Chicago Cubs eyeing much needed pitching at MLB Trade Deadline per report

Despite the struggles the Chicago Cubs had in the month of May, they will enter the MLB All-Star break within reach of the Milwaukee Brewers and the NL Central. Chicago has fallen behind with that rough stretch but some recent good play has put them right back in the mix.

They are doing so with an abundance of injuries to their pitching staff as 13 pitchers are currently on the injured list. It’s a mixture of relievers and starters who are on the injured list for the Cubs and it’s an area they could look to improve at the trade deadline.

With the deadline approaching in early August, the latest rumors suggest the Cubs will target pitching. However, they won’t prioritize a starter to a reliever or vice versa.

Latest on Chicago Cubs’ trade deadline rumors

Craig Counsell, Chicago Cubs — Jun 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) looks on from the dugout prior to during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The deadline is still weeks away but the All-Star break is when things could heat up. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that manager Craig Counsell won’t view the rotation or bullpen as an exclusive priority:

With the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching, Counsell won’t be viewing the rotation and the bullpen, exclusively, in terms of priorities. A pitching staff is so connected that there can be different ideas about game-planning and packing the roster with more talent.

But even Counsell acknowledges that certain players can have an outsized impact, the skills and presence to make other pieces fit together better.

Instead, the Cubs will look to add where they feel they can whether that is a starter or a reliever. That’s a good thing too.

It almost feels certain that the Cubs will land a pitcher, and probably more than one at the deadline. But will they go out and land a big fish? Freddy Peralta and Tarik Skubal are the two biggest names that could be available. Chicago’s farm system isn’t the greatest but they could also look to deal someone like Matt Shaw in a package as well.

The bottom line is if the Cubs pitching doesn’t get healthy and better, it could be a early exit for the playoffs if they make it.

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