Mock Trade: Chicago Cubs Address Dire Pitching Needs

Should the Chicago Cubs be serious about going for a World Series championship in 2026, it’s going to take significant activity at the trade deadline. Specifically, they need to address their pitching staff, which is one of the most injured in all of Major League Baseball. From start to close, the Cubs need help. A proposed mock trade with the Boston Red Sox could address these needs.

Right now, the Cubs have 13 pitchers on their 40-man roster on the shelf. This includes guys they were counting on, such as Cade Horton, Ben Brown, Edward Cabrera, and Daniel Palencia. Cabrera and Palencia seem like they will return sometime after the All-Star break. Horton had surgery and will be out through 2026. Brown’s absence is undetermined.

Justin Steele was supposed to be back around this time after missing over a year of action. However, a setback in rehab made him have to hit the restart button. Steele could still be a part of things in 2026. However, the Cubs say their plan for him would not involve starting.

Both the rotation and the bullpen need permanent help rather than a busy highway between Chicago and Triple-A Iowa. The Red Sox have been playing better baseball as of late. Plus, there are only six teams at or above .500 in the American League. However, they’re still 12.0 games behind in the East and 4.0 out of the Wild Card. If they decide to sell, the Cubs should be first in line.

Chicago Cubs Address Pitching Needs in Mock Trade with Boston Red Sox

Thomas Nestico (@TJStats of X) cooked up a mock trade between the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox that would address the Cubs’ need for pitching. It’d also coincide with a 2016 World Series Championship reunion. Nestico has the Cubs acquiring starting pitcher Sonny Gray and closer Aroldis Chapman. In exchange, the Cubs would send Pedro Ramirez, Jordan Wicks, and Brooks Caple to Boston.