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Cubs rumors: The Royals pitcher Chicago is urged to trade for at deadline by ex-MLB GM appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Holding the top Wild Card spot at 56-43, the Chicago Cubs will be entering the trade deadline as buyers. It’s no secret that the team will be targeting top flight pitching.
Amongst their potential targets is Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals. Jim Bowden of the Athletic argues the Cubs should offer infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw and outfielder Kevin Alcantara for his services.
“In this deal, the Cubs would add Wacha, 35, who made the AL All-Star team this year and is controllable through 2027 with a team option for 2028,” Bowden wrote. “He has posted sub-4.00 ERAs each of the past five years (including this one) and still has a special changeup and unique downward plane to his pitches.”
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“I think this deal is an overpay by the Cubs, but it should be worth it to land a veteran starter like Wacha, especially given that there are so few starting pitchers on the market right now,” he concluded.
As it stands, the Cubs have Ben Brown, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera and Cade Horton all on the injured list. Even if numerous were to return, Chicago needs healthy and trustworthy starters for their playoff push. That’s where Wacha comes in.
On his way to his second career All-Star nomination, the right-hander holds a 3.77 ERA and a 96/34 K/BB ratio over his 19 2026 starts. Through his 14 years total in MLB, Wacha has posted a 3.88 ERA and 1,512/537 K/BB ratio.
Shaw and Alcantara may seem a lot for Wacha. But if the Cubs are serious about winning, they’ll be looking to add the best pitching trade targets they can. And that doesn’t come cheap.
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