MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs Eyeing Aggressive Move For Specific Upgrade

The Chicago Cubs may be in control of the NL Central with a 42-28 record, but they’re not standing pat. 

According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Cubs are planning to be “aggressive” ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, targeting both starting pitching and bullpen upgrades. While their offense is one of the league’s most dangerous, the pitching staff, particularly the rotation, remains a soft spot that could threaten their postseason hopes.

Injuries Fuel Urgency for Rotation Reinforcements

Chicago’s starting rotation has taken multiple hits. Justin Steele is out for the season, Shōta Imanaga is still recovering from a hamstring strain, and Javier Assad remains sidelined. That leaves Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon to lead a thin group that includes inconsistent performances from Cade Horton and Colin Rea. 

Even with a top-10 ERA overall, the Cubs know that won’t hold unless they add a reliable arm or two. As President Jed Hoyer noted, “The focus would be on adding pitching and adding pitching depth.”

Despite Strong Recent Stretch, Bullpen Still a Priority

Interestingly, the bullpen has looked elite lately, with an MLB-best 0.82 ERA over the past 24 games. But the front office isn’t letting that streak cloud the bigger picture. Chicago’s relievers have struggled in key moments, including late-inning meltdowns in a recent series loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The Cubs have the roster to compete for a title, but Bowden’s report makes it clear: they won’t settle for just being in the mix; they’re aiming to win the NL Central and go deep in October.

Photo Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images