Chicago Cubs ideal target ahead of MLB trade deadline revealed as 2x All-Star

The Chicago Cubs are 57-45 on the season, seven games out of first place in the National League Central Division. Fortunately, while they are in a bit of hole within their division, they currently hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League.

Because of this, the Cubs are in a good position to make the MLB postseason. However, if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs, they are going to need pitching reinforcements.

Indeed, Chicago’s pitching staff, both its starting rotation and bullpen, has been ravaged by injuries all season long. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, it is no secret that they are in the market for pitchers.

Joe Ryan named as the ideal trade target for the Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs, Joe Ryan — May 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan (41) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians in the fourth inning during game one of a doubleheader at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Bleacher Report recently published an article in which the identified the ideal trade target for each contending team in baseball. When it came to the Cubs, they named Minnesota Twins starting pitcher (and two-time All-Star) Joe Ryan:

“At this point, it’s looking like they’ll be crossing their fingers with Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga in the first two games of the postseason. And they’re both impending free agents, so Chicago is presumably searching for more than just rentals to address the rotation.

“Though Joe Ryan just got shelled for six home runs by the Guardians on Monday, he has otherwise had an excellent season and could be the no-brainer G1 starter for the Cubs—if the Twins end up selling.”

As mentioned above, Ryan gave up an MLB-record six home runs in his last start. However, he is still 6-6 with a respectable 3.38 ERA. Prior to his disastrous last outing, his ERA was well under 3.00.

What is more, Ryan still has one more season of club control remaining following 2026. Not only would he add needed depth and a front line starter to the Cubs rotation for the rest of this year, but in 2027 as well (if there is a season in 2027).

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