Cubs Trade Rumors Reaching New Peak As $56 Million Ace Struggles
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The Chicago Cubs have needed to add a starting pitcher for months now, but they haven't done so. With Justin Steele going down with a season-ending injury, the Cubs' need for a pitcher grew larger.
As Chicago closes in on the trade deadline, it's clear the front office should target a pitcher in a huge trade. The name that's been mentioned alongside the Cubs for a few weeks now is that of the Miami Marlins ace, Sandy Alcántara.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly recently joined the movement of media members who have suggested the Cubs will land a trade for Alcántara in the coming weeks. It seems like these rumors are reaching a new peak.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 09: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 09, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 09: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 09, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio."We won't dispute Sandy Alcántara's season has been even worse than Gallen's, as evidenced by his 7.22 ERA," Kelly wrote. "But the further Alcántara moves away from October 2023 Tommy John surgery, the better he should get. "He's also still only 29 years old, and he is signed to a team-friendly contract that will pay him $17.3 million in 2026, and he has a $21 million club option for 2027.
"Alcántara would represent a big swing as the Cubs try to maximize their only guaranteed year with Tucker. But even if he doesn't pitch like an ace this year, he could remain with the Cubs for two more seasons and potentially rediscover the form that made him the NL Cy Young Award winner in 2022."
A trade sending Alcántara to the Cubs makes too much sense to ignore.
Chicago has gone after expiring talent for the last few months, so it's likely it will look for a controllable pitcher at the deadline. This would help avoid a complete roster collapse in the offseason if all the expiring players opt to leave town.
The Cubs also have quite a talented farm system filled with position player talent. These position players are the kind of prospects that'll likely pique the interest of the Marlins. If the Cubs are willing to cut ties with two or three top names, they could land the Marlins' ace.
More MLB: Twins $100 Million All-Star Listed As Mets 'Dream Trade Target'
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