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Pitching is going to be the focus for the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. The Cubs have already made one trade for a former All-Star starting pitcher, and the general expectation is that there will be more moves in the coming month.
Making things complicated is that the Cubs don't just have a need for one pitcher. In an ideal world, they need to add multiple starters to their rotation, and multiple arms to their bullpen. Injuries have created that reality for Jed Hoyer.
Jed Hoyer faces impossible balancing act at Cubs trade deadline
Part of the problem is that, as a contender this season, the Cubs are stuck in the middle. They remain good and healthy (for now) enough to be a playoff contender, but the sheer number of injuries they have make it clear they probably aren't a World Series contender.
While finding that balance, there's several players who won't make life easy for the front office.
Matt Shaw
Matt Shaw is going to be one of the biggest trade chips the Cubs have this summer. A young position player under control through the 2031 season is going to have value. Especially a position player who has demonstrated the ability to play every positions besides catchers, and still has an high upside.
Since his return from injury, Shaw is slashing .257/.381/.457 in his last 42 plate appearances with a wRC+ of 138. He's become a semi-regular in Craig Counsell's starting lineup, and there's a clear indication that he will replace one of Ian Happ or Seiya Suzuki in the outfield next season. Still, if the Cubs are shopping at the top of the market for a controllable starting pitcher, Shaw may have to be included in those talks.
Pedro Ramirez
It really feels like there is an either-or situation developing between Shaw and Pedro Ramirez. In terms of the 2026 roster, they have similar roles. A utility position player capable of spelling anyone in the infield. Ramirez also has played some left field in Triple-A this season, so he's an emergency option in the outfield.
Ramirez also hasn't looked overmatched offensively, posting a 95 wRC+ with a slash line of .265/.308/.388. It would seem that if Shaw isn't traded for pitching this summer, there's a good chance that Ramirez will be.
Moises Ballesteros
Teams are aware of the position the Cubs are in. They are desperate for pitching. It's why the Cubs had to give up a prospect of value in Cole Mathis for David Peterson. Opposing executives are going to try to force Hoyer's hand, and that likely will lead to Moises Ballesteros being mentioned in some trade talks.
Generally, it's hard to imagine the Cubs being willing to give up on Ballesteros. Even with his demotion to Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs remain sold on the potential of his bat. But if there's a chance that Ballesteros is the key prospect to be included in a deal for someone like Logan Webb or Joe Ryan, it's hard to imagine the young catcher being completely off the table.
Daniel Palencia
No, there isn't a scenario where the Cubs are trading Daniel Palencia at the trade deadline. But, his injury status does make life complicated for the front office. As of now, the expectation is that Palencia is expected back after the All-Star break, but in a season that has featured so many injury setbacks, can the Cubs count on that?
If not, the Cubs are going to have to add a closer to their bullpen before the deadline. After spending nearly $30 million during the offense to reconstruct the bullpen, the Cubs suddenly have no clear high-leverage options available.
Edward Cabrera
Like Palencia, the Cubs won't be trading Edward Cabrera anytime soon. The problem is that Cabrera represents everything that has gone wrong with the Cubs' rotation this season. He's struggled to stay healthy, and now a moderate hamstring strain has him sidelined indefinitely. There's also the issue of the version of Cabrera the Cubs have, 5.10 ERA in 14 starts, isn't quite the ace he appeared to be at the end of the 2025 season with the Marlins.
Because of that reality, while the Cubs also need stability in their rotation, they also need an ace. Adding question if Hoyer has the prospect capital to accomplish boith.
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