{"id":177329,"date":"2026-04-17T00:20:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T00:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=177329"},"modified":"2026-04-17T00:20:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T00:20:36","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-breaking-cubs-blockbuster-trade-idea-sends-115-million-cy-young-two-time-all-star-to-chicago-to-replace-cade-horton-in-rotation-in-a-shocking-move-the-cubs-are-making-a-huge-splash-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=177329","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 BREAKING: CUBS BLOCKBUSTER TRADE IDEA SENDS $115 MILLION CY YOUNG, TWO-TIME ALL-STAR TO CHICAGO TO REPLACE CADE HORTON IN ROTATION! In a shocking move, the Cubs are making a huge splash in the trade market, bringing in a proven ace to elevate their rotation. Will this be the missing piece for a playoff push, or will it backfire? Chicago\u2019s future just got a lot more exciting\u2026\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cubs Eye Blockbuster Trade for Cy Young Winner Robbie Ray to Replace Cade Horton in Rotation<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Proposed<\/i><\/p>\n

The Chicago Cubs have found themselves in a challenging position early in the 2026 season. With their star pitcher Cade Horton<\/strong> ruled out for the rest of the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery<\/strong>, the Cubs are left scrambling to fill the void in their starting rotation. Currently sitting at 9-9 and last in the NL Central<\/strong>, the team faces mounting pressure to make a move.<\/p>\n

In light of this setback, the Cubs’ front office has recognized the urgent need for a true ace. A major acquisition could address both their current pitching void and their long-term rotation concerns.<\/strong> Fortunately, Bleacher Report\u2019s Joel Reuter<\/strong> has floated a trade idea that could potentially solve both issues: acquiring former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray<\/strong> from the San Francisco Giants<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Trade Proposal: Cubs Acquire Cy Young Winner Robbie Ray<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a proposed blockbuster trade, the Cubs would receive LHP Robbie Ray<\/strong>, who could be the much-needed boost for their starting rotation. In return, the Giants would get Chicago’s No. 6 prospect, first baseman Jonathon Long<\/strong>, as part of the deal.<\/p>\n

Reuter\u2019s proposal comes with a clear rationale: \u201cWith Cade Horton lost for the season, Matthew Boyd<\/strong> nursing a biceps strain, and Justin Steele<\/strong> still recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Cubs\u2019 rotation depth is being put to the test early on.\u201d The Cubs are running out of viable options, and adding a veteran ace like Ray could give the team a competitive edge, especially with their rotation struggling to find stability.<\/p>\n

Robbie Ray\u2019s Current Performance and Contract<\/strong><\/p>\n

So far in the 2026 season, Ray has been performing admirably. He\u2019s posted a 2-2 record<\/strong>, along with a 2.42 ERA<\/strong>, 24 strikeouts<\/strong>, and a WHIP of 1.030<\/strong> over 22 innings pitched<\/strong>. Despite his age (33) and injury concerns, Ray\u2019s ability to stay effective on the mound makes him an appealing option for a team in need of immediate pitching help.<\/p>\n

Ray is currently in the final year of a five-year, $115 million contract<\/strong>, making him a rental player<\/strong> for the remainder of the season. However, his salary remains a significant factor in the trade. The Cubs would likely need to absorb the remaining portion of his $25 million salary to make the deal happen. This would lower the prospect cost<\/strong>, making Ray a more affordable target for the Cubs, despite his star status.<\/p>\n

Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Cubs<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cubs’ rotation has already been hit hard by injuries, and acquiring Ray would provide immediate relief. With their lack of a true ace<\/strong> and the uncertainty surrounding their injured pitchers, Ray could stabilize the rotation<\/strong> and provide a veteran presence during a critical stretch of the season. His postseason experience and ability to dominate hitters<\/strong> would be a huge asset to a Cubs team that\u2019s desperate for consistency and leadership on the mound.<\/p>\n

\"Blockbuster<\/p>\n

Additionally, Ray\u2019s contract situation<\/strong> makes this a potentially low-risk move for the Cubs. Since he is in the final year of his deal, the Cubs wouldn’t be locked into a long-term commitment if the trade doesn’t work out as hoped. They would have the opportunity to evaluate his fit within their team before deciding on any further investments.<\/p>\n

The Giants’ Perspective: Why They Might Trade Ray<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the Giants, the trade proposal makes sense if they can’t get back on track this season. Ray is a valuable asset<\/strong>, but if the Giants are out of contention by the deadline, they might consider trading him in exchange for a prospect like Jonathon Long. A young, high-upside player like Long would help the Giants replenish their farm system and could offer long-term value.<\/p>\n

Cubs Must Act Quickly for a Potential Game-Changer<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the Cubs continue to evaluate their options for replacing Horton, time is of the essence<\/strong>. With just 9 wins on the season, they need to act quickly to bolster their rotation before falling further behind in a highly competitive NL Central division. Adding Ray could be a season-saving move<\/strong> for the Cubs, and as Reuter suggests, acquiring the former Cy Young winner could propel the Cubs back into playoff contention.<\/p>\n

In a year where many expected the Cubs to contend, getting Ray on board by the trade deadline<\/strong> would provide the jolt the team needs. Whether this trade happens before August or not, the Cubs\u2019 front office should consider making a strong push for the ace<\/strong> that could change the course of their 2026 season.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: A Deal to Keep an Eye On<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Cade<\/p>\n

In summary, Robbie Ray<\/strong> is a viable and valuable option for the Cubs, but the question remains: Will the team act quickly enough to secure the ace they so desperately need? With a limited window of opportunity<\/strong>, Ray\u2019s potential impact on the Cubs\u2019 rotation could not be overstated<\/strong>. Whether the Cubs pull the trigger on this deal or look elsewhere, one thing is clear: the Cubs need to make a move, and Robbie Ray might just be the game-changer they need to turn their season around.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cubs Eye Blockbuster Trade for Cy Young Winner Robbie Ray to Replace Cade Horton in Rotation The Chicago Cubs have found themselves in a challenging position early… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":177330,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-177329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 BREAKING: CUBS BLOCKBUSTER TRADE IDEA SENDS $115 MILLION CY YOUNG, TWO-TIME ALL-STAR TO CHICAGO TO REPLACE CADE HORTON IN ROTATION! In a shocking move, the Cubs are making a huge splash in the trade market, bringing in a proven ace to elevate their rotation. Will this be the missing piece for a playoff push, or will it backfire? Chicago\u2019s future just got a lot more exciting\u2026\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=177329\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 BREAKING: CUBS BLOCKBUSTER TRADE IDEA SENDS $115 MILLION CY YOUNG, TWO-TIME ALL-STAR TO CHICAGO TO REPLACE CADE HORTON IN ROTATION! In a shocking move, the Cubs are making a huge splash in the trade market, bringing in a proven ace to elevate their rotation. Will this be the missing piece for a playoff push, or will it backfire? 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