1 controversial trade Cubs should make before trade deadline, 1 temptation they must avoid

Just about one week remains until the 2026 trade deadline, and the Chicago Cubs remain in search for pitching. It's become clear that the Cubs are likely going to add another starting pitcher to their rotation, but it's a question of what tier will that pitcher be in.

Tarik Skubal remains the golden goose, but two things also remain unclear. The Detroit Tigers haven't sound that thrilled with the idea of trading Skubal (possible leverage play), and Jed Hoyer has never shown that level of aggression at the deadline. Short of one of those two realities changing, it's hard to point to the Cubs as being the team to land Skubal at the deadline.

1 controversial trade Cubs should make before trade deadline

Regardless, the Cubs have to walk away from the deadline with a starting pitcher capable of starting a postseason game. They weren't able to check that box at the deadline last summer, and it felt like a balloon popped on the season. The same feeling can't exist after the deadline this year.

If all else fails, the Cubs need to trade for Freddy Peralta

The top priority for the Cubs at the deadline should be to add a starting pitcher under control beyond the 2026 season. Of all the pitchers who can be had at this year's deadline, Reid Detmers should be near the top of the list. But, pulling off that type of trade can be difficult during the season.

It's why the guess here is that the Cubs walk away with a rental addition to the rotation, and that rental is Freddy Peralta. Given his struggles with the Mets this season, Peralta has turned into a controversial target. His strikeout rate is down from 28.2% last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, to 22.4% this season. His ERA is 5.01, and he boasts a WHIP of 1.46. Those are reasons why trading for Peralta is considered a risk.

All that said, at 30 years old, it's hard to imagine that Peralta's talent has just fallen off a cliff. It's a skewed metric, but his xERA is 3.85, and has a groundball rate of 41.3%. Given the stink that has been the Mets this season, it's possible Peralta just needs to get out of New York to reclaim his status as a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. The Cubs certainly should aim higher, but if they whiff, Peralta should be the move.

1 trade deadline temptation the Cubs must avoid

There should be plenty of options for the Cubs at the deadline, and there comes a warning with that. Some pitchers could be a deception, and a move could ultimately prove to be a mistake.

Robbie Ray has been a popular trade target, but the Cubs need to stay away

Robbie Ray is an enticing candidate for the Cubs, considering the San Francisco Giants are likely going to trade him before the deadline, and his status as a rental makes him an affordable option.

If you just glance at Ray's numbers this season, it's easy to see the potential fit. He sports an ERA of 3.16 in a tick under 117 innings pitched. The problem is that the success doesn't look sustainable. His strikeout rate is down to 20.6%, walk rate up to 11.4%, and his groundball rate is 33.5%. That leads to a FIP of 4.49.

The difference between Ray's ERA and FIP is an indicator that things could go wrong for him during the final two months of the season. A clear reason for the Cubs to stay away.

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