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In a span of just one short month, the Chicago Cubs have lost both Justin Steele (out for season) and Shota Imanaga (likely IL stint) to injuries. The pitching rotation for Chicago now looks very thin.
Based solely on stats, offseason signing Colin Rea (2-0, 1,46 ERA) is currently the best pitcher in the rotation. Rea has never finished with an ERA under 4.26 in his career, so it is easy to assume his success will not continue. Because of this, here are three pitchers the Cubs should pursue a trades for.
Andrew Heaney, Pittsburgh Pirates
Heaney has found his way into several different trade proposals and it's for good reason. He is quietly putting together his best season since 2022.
Through seven starts, Heaney has an ERA of 3.18 and 34 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings pitched. Those numbers were affected by his most recent start on Sunday, when he allowed four runs and struck out just three batters in 3 2/3 innings.
Pittsburgh is probably the most likely trade partner in the division for Chicago. A move for Heaney to add another left-handed pitcher back in the rotation would be a very smart move.
Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles
In his three starts this season, Eflin was 2-1 with an ERA of 3.00 with eight strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. He is currently on the injured list with a back issue, but he is expected back soon, and he could be a prime trade candidate for Baltimore.
Eflin is in the last year of a three-year contract and with the Orioles' struggles, moving him and receiving prospects in return could be the best decision for Baltimore.
Because of Eflin being in the last year of his contract, Chicago could potentially make a move for him without having to give up a surplus of prospects in its organization.
Sonny Gray, St. Louis Cardinals
This one may be a bit far-fetched because it is a Cubs-Cardinals proposal, but what a get Gray would be for the Cubs.
He is already familiar with the NL Central, and he's had success at Wrigley Field in his career. He's allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts there along with striking out eight or more batters in those three starts.
St. Louis' asking price for Gray may be a bit higher due to the Cubs being a bitter rival but if it isn't anything absurd, the Cubs should try and make a deal to bring the three-time All-Star to Chicago.
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About the writer
Andrew Wright is a Newsweek contributor based in Lancaster, South Carolina. His focus is MLB content. Andrew has been with ... Read more