Chicago Cubs: Examining the trade market for possible pitching help

The Chicago Cubs’ pitching has been substantially worse this season compared to last. A trade could bolster the staff, but who should they target?

It’s no secret that the Chicago Cubs‘ pitching staff is struggling. Their collective ERA is 4.11, a far cry from their 2.67 number at this point a year ago. The starting staff, in particular, has taken a nosedive, with nearly every member doing worse than they were a season ago.

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The fifth spot in the rotation has been a thorn in their side as well, with Brett Anderson and Eddie Butler trading bad outing after bad outing. It’s apparent that something needs to be done if they want to get back to the World Series, and acquiring an arm at the deadline may be just what they need.

But who should they go after? We’ve got five pitchers that we think could help bolster the staff. But at what cost would each of them come at? That’s the question many will wonder as they try to piece together what they need.