The Chicago Cubs are one of the better teams in the league this season, but their roster still has some glaring holes.
Most notably, the holes on the Cubs roster are seen in the pitching staff. The starting rotation has been crushed with injuries, including a season-ending injury to Justin Steele. The bullpen was never the best unit in the league, but it’s been a bit worse than expected.
Chicago will need to turn to the trade block to find the right fits if it wants to be a World Series favorite down the stretch.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel recently listed the Cubs as one of the best fits in a potential trade for Kansas City Royals star pitcher Seth Lugo.
“Lugo has posted mid-3.00s or lower ERAs for five seasons despite having below-average fastball velocity and good-not-great strikeout rates. His ability to strand runners and limit hard contact comes in part due to his nine different pitches,” They wrote. “With a Nathan Eovaldi-type contract awaiting Lugo in free agency, Kansas City could opt to move him, especially if Cole Ragans’ injured shoulder doesn’t improve.”
Lugo has been spectacular with the Royals this season, but Kansas City has struggled as a whole. With Cole Ragans on the sidelines and a deep pitching staff, the Royals could comfortably trade Lugo before his contract expires.
This would be a win-now move from the Cubs. But Chicago is no stranger to making these kinds of moves this season. The front office could package a few prospects together to land a top-of-the-rotation talent like Lugo with the hopes of extending his contract at the end of the season.