Cubs urged to upgrade obvious roster hole at the trade deadline
The Chicago Cubs have a five-game lead in the National League Central with a 41-27 record despite scuffling over the last 10 games.
The strong offense has struggled recently, but the real problem is starting pitching.
The Athletic released a trade deadline Urgency Index, which ranks which teams are likely to need starting pitching, offensive help and relief pitching by July 31.
Chicago landed in the No. 1 spot for starting pitcher.
“It’s not just that the Cubs’ rotation has been mediocre this far into the season – their starters have been below-average whether you use Wins Above Replacement, ERA or strikeout rate to rank them,” wrote Eno Sarris. “What’s more worrisome is what their rotation is likely to do going forward.
“Over at FanGraphs, even with 81 more innings penciled in for Shota Imanaga, Chicago’s rotation is projected at 23rd… With the Cubs’ offense coalescing and Kyle Tucker on an expiring deal, there’s increasing pressure on this front office to get an impact arm at the deadline.”
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There are several routes the Cubs could go to add an impact arm. They can trade for a rental, like Zac Gallen, Andrew Heaney or Tomoyuki Sugano, or they can go for someone with years of control.
The Miami Marlins have two quality pitchers who may be shopped with years of control that the Cubs could be interested in. Edward Cabrera is less likely to be moved than former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, who has been heavily linked to the Cubs.
The trade deadline is 49 days away, meaning there is plenty of time for sellers to emerge and for more assets to become available.
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