The Chicago Cubs will be aggressive heading into the trade deadline on July 31.
At 41-27, the Cubs hold a five-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the National League Central.
The most glaring hole on the roster is starting pitching. Without Justin Steele, who is out for the season, and Shota Imanaga, who is working his way back from a hamstring strain, the rotation isn’t great.
Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd have carried the load without Steele and Imanaga but they aren’t enough for a deep playoff run.
Ben Brown is very inconsistent, and you never know which version of Brown you’re going to see. Rookie Cade Horton has been solid in his young career, but he isn’t the ace the Cubs are projecting him to be just yet.
With the trade deadline 49 days away, it’s obvious that the Cubs will be in the market for starting pitching upgrades.
If the Cubs want a pitcher who won’t cost them an arm and a leg, Sports Illustrated’s Michael Brauner thinks they should call their division rival.
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney is likely to be moved at the deadline and would be a nice fit for Chicago. He has an expiring contract, and the Pirates aren’t in playoff contention.
Heaney, 34, is 3-4 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in 13 starts this season. He was a key contributor for the Texas Rangers when they won the 2023 World Series, which should interest contenders.
At this stage in his career, Heaney won’t cost nearly as much as some of the names the Cubs are linked to.
The question is, will Pittsburgh be willing to negotiate a deal to help out a hated rival?