Braxton Garrett became Cubs' quietest trade deadline move and that may be intentional

The Chicago Cubs didn't quite land their established controllable starting pitcher at the trade deadline, but they did add a starting pitcher under control through the 2028 season. Braxton Garrett likely won't be a major contributor for the Cubs this season, but that chances are the teams has broader plans for the former first-round pick.

In the day leading up to the deadline, Garrett was floated as a potential candidate for the Cubs. In a scenario where Garrett had been the primary upgrade to the rotation at the deadline, there would have been major questions. But after the Cubs added Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, they found a project play for their rotation next season.

Both Gausman and Holmes could be candidates to re-sign with the Cubs this season, but it's almost certain that Garrett is going to be in play for the starting rotation next season.

Perhaps that was the true incentive behind the trade with the Marlins. Holmes and Gausman are added to a group of impending free agents for the Cubs that includes Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and David Peterson.

Cubs' trade for Braxton Garrett has gone under-the-radar, but there are important implications.

Add in the fact that Cade Horton could miss most of the 2027 season, and there's uncertainty surrounding Justin Steele and Ben Brown, and it's easy to see why the Cubs took a gamble on Garrett.

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Garrett was excellent in 2023 with the Marlins, posting a 3.1 fWAR with an ERA of 3.66 in a tick under 160 innings pitched. Injuries have defined his last two years, and his return from Tommy John surgery this year, the 29-year-old pick gave up seven runs on seven hits and eight walks in two appearances.

It wasn't good and the impression is that the Marlins soured on Garrett. He was stashed at Triple-A, and he appears to have turned a corner. In nearly 78 innings pitched with the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate, he posted a 2.90 ERA while striking out over 26% of the hitter he's faced. He was walking nearly 10% of the hitters he faced, but with the frequency in which he was missing bats, you can live with that.

If that is the version of Garrett the Cubs believe they can unlock even further, he's in a position to be valuable piece to the rotation next season. Again, it would have been hard to point to Garrett as a move of consequence at this year's deadline if he were the only addition to the pitching staff. Now, his arrival has gone under-the-radar and that could create room for a surprise next season.

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