Chicago Cubs predicted to make “obvious” trade ahead of 2026 MLB trade deadline

One could say that the Chicago Cubs need for pitching is one of the worst kept secrets in baseball, but then again, it really is no secret. It has not been a secret since even before the season began.

All year long, the Cubs have seen pitcher after pitcher, both in their starting rotation and bullpen, hit the injured list. Some are out for the year, some came back just to go on IL again, and others are trying to avoid it all together. Unfortunately, not many of them have been able to stay healthy.

As such, Chicago has been linked to numerous pitchers ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and one outlet believes there is an obvious target the Cubs should, and will, pursue.

MLB analyst says trading for Freddy Peralta is the obvious move for the Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs, Freddy Peralta — May 17, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

For weeks, the Cubs have been linked to numerous pitchers that are rumored to be on the trading block. One name that has surfaced repeatedly is that of New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta.

So often has Chicago been mentioned as a possible trade destination for the two-time All-Star that Bleacher Report has now said it would be an “obvious” move:

“There is, however, no longer any question of whether the Cubs like Peralta as a trade target. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, they do.

“And in their defense, there is some noise to see through when looking at Peralta. He’s mostly pitched fine this year, allowing three earned runs or fewer in 14 of his 21 starts. And the fastball is gaining steam, jumping from an average of 94.2 mph in June to 95.1 mph so far in July.”

This was written before Peralta gave up seven earned runs against the Milwaukee Brewers are Monday night. He is now 5-9 with a 5.01 ERA on the season.

BR does admit, though, that the Cubs have a serious obstacle when it would come to acquiring any pitcher, even Peralta: they have a poor farm system. Chicago’s minor league crop of prospects ranks just 24th in baseball, and they may not have the young talent necessary to get the arms the require.

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