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Cubs ‘desperately’ seeking starter as trade deadline looms

The Chicago Cubs haven’t reached the postseason in four years—but 2025 might be their best shot to break the drought. Sitting atop the NL Central standings just days before the trade deadline, Chicago is “desperately” working the phones to acquire a starting pitcher, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

“The Cubs desperately want another starter at the deadline, targeting Mitch Keller of the Pirates, and would include outfield prospect Owen Caissie to make it work.”

Bob Nightengale on the Chicago Cubs

With the Phillies breathing down their neck, just a half-game back, the margin for error is razor-thin. Every game feels like October, and Chicago’s front office knows this rotation needs help.

Nightengale reports the Cubs are actively seeking a reliable arm to stabilize their staff heading into the stretch run. That urgency reflects a front office determined to capitalize on its current standing.

One name that’s been floated is Mitch Keller, a 29-year-old All-Star-caliber righty currently with the Pirates. Keller is enjoying a career year, with a personal-best 3.53 ERA across 125 innings, showcasing improved control and durability. He’s under contract through 2028, making him an ideal long-term fit if acquired.

But prying him loose won’t be easy.

To get a deal done, Chicago might have to part with elite prospect Owen Caissie. Ranked No. 36 overall by MLB Pipeline and No. 1 in the Cubs system, Caissie is seen as a foundational piece of the future. Moving him would send a clear message: The Cubs are ready to win now.

That message would undoubtedly resonate with fans who’ve watched this team flirt with contention before only to fall short. With a roster that includes sluggers like Seiya Suzuki and Kyle Tucker, plus a top-ranked bottom of the order in terms of OPS and batting average, Chicago has the bats. It’s the arms that need reinforcement.

Adding a workhorse like Keller—or another comparable starter—would signal that the Cubs aren’t just trying to make the playoffs. They’re building to go deep.

With just days left until the deadline, the eyes of Wrigleyville turn to the front office. Will they make the bold move? Will the drought end?

Stay tuned.

Red Sox bring 10-game win streak into matchup vs. Cubs at Wrigley

The hottest team in baseball heads to Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon, as the Boston Red Sox carry a 10-game win streak into their first meeting of the season with the Chicago Cubs.

Boston, now 53-45 and sitting third in the AL East, has been on a tear behind an explosive offense and dominant pitching. Over their last 10 games, the Red Sox are batting .299 and have posted a stingy 1.90 ERA while outscoring opponents by 46 runs.

Lucas Giolito will take the mound for Boston. The right-hander owns a 6-1 record with a 3.36 ERA and 64 strikeouts. He’ll go up against Colin Rea, who’s been solid for Chicago at 7–3 with a 3.91 ERA across 20 appearances.

The Cubs lead the NL Central at 57–39 and have gone 30–16 at home this season. They’re especially dangerous when their offense gets going, sporting a 41–8 record in games where they’ve scored at least five runs.

Boston has had mixed results on the road, going 21–25 outside Fenway Park, but their recent stretch has included several statement wins. The Red Sox are 33–11 in games when they reach the five-run mark, a sign their offensive output continues to be the driving force.

Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong leads the Cubs with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs, while Michael Busch has stayed hot at the plate, hitting .351 over the past 10 games.

For Boston, Ceddanne Rafaela has 21 doubles and 14 home runs this season, while utility man Romy Gonzalez has erupted lately, going 16-for-39 with five doubles and three home runs over the past 10 games.

First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. EDT at Wrigley Field. Chicago enters as a slight favorite, with the BetMGM line listing the Cubs at -138 and the Red Sox at +116. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.

Injury-wise, both teams remain banged up. Boston is still missing key arms like Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck, while Chicago is without starters like Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon.

With both clubs chasing postseason aspirations, Friday’s opener could set the tone for a potential October preview.

Tag: Cubs