Top Cubs Deadline Target Emerging As Realistic Trade Option
Devastated by rotation injuries, Chicago could acquire a premier starter to anchor their staff. An All-Star righty offers the long-term control Jed Hoyer craves.
Video Transcript
What is up, Cubs fans?
And welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I'm Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs.
And the Cubs will likely be looking at starting pitching at this year's trade deadline.
With all the injuries the Cubs have dealt with, they could use a premier starting pitcher at this year's trade deadline.
You know, Cade Horn, out for the season with Tommy John surgery.
It was announced on Tuesday that Justin Steele will not start any games for the Cubs this year after his latest setback from a flexor strain back in late April.
Matthew Boyd has spent more time on the injured list, it's felt like, than as a starter for the Cubs this year, as he's dealt with a bicep strain, meniscus injury, and shoulder soreness.
So the Cubs should be looking at starting pitching at this year's trade deadline.
And while there are question marks about whether the Cubs will actually be buyers or even sellers at this year's trade deadline, there's a pitcher in particular the Cubs should be acquiring no matter what.
It's Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan.
Joe Ryan could be moved at this year's trade deadline, with Joe Ryan now 30 years old and the Twins not really in a contender role here as we head into 2026, middle of 2026 here.
The Twins could be looking to offset him, and we found out from MLB Insider that the Twins would like to move Joe Ryan.
They want to get a, a head start on their rebuild, and that could mean parting ways with Joe Ryan.
The Cubs should be all over that because Joe Ryan has multiple years of control remaining, so the Cubs will have him for the rest of this year and all of next year.
So even if the Cubs aren't in a spot where they might be true contenders this year, having Joe Ryan for next year would be huge for the Cubs rotation next year, especially since Matthew Boyd, Shotime Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon will all be free agents.
So you add Joe Ryan, and it gives the Cubs a solid group with Justin Steele going to return the beginning of the season.
You have Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera who are gonna be continuing to develop as pitchers.
And then Cade Horn should be back in the rotation sometime in the second half.
That would give the Cubs a collective five strong rotation arms for 2027.
So you have to go make a move for Joe Ryan with 2026 and 2027 in mind.
But let me know what you guys think about Joe Ryan.
Should the Cubs go acquire him at this year's trade deadline?
Let me know down below.
And as always, guys, go Cubs, go.
