MLB Trade Rumors: 2 Starting Pitchers Linked to Chicago Cubs After They Lose Another One

The Chicago Cubs are sailing along atop the NL Central Division. At 26-12, they're tied for the best record in the majors, heading into play on Thursday.

But the Cubbies have a bit of a problem in their rotation. Rookie sensation from 2025, Cade Horton, is out for the year, former ace Justin Steele won't be taking the mound until at least after the All-Star break, and now they've learned that they'll be without Matthew Boyd for an extended period, as he is set to undergo surgery for a left meniscus injury.

The Cubbies will need to make a move to address their depleted rotation. That will come at the trade deadline, and insider Jon Morosi has two notable names that the Cubs will be targeting.

“As great as things are going for the Cubs... [starting pitching] is an area that will likely be addressed at the Trade Deadline.”@jonmorosi shares more on the outlook of Chicago's rotation with Matthew Boyd set to undergo surgery for a left meniscus injury. pic.twitter.com/rmNIslh6Fj
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 7, 2026

He mentions Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins and Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins.

"I would expect the Cubs to be heavily involved in the market for starting pitching," confirms Morosi, pointing out how Ober has bounced back with a strong season, while noting that the Twins will undoubtedly be sellers.

Another team that's frequently in the market to sell at the trade deadline are The Fish.

"The Marlins are below .500 now, and almost always in the market to have that conversation."

The Cubs, in fact, have had these exact types of conversations with Miami recently, as the two sides struck a deal to send another Marlins starter, Edward Cabrera, to the North Side of Chicago this past offseason.

Alcantara, the former Cy Young winner, has, of course, been bandied about on the trade market for over a year now. One more year removed from Tommy John surgery in late 2023, he will be ready to be a top-end of the rotation arm for a contender this season.