Cubs expected to be active in two trade markets, according to an MLB insider

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Cubs expected to be active in two trade markets, according to an MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs are heading towards the 2026 MLB trade deadline as clear buyers, but the extent of their spending is still unknown.

While Tarik Skubal seems out of reach, there are plenty of other players who could make a ton of sense for the Cubs this summer at the deadline.

MLB insider for Fansided.com, Robert Murray, revealed that the Cubs are expected to be involved in two trade markets this year: Starting pitcher and the bullpen.

Cubs expected to be involved in rotation and bullpen trade markets​

"Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. That should be the Cubs' motto come the trade deadline," Murray writes. "I expect Jed Hoyer and the front office to be active both in the rotation and bullpen markets."

While the Cubs could look to find lineup depth or an upgrade at a position this summer, their two main needs reside in the bullpen and the rotation.

All of the injuries the Cubs have had to deal with in both have made the team's plans clear. Jed Hoyer and the Cubs need to add pitching help this summer.

Murray expects the Cubs to be involved in both the rotation and bullpen trade markets, and there are some very interesting names worth considering.

MORE: Yankees send scouts to Cubs vs. Twins series amid trade interest in three players

While Skubal and Mason Miller are probably out of reach, the Cubs could pull off such a deal if they deem it worthwhile.

Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, Antonio Senzatela, and Kirby Yates are a few other reliever trade options the Cubs could consider.

In the rotation, Robbie Ray, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcantara, Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano, Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Foster Griffin, Casey Mize, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and Kevin Gausman could be options.

There are plenty more starters the Cubs could consider, though the bullpen market isn't nearly as robust. But Hoyer and the Cubs should be able to find upgrades at both spots, even in a seller's market, and even with plenty of contenders eyeing pitching help.

More MLB news:​

• Braves injury update on Spencer Strider has execs ‘pessimistic’ about a 2026 return
• Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chances
• White Sox have strong interest in Mets’ Clay Holmes with scout attending rehab assignment
• Phillies ‘would love’ to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver
• MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadline

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