The Chicago Cubs have done a lot to shape their team into a postseason contender over the last few months, and, to this point, it's paid off quite well.
The addition of Kyle Tucker has proven to be one of the biggest acquisitions of the offseason as the slugger has looked like an MVP-level outfielder through the team's first dozen or so games.
While the offense has been great, the pitching has been lackluster at best. Shota Imanaga has looked good through four starts, while Matthew Boyd has looked like a sneaky good pickup.
Ben Brown and Jameson Taillon could both be replaced with better pitchers. To make matters worse, Justin Steele, once viewed as the team's ace, suffered a season-ending injury this week. Steele will miss the rest of the 2025 season after pitching in four games.
If the Cubs weren't urgently looking for a trade to bring in a starting pitcher, they should be doing that now.
The Cubs could look to trade for a few different pitchers around the league.
If they're willing to move prospects within the division, they could pursue pitchers like Nick Martinez, Andrew Abbott, Aaron Civale, Sonny Gray or Erick Fedde.
The Cubs could also look to snag one of the San Diego Padres' star pitchers, Michael King or Dylan Cease. King recently tossed a complete game shutout, while Cease has Cy Young potential.
Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins would be the biggest and best prize to acquire for Chicago.
Either way, the Cubs need to chase a trade for a pitcher sooner rather than later.
