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Cubs Deadline Wishlist
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
The Cubs currently sit 13 games over .500 and 7 games back in the division as they start the week against St. Louis on the road. At the same time, the Savannah Bananas just wrapped up their takeover of Wrigley Field after playing 3 games against the Party Coco Loco Firefighters. I decided that I wouldn't let them get to me and I wouldn't focus an entire blog on the disgusting events that took place. It's truly devastating knowing that these TikTokers played "Banana Ball" on the same field where Babe Ruth called his shot, Ernie Banks hit number 500, and Kerry Wood had one of the greatest pitching performances of all time. Again, if you're into that, great. Everyone likes different things in life. I don't judge people. But keep this nonsense away from the most historic ballpark in the country.
Back to the Cubs.
As the deadline approaches, the Cubs have some clear needs. It's no secret that this team caught the injury bug. Here's a list of all pitchers that are on the IL and the timeframe:
OUT FOR THE SEASON
Cade Horton: 60-day IL, underwent Tommy John surgery in April.
Porter Hodge: Season-ending elbow surgery in late April.
Justin Steele: When the season started, I thought Steele would be back post-break in a starter role. Sounds like some set-backs occurred and there's a chance he could pitch in relief in the playoffs?
EXPECTED RETURNS IN AUGUST
Daniel Palencia (closer): Expected to return mid-August. Dealing with a mild flexor strain in his elbow, has been shut down from throwing since June 16.
Edward Cabrera: Expected to return second week of August.
Hoby Milner: Expected to return around Aug. 1 after emergency appendix surgery.
QUESTIONABLE/LONG-TERM
Jameson Taillon: Taillon returned from injury and went back to J-Mo of a few years ago. DFA'd by the team on 7/27.
Ben Brown: Crazy to think Ben Brown is a guy right now. But if he could return healthy, that'd be great. Still without a timeline though.
Riley Martin: Who cares?
Phil Maton: Who cares?
Outside of the injuries, it's no secret that pitching hasn't been great. Here's where they rank for starters and relievers...
STARTING PITCHERS
Team ERA: 4.42 (Rank 19)
Team WHIP: 1.238 (Rank 8)
Team K/9: 7.67 (Rank 25)
Team Wins: 35 (Rank 6)
RELIEF PITCHERS
Team ERA: 4.07 (Rank 14)
Team WHIP: 1.319 (Rank 18)
Team K/9: 8.20 (Rank 17)
Saves: 20 (Rank 26)
The expected ERA is even higher. This team has been giving the pitching gold-glove caliber defense and it's still not enough.
So what do they do? And who do they trade to get it done?
Starting Pitchers
Snag 1 or 2 of the following...
EMERSON HANCOCK, Seattle Mariners
The 27-year-old right-hander is in the midst of a strong 2026 season for the Mariners. Through mid-July, Hancock owns a 3.16 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP across 105.1 innings. He's pieced together a 6-4 record with 97 strikeouts and just 27 walks, displaying impressive control that marks a step forward from his inconsistent early MLB years. Hancock relies on a six-pitch arsenal anchored by a four-seamer and sinker, with his sweeper generating swing-and-miss rates. The former sixth overall pick has finally stayed healthy this season and shown why the Mariners drafted him so high.
Control: 2 more years (through 2028)
JOE RYAN, Minnesota Twins
At 30 years old, Ryan continues to be a steady workhorse for the Twins rotation. The All-Star right-hander is posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.10 WHIP through mid-July with a 6-6 record and 131 strikeouts. What makes Ryan effective is his deceptive fastball and excellent command, allowing him to post low walk rates despite modest velocity (93.6 mph average). He's made at least 30 starts in each of his first five seasons as a Twin, providing reliability at the top of the rotation. Ryan's underlying metrics suggest he's pitching better than his record indicates.
Control: 1 more year (through 2027)
KEVIN GAUSMAN, Toronto Blue Jays
The 35-year-old veteran has been nothing short of excellent for the Blue Jays in 2026. Gausman owns an impressive 2.54 ERA and elite 0.95 WHIP as of mid-July, demonstrating that age hasn't slowed him down. He continues to work as the ace of Toronto's rotation despite having a slightly diminished strikeout rate compared to his peak years. Gausman's success relies on exceptional command and movement rather than high velocity, allowing him to maintain elite performance into his mid-30s. He's made 21 starts and remains a legitimate contender in any playoff rotation.
Control: FA after 2026
REID DETMERS, Los Angeles Angels
The lefty is posting a 4.63 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with a 2-5 record and 82 strikeouts through July 21. While the underlying metrics suggest better performance than the surface numbers indicate (he ranks top 10 in FIP and xERA), the results on the field have been inconsistent. Detmers threw a no-hitter early in his career but has battled durability and consistency issues throughout his MLB tenure.
Control: 2 more years (through 2028)
Would I love Tarik Skubal? Sure. Do I think they'll make a move for him? No. Unless they can guarantee an extension after the trade, the Cubs aren't blowing their prospect pool for a few months of Skubal. I think the above are more realistic and can make an impact on this rotation.
Relief Pitchers
Get 1 or 2 of the following...
KENLEY JANSEN, Detroit Tigers
Jansen carries a 4.21 ERA through 26 appearances in 2026, posting 11 saves and a 1.29 WHIP. He's certainly declining and again isn't going to be the season-saver. But he's a guy who's been in high-leverage situations, still has nasty stuff, and can be a great setup man. We all watched him get out of a bases loaded 9th inning jam just a week or so ago and that's a guy who can handle pressure. Low cost option here.
YOENDRYS GOMEZ, Minnesota Twins
Gomez was acquired by Minnesota from Tampa Bay in May 2026 for cash considerations after being designated for assignment. The 26-year-old posted a 6.23 ERA and 1.67 WHIP through 17.1 innings with Tampa Bay early in the season, but has improved since joining the Twins. Gomez represents significant upside at minimal cost given his minimal trade value and out-of-options status. A guy here I'd ask as a toss in with a Joe Ryan package.
KYLE FINNEGAN, Detroit Tigers
Finnegan has managed a 2.03 ERA across 26 appearances with a career-worst 1.58 WHIP and four blown saves in his last nine outings. Finnegan remains a useful setup arm with postseason experience but lacks the elite dominance that commands premium returns. This isn't the splashy dominant player I'd like here but pair this with Casey Mize or Tarik Skubal (again, not happening) and you have a nice little package. I also think that any kind of bullpen addition is a positive.
MASON MILLER, San Diego Padres
Miller has posted a 0.89 ERA with 26 saves and 0.84 WHIP through 42.2 innings in 2026. The 27-year-old closer signed a one-year, $4 million deal and remains arbitration-eligible after this season. Do I see this happening? No. But I would probably prefer going after Miller than going all out for Skubal.
Other possibility: If the Cubs go after Freddy Peralta or Clay Holmes, I could see them trying to toss in a Luke Weaver to that deal. I don't want Freddy but Clay Holmes is interesting.
Who They Would Trade
Say goodbye to some talented prospects...
Matt Shaw, 3B – Highs and lows this year for Shaw. The problem is his stock is fairly low coming off injury JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 15%
Moisés Ballesteros, C – Love my sweet prince Mo. I don't feel like they'll let him go at this point with his stock also down. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 10%
Jaxon Wiggins, RHP – No shot he's moved. Stock is down after a season-ending injury. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 0%
Ethan Conrad, OF – 2025 first-round pick (17th OA), elite all-around ability, feels like the most likely prospect to headline a trade. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 50%
Kevin Alcántara, OF – The Jaguar. My guy. Stock is down but talent is there and feels like he's a guy that could go. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 30%
Jefferson Rojas, SS – Top 100 guy. Currently having a productive year in AA. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 10%
Owen Ayers, C – Arizona Fall League standout (2024), plus-plus arm strength, rising prospect that I don't know much about. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 35%
Cade Townsend, RHP – 2026 first-round pick (23rd OA), elite spin rates, feels like a guy you don't let go given the current state of the farm system. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 1%
Pedro Ramirez, 2B/3B – I'd hate to see Ramirez go but you have to think he's a prime candidate here who isn't being used every day. Stock is up. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 25%
Kane Kepley, OF – 2025 second-round pick, best pure hitter potential. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 12%
Jonathon Long, 1B/OF – A guy who's been in trade conversations for a few years now. I expect him to be part of a package. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 48%
James Triantos, 2B/3B – .258/.315/.369 in Triple-A, finally made his debut, and still young. Again, feels like a prime trade candidate. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 45%
Cole Mathis, 3B – Young infielder, hasn't fully developed, solid prospect depth. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 10%
Dominick Reid, RHP – 2025 first-round pick, raw pitcher prospect, limited pro experience. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 5%
Josiah Hartshorn, OF – 2025 sixth-round pick, power prospect, seems like the only untouchable player. JacksBackStop Trade Probability: 0%
Brett Bateman, OF – 2023 eighth-round pick at Triple-A Iowa with .350/.447/.489 since June. I thought he was going to be moved last deadline and I expect it to happen this deadline. Trade Probability: 42%
Mason McGwire, RHP – Mid-rotation arm prospect, depth option. Trade Probability: 0%
It's an interesting time but be grateful we're on the buyers side of things. Saying goodbye to prospects is always tough but never forget when we had to trade away Kris Bryant, Javy Baez, and Anthony Rizzo over a 2-day span back in 2021. Add a solid SP, a reliable RP, get some guys healthy, and go make a run. This team has proven to be good and I'm riding until the end. Happy Trade Deadline...
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