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Former Exec Expects Cubs to be Aggressive at MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 5:45 PM ET

With clear needs in the bullpen and at the starting pitcher, the Chicago Cubs are poised to make some additions and changes at the MLB trade deadline. The Cubs, in the middle of a great season with a potent offense, need to find more pitching if they want to contend in the fall for the World Series.

According to Jim Bowden in an article for The Athletic, the Cubs have a clear plan at the MLB trade deadline. With their hot start and clear needs, Bowden paints a simple picture of what the Cubs intend to do come the end of July.

"The Cubs have a clear path to an NL Central title and are planning to be aggressive at the trade deadline," Bowden writes. "Looking for a strong starting pitcher and bullpen help."

Both the bullpen and the starters for the Cubs have had their moments this year. But, after the Phillies series, the needs at those two spots are clear.

Ben Brown gave up three runs in the first, and six total through the first four innings in a loss, while Daniel Palencia gave up three straight hits, including two bunt-singles, before allowing a walk-off single in the series opener against the Phillies.

Things are more desperate for the Cubs than other teams, as Justin Steele is done for the year, and Shota Imanaga is also banged up. Javier Assad, who had a solid 2024 campaign, is also a ways away from returning to the rotation.

While Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon have been good pitchers for the Cubs in 2025, they can't carry the rotation alone. Cade Horton and Colin Rea have been fine, but neither has been good enough for the Cubs to be viewed as World Series contenders.

Not only do the Cubs need to add a starter and a reliever at the trade deadline, they need to make those moves sooner rather than later. With a lot of teams in need of starting pitching and bullpen help, the Cubs won't be alone in their pursuit of the top arms on the market.

But, Bowden reports that the Cubs will be aggressive. That report is a sigh of relief, as if the Cubs went into the trade deadline with a lackadaisical attitude, they would likely miss out on the top options.

Being aggressive is the best path forward for the Cubs, and Bowden's report shows the Cubs plan to be assertive in addressing both the bullpen and the starting pitching issues.

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

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