Cubs Trade Idea Sends Kevin Alcántara, Jack Neely for Seth Lugo
Cubs Trade Idea Sends Kevin Alcántara, Jack Neely for Seth Lugo originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs should find themselves in the market for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline.
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An impressive start to the season has them at 46-32 and atop the National League Central. The Cubs have dealt with Justin Steele's absence swimmingly and have navigated this stretch with Shota Imanaga.
But, even with Jameson Taillon (3.84 ERA, 4.82 FIP), Matthew Boyd (2.84 ERA, 3.66 FIP), Colin Rea (4.42 ERA, 4.77 FIP), and Cade Horton (3.73 ERA, 3.78 FIP) holding down the fort, another top arm would propel this team into the upper echelon of contenders.
According to Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN, Kansas City Royals righty Seth Lugo is a top trade deadline candidate and a natural fit in Chicago.
Here is what that trade could look like:
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Cubs receive: RHP Seth Lugo
Royals receive: OF Kevin Alcántara (No. 4), RHP Jack Neely (No. 15)
Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Lugo, who is set to make $15 million this season and next, has a player option for 2026. This deal would likely require a contingency plan for Chicago to proceed.
Alcántara and Neely are too much to give up for a rental. But, a year-and-a-half of Lugo could be worth diminishing some of the farm system.
Lugo has been excellent in his 10th MLB season, going 4-5 with a 2.93 ERA, a 4.26 FIP, and 68 strikeouts to 23 walks over 83 innings for Kansas City. He is 35 years old, and this would be a risky, all-in move for the Cubs, but he could also be the key piece to this puzzle.
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The Royals are hanging around at 38-40, but ace Cole Ragans is out with a left rotator cuff strain, and should he remain sidelined for an extended period, they could punt on the campaign.
Related: Cubs Announce Pitching Roster Moves Ahead of Huge Cardinals Series
Related: Cubs Urged to Solve 'Desperate' Need By Trading For Marlins' Cy Young Starter
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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