The Chicago Cubs have reportedly been looking to add a starting pitcher this offseason, and one of their top targets was left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo of the Miami Marlins. However, on Sunday morning, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Luzardo by sending several top prospects to Miami. With Luzardo now off the market, the Cubs are turning their attention elsewhere for a starter.
FanSided’s Mark Powell recently proposed a potential blockbuster trade, suggesting the Cubs could target Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López. Powell speculated that the Cubs could offer their No. 6 prospect, Kevin Alcántara, and No. 9 prospect, Jaxon Wiggins, in exchange for López, who is under contract for three more years at $21 million per season.
“If Chicago wanted to pivot in a different direction without forfeiting their entire farm system, former Marlins pitcher and current Twins ace Pablo López would be an ideal place to look,” Powell wrote. “The Twins are willing to sell off some assets, and López would fetch a nice return.”
López, who finished seventh in AL Cy Young voting in 2023 and made the American League All-Star Team, has been a consistent performer, finishing with over 2.5 WAR in each of the past four seasons. He posted a 4.08 ERA in 2024 after a string of four consecutive seasons with an ERA under 4.00. While not as affordable as Luzardo, López’s solid performance and three years of team control make him an appealing target.
Adding López would be a strong move for the Cubs, but it remains uncertain whether the Twins will actually trade him this offseason.
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