Currently, the Chicago Cubs are leading the NL Central with a slim advantage over the Brewers and Reds. They’re also battling the Dodgers to close out a three-game series. Despite their strong start, the Cubs have suffered a major setback—ace left-hander Justin Steele is out for the season due to elbow surgery. This leaves a major gap at the top of their pitching rotation.
Shota Imanaga, coming off an impressive 2024 rookie season, continues to shine. Free agent signings Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea have been steady, and young pitcher Ben Brown has made a strong case for staying in the rotation. However, Jameson Taillon still hasn’t lived up to the hefty contract the Cubs gave him a couple of offseasons ago.
While the team has enough depth to get by, outside of Imanaga, they lack proven October-caliber arms. If the Cubs want to be serious postseason contenders, GM Jed Hoyer may need to dig into the Ricketts family’s pockets and make a big move for a top-tier pitcher. These three starters could be the answer:
1. Sandy Alcantara – Miami Marlins
Alcantara could be the high-impact arm the Cubs need. A former NL Cy Young winner, he’s regaining elite form and is already better than the injured Steele. With his durability and poise, he fits the mold of a true postseason ace.
Acquiring him won’t be cheap. He’s on a team-friendly deal with multiple years of control, making him both valuable and costly in terms of prospects. But if the Cubs are aiming to win now—and with Hoyer possibly in his final year as GM—it might be the perfect time to go all-in.
2. Luis Castillo – Seattle Mariners
With George Kirby sidelined, the Mariners may be less inclined to trade a starter right now. However, Castillo remains the oldest and priciest member of Seattle’s elite rotation. The club has top prospect Emerson Hancock waiting in the wings, and if they want to boost their offense, moving Castillo could be the key.
A deal involving veterans like Seiya Suzuki or Ian Happ, plus a couple of promising prospects, could be enough to tempt Seattle. A reunion between Castillo and the NL Central—where he previously starred with the Reds—could benefit both sides.
3. Jake Irvin – Washington Nationals
While the Cubs don’t have to make a move immediately thanks to their current rotation depth, adding a solid mid-rotation starter like Irvin would be a cost-effective move. Unlike Alcantara or Castillo, Irvin would be far cheaper in terms of both salary and trade value.
The Nationals are still rebuilding, and moving a controllable arm like Irvin could bring them valuable young pieces in return. For the Cubs, he’d be a reliable and experienced addition as they push toward a postseason berth.
Final Thoughts
The Cubs are built to compete right now. Whether it’s a blockbuster or a more modest addition, Hoyer owes it to his team and the fans to strengthen the rotation. October success depends on dependable arms, and now’s the time to make it happen.
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