for Alcantara might not reflect his resume." Passan wrote. "A former Cy Young Award winner, the 29-year-old has been arguably the worst pitcher in baseball this season, with an ERA just above 7.22."

Even with the Cubs' dire need in the rotation, there is some pause with adding Alcantara. Even though he previously won a Cy Young Award, the performance this season is a major red flag.

However, even with his struggles this season and his massive monetary commitment ($38.3 million over the next two years), Passan still thinks the Cubs should make the move for the Marlins' ace.

"Adding a playoff-caliber starter," Passan writes, "Even if it pushes Chicago past the $241 million luxury-tax threshold, would reward a team that has brought excitement back to the North Side of Chicago."

With a strong offense, great defense, solid bullpen, and Kyle Tucker's deal expiring at the end of the year, there's no time like the present for the Cubs. Making a push this season is the most logical path forward for the Cubs, and Alcantara would be worth an investment.

While he has struggled this season, there are still glimpses of his former self in his pitching. In a new environment and a postseason hunt, Alcantara might be able to turn the corner and play at a high level.

Even if the monetary commitment is a lot, and the prospects sent to Miami aren't cheap, Alcantara is one of the best options on the market. He has the history (2022 Cy Young) and is under team control (signed through 2027).

While other teams might balk at the chance to land him, the Cubs should, in the eyes of Passan, make the move. He would bolster a rotation and could get back to his former self in a much better environment than Miami.

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

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