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There is a clear need for the Chicago Cubs ahead of the early August MLB trade deadline — pitching. The Cubs could use help with both the starting pitching as well as the relief pitching. Sitting in a NL Wild Card Spot and seven games back of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs believe thy are in striking distance.
They should be buyers at the deadline and while the farm system isn’t the best in baseball, they have prospects to go out and address the pitching situation. Now, their current opponent as of time of this publication, could have some pitchers that would interest the Cubs.
As the Cubs are in the middle of a series with the Detroit Tigers, ESPN reporter Jeff Passan released his updated rankings for 2026 trade deadline candidates.
On that list are two Tigers’ pitchers, and both could draw interest from the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs could target two Detroit Tigers’ pitchers
In Passans’ rankings, he lists Tarik Skubal at the top of his list. He mentions the Cubs, Dodgers, Braves, Brewers, Phillies and Rays as serious contenders:
Skubal returned from midseason bone chip surgery in record time and hit 99.9 mph with his fastball, so any concerns about his stuff returning have been answered. His future depends on whether the Tigers can muster a run at an American League playoff spot.
Considering the hole they’ve dug themselves, they are far more likely than not to move Skubal — beyond their 4½-game deficit for the final wild card, they are behind six other teams — and they will squeeze every ounce of value out of the best pitcher in the world. He is the dream deadline candidate, the sort of ace who can carry a team in the postseason. Whoever lands Skubal will pay an enormous price. Happily.
The Cubs have been connected to Skubal rumors before. It makes sense if the Cubs feel like they are a big time starter away from being a contender. But the price will be a hefty one. If it’s too much, they could look at Casey Mize as another option and Passan puts the Cubs as a contender to trade for him as well:
While Mize has twice hit the injured list with a strained groin, his most recent start illustrates why he’ll be in high demand if Detroit decides to punt. He threw seven scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out 10 Yankees. Mize isn’t popping any models with his stuff, but he’s striking out more than a batter an inning, he’s allowing less than a baserunner an inning, and his contract will be barely $2 million for the remainder of the season.
Mize will be a cheaper option than Skubal and both are signed only through this season. However, Mize would be a little more risky as he hasn’t been healthy or consistent this year.
The next couple of days could open things up on the trade market and the Cubs should be very active.
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