The Chicago Cubs have made starting pitching a primary focus this offseason, and while they took an initial step by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million contract, many view this as a low-risk, high-reward move aimed at adding middle or back-of-the-rotation depth. However, it’s clear the team is still actively searching for a stronger, more reliable option to bolster their starting rotation. Their pursuit of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki and reported interest in various other trade and free-agent acquisitions demonstrate that the Cubs are far from done in their efforts to improve their pitching staff.
A compelling target that has emerged in the Cubs’ pursuit of a starting pitcher is Minnesota Twins ace Pablo Lopez. The veteran right-hander has established himself as a consistent and reliable starter over the past several seasons. After spending the first part of his career with the Miami Marlins, Lopez was traded to the Twins before the 2023 season. His performance continued to impress, earning him a spot in the AL All-Star Game and a seventh-place finish in the Cy Young voting. Although 2024 saw a slight dip in his performance, Lopez still posted a solid 4.08 ERA with a 15-10 record over 185.1 innings, providing his team with high-level rotation work despite the lower WAR figure.
One of the biggest selling points for the Cubs in pursuing Lopez is his controllability. At 29 years old, Lopez is under contract through the 2027 season, providing the Cubs with several years of control over a proven starter. While his $21 million salary may raise some eyebrows, it could end up being a relatively affordable price for a pitcher of Lopez’s caliber, especially considering how much prices for top-tier pitchers have skyrocketed in recent years.
To acquire Lopez, the Cubs could be looking at parting with a significant package of prospects. Outfielder Kevin Alcantara, a top-100 prospect, could be an attractive piece for the Twins, as could pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who is ranked as the Cubs’ No. 9 prospect and is considered one of their most promising young pitchers. While the Cubs would likely have to give up a substantial amount of talent, Lopez’s steady performance and the multiple years of control make him an enticing acquisition. In a market where starting pitching is at a premium, the Cubs may find this trade route to be more feasible than competing with other teams for pricey free-agent arms.
Currently, the Cubs’ rotation includes Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad, with prospects Jordan Wicks and Ben Brown also in the mix. While this group has potential, it lacks a definitive front-of-the-rotation ace. Adding a pitcher like Lopez could give the Cubs the stability they need to make a serious push for the NL Central title. Given their strong farm system and desire to avoid high-cost free-agent signings, acquiring Lopez through trade would fit the Cubs’ overall strategy of building a competitive, sustainable roster for the long term.
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