The Chicago Cubs’ season has largely gone as expected, except for the unfortunate news that Justin Steele will miss the rest of the year.
The team has played strong baseball, with an 11-7 record and sitting atop the National League Central. After taking two of three games from the league-leading Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, the Cubs are optimistic about continuing their success.
However, the loss of Steele is a major blow, as the left-hander is one of MLB’s top pitchers.
To maintain their competitiveness this season, the Cubs will need to make a trade for another starter.
Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell suggests a potential deal for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez. In his proposal, the Cubs would send Kevin Alcantara, Fernando Cruz, and Jack Neely to the Reds in exchange for Martinez.
“The Reds have a strong group of young starting pitchers, with Carson Spiers and Andrew Abbott looking solid at the back end of their rotation. Rhett Lowder will be back from injury soon, and prospects like Chase Petty could be close to the majors,” Pressnell wrote. “While the Reds don’t have to trade Martinez, the Cubs could make a deal if they become desperate. A trade involving Alcantara, Cruz, and Neely would bring Martinez to Chicago.”
While Martinez is a capable arm, he has struggled early this season. Having been primarily a reliever in the past, he’s starting in the rotation this year but has posted a 6.06 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings.