Three areas the Cubs need to improve ahead of the trade deadline

The fact that the Chicago Cubs are contending for a playoff berth may be considered a minor miracle.

The Cubs currently have 14 pitchers on the injured list. While starters Edward Cabrera and Jameson Taillon are expected to return in the coming weeks, the Cubs depth has been sorely tested.

There are other concerns that go beyond the pitching staff. Let's take a look at three areas the Cubs could potentially target ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Chicago Cubs biggest needs at the trade deadline

1. Address the starting rotation

Getting Cabrera and Taillon back would be a good start, but they cannot be regarded as the upgrades the Cubs need. Pitcher Colin Rea has been forced into the rotation but is not part of the solution, having posted a 4.75 ERA and a 1.447 WHIP in his 94.2 innings entering Thursday. Shota Imanaga is continuing to give up home runs at an elevated rate. 

The Cubs needs in the rotation are twofold. They need a dependable middle-of-the-rotation starter who can pitch deep into games. The Cubs also need to find a viable top-of-the-rotation starter if they are going to have a chance at a deep run in the postseason.

2. Add a proven closer

The back of the Cubs bullpen has been a revolving door. It does not help that 2025 closer Daniel Palencia has been on the IL since June 19, but he had also missed several weeks earlier in the season due to a strained lat. Ten different pitchers have recorded at least one save for the Cubs; Jacob Webb leads the team with four saves.

While manager Craig Counsell has done a tremendous job mixing and matching in the ninth inning, that approach can only work for so long. Adding a proven, dependable option for the ninth inning would benefit the Cubs down the stretch and into October.

3. A utility option who can play center

The Cubs have gotten surprising production from outfielder Michael Conforto, he is limited to the corner outfield spots or the designated hitter role. Kevin Alcantara can handle center but has struggled against major league pitching in his limited chances. Justin Dean is essentially minor league depth, a defensive replacement or a pinch runner. 

While utility man Matt Shaw did get one start in center this season and is expected to return from the IL by the end of July, the Cubs need a better option behind Pete Crow-Armstrong. Finding another super utility player who can slot around the diamond, and has experience in center, will help strengthen the Cubs' depth.