2 long-shot Cubs trade targets may not be on the move this summer after all

The Chicago Cubs starting rotation isn't in the same dire straits as the bullpen, but given the interconnectedness of the two, it wouldn't shock anyone if Jed Hoyer is looking to add a big arm this summer - especially given the Cade Horton-sized hole at the top of the rotation.

Fans are already clamoring for Jed Hoyer to make moves (despite the fact it's still April) - and, while moves can happen, they're rarely of the headline-making variety. That doesn't mean those early-season additions can't pay off (as we saw just last year), but if you're holding out for a sexy name, you're going to be waiting awhile.

If those types of players are getting moved, it'll come this summer, closer to the trade deadline which, this year, falls on Mon. Aug. 3. And two names of note stand out as potential trade fits - and Cubs fans are probably familiar with both: Sandy Alcantara and Joe Ryan.

There has been rampant speculation surrounding both right-handers in recent years but, despite that, both remain with their respective clubs in Miami and Minnesota. Is this the summer one or both of them get traded? That's far from a certainty, according to FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray.

Murray predicts Ryan is 'likely to stay' with the Twins, but doesn't explicitly rule out a trade. The All-Star right-hander has a 3.22 FIP through his first six starts and is under team control through 2028, so there's no rush to move him. Meanwhile, Alcantara may end up sticking with the Marlins - that is, if the team can stay on the periphery of the playoff race in the National League.

If Miami stumbles, he's the name to watch. But it's far too soon to rubber stamp an Alcantara trade at this point.

Cubs have a serious hurdle to clear to pull off a blockbuster trade

Even if Ryan or Alcantara wind up on the trade block, the Cubs aren't exactly in a good spot to pull off a move for either. Chicago's farm system is on the downhill and they're extremely light in the blue chip prospect department. OK, suppose a deal starts with Kevin Alcantara - what's the plan heading into 2027 with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki headed for free agency at year's end?

Are you comfortable pushing your chips to the middle of the table and subtracting what's arguably your top trade chip (and more) with an eye on a title pursuit this fall? Carter Hawkins' infamous 2032 comment rankled teh fanbase, but it was a fair point: front offices are constantly weighing the short and long-term success of their teams and the Cubs, frankly, aren't in a great position to pull off a season-defining trade given their roster and farm system makeup.

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