5 way-too-early Cubs trade targets to survive the loss of Cade Horton

The Chicago Cubs suffered a big loss recently when right-hander Cade Horton was shut down ahead of season-ending elbow surgery. That's left the north-siders in a bind just a few weeks into the season, and for now, the club is likely to rely on its internal depth to stomach that loss.

Long-term, however, there's little doubt that the resources needed to upgrade the club with external additions will be there. Here's a look at five pitchers who could be available on the trade market later this year who would be able to fill the void left by Horton:

Sandy Alcantara

The Cubs swung a big trade for a Marlins right-hander over the offseason when they shipped three prospects (including top outfield prospect Owen Caissie) to Miami to land Edward Cabrera. Perhaps this summer, they'll return to that playbook by taking a swing at a deal for Sandy Alcantara. Alcantara is several years removed from his 2022 Cy Young award at this point, and just last year, he struggled badly in his return from Tommy John surgery.

This year, however, he's looked every bit like his old self. He followed up a solid second half last year by posting a 2.67 ERA and 3.65 FIP across his first four starts of the 2026 season. His 19.0% strikeout rate on the year isn't exactly impressive, but he helps to make up for it with a strong 47.1% ground ball rate and a microscopic 5.2% walk rate. Alcantara's grounder-heavy approach would be a strong fit in front of the Cubs' elite infield defense, and the familiarity between the two clubs could help to facilitate a deal if the Marlins are looking to sell this summer.

Joe Ryan

Another name that's likely to be familiar to Cubs fans, Twins right-hander Joe Ryan was a frequently-discussed trade target for Chicago last summer. He ultimately was not moved ahead of the trade deadline last year despite Minnesota conducting a fire sale with the rest of their roster, but perhaps this summer will be different. Ryan has followed up last year's All-Star campaign with a 3.80 ERA, a 2.79 FIP, and a 25.9% strikeout rate in his first four starts this season. Those are numbers that would look great at the top of the Cubs' rotation come October.

So far this season, the Twins are doing quite well for themselves with a 9-7 record that leaves them tied for the AL Central lead with the Guardians. If they can hang around the playoff picture into the summer, it's likely that Ryan simply won't be available to the Cubs. With that being said, the Twins were widely expected to be one of the least competitive teams in the AL headed into the season, so it's not at all hard to imagine them coming back to Earth. If that happens, look for the Cubs to keep a close eye on Ryan during trade season.

Jeffrey Springs

Springs is a much less exciting name than someone like Alcantara or Ryan, but the A's southpaw could still be a valuable addition to a Cubs team that has long had a soft spot for crafty lefties. The 33-year-old veteran has struggled to stay healthy in the past, but managed to throw 171 innings for the Athletics last year. He broke out with the Rays back in 2022, and while last year's performance was closer to that of a back-of-the-rotation arm, he's gotten off to an exciting start this year with a 1.47 ERA and a 22.1% strikeout rate across three starts.

Springs may not be the player that Cubs fans are dreaming on right now, but if the most exciting options come with price tags outside president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer's comfort zone or are simply off the table due to their teams being contenders, then Springs could be a viable backup option who would raise the floor in a meaningful way while still offering intriguing upside.

Jose Soriano

Soriano is a bit of an unconventional trade candidate, seeing as he's just 27 years old and is under team control through 2028. Unusual as that may seem, the right-hander could be the prize of the trade deadline this summer if the Angels decide to make him available. Soriano began his career as a reliever before moving to the rotation in 2024, and over the last two years, he's pitched to a 3.93 ERA with a 3.76 FIP across 282 innings of work.

That's already solid mid-rotation production, but Soriano has kicked things up to another level this year with a dominant start to the 2026 campaign. In four starts this season, Soriano has posted a sensational 0.33 ERA while punching out a whopping 32.0% of his opponents. The ace-level upside Soriano is flashing in the early going will surely be tantalizing to many teams, including the Cubs. The only question is if the Angels would be willing to part with such an exciting player as they continue their efforts to get Mike Trout to the playoffs.

Drew Rasmussen

Two years ago, the Cubs shocked the baseball world by pulling off a surprise blockbuster with the Rays over the summer. That deal sent Isaac Paredes to Chicago for a short-lived reunion, but it wouldn't be a shock to see the Cubs return to that well this year in search of a better outcome. That's because the Rays could consider dangling right-hander Drew Rasmussen this summer if they find themselves down in the standings, and Rasmussen would be a great fit for the Cubs.

The right-hander is striking out 28.8% of his opponents with a 1.13 ERA, 2.81 FIP, and a 45.0% ground ball rate this year. That's all very impressive, but what really shines through with Rasmussen is his track record. He's consistently delivered ace-level results when healthy throughout his career, with a lifetime 2.87 ERA and 3.30 FIP in the majors. Last year was his first time throwing 150 innings in a season, but if he looks healthy come trade season, there may be no better player to lead the Cubs into the playoffs.

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