Complete list of the Cubs' 2026 trade deadline needs to boost postseason chances

The Chicago Cubs have forced Jed Hoyer's hand. Hoyer has been obsessed with talking about the difference between chasing a first-round bye in the playoffs and simply having a seat at the table, and it feels like he's already setting up his excuse for repeating the trade deadline approach he had last summer.

Mind you, the Cubs were chasing a first-round bye last summer and balked at the asking prices for top-of-the-rotation starting pitchers. It's why, personally, I have a hard time believing that is the biggest difference for Hoyer when it comes to the type of moves the Cubs should make at the deadline.

Here are the needs the Cubs have as they approach the 2026 trade deadline.

The Cubs are more than 10 games above .500, and in firm control of the top spot in the National League Wild Card race. It may not be better than the Milwaukee Brewers, but the Cubs players have done their part. It's time for Hoyer to do his and leave the excuses out of the picture. He certainly has his work cut out for him.

Top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher

Of all the moves the Cubs could make at the trade deadline, this is the biggest needle mover. The Cubs have a need for a top-of-rotation pitcher since Justin Steele went down with an elbow injury last year, and they haven't been able to find one. The trade for Edward Cabrera was the closest they came to doing so, but between his injuries and regression, it can't be viewed as a success at this moment.

Tarik Skubal is the obvious candidate here, but if the Cubs trade for a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, chances are it will be for a pitcher under control beyond this season. Logan Webb and Joe Ryan top that list, but neither may be available.

Mid-tier Starting pitcher

Assuming the Cubs do add a starting pitcher before the trade deadline, chances are it will be someone in this bucket. Beyond that, chances are it will be someone who is considered a rental.

Robbie Ray remains someone Cubs fans should keep mind. The San Francisco Giants are clear sellers, and Ray is someone the Cubs' front office has liked for several years. Freddy Peralta, in the past, has looked like a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, but his struggles with the Mets this year lands him here. He's another option the Cubs are likely considering, as is his teammate, Clay Holmes.

Closer

The setback for Daniel Palencia has likely pushed the Chicago Cubs into the market for a closer before the deadline. The Cubs were already in the market for an established high-leverage option in the bullpen, but with Palencia's timeline uncertain, that search has likely shifted to established closers.

Name a team out of contention, and they are likely willing to move their closer. Luke Weaver feels like an obvious fit, and would come with an added year of control. Mason Miller sounds like someone who will be traded this summer, but it's hard to imagine the Cubs being the team to make that trade with the Padres.

Left-handed relief pitcher

Beyond closer, the Cubs likely want to add another high-leverage southpaw to the bullpen. Hoby Milner should be back right before the deadline, but chances are Jed Hoyer and Co. are looking for another option, considering the regression of Caleb Thielbar this season.

If the San Diego Padres thread the needle between buying and selling this summer, Adrian Morejon is an obvious target for the Cubs. Returning to the Mets, Brooks Raley also feels like an ideal option for the Cubs.

Bench

No, the Cubs don't have a need at any specific position. It's why this is the last need listed, and it's also contingent on who the Cubs offer up to address the other needs they have. If the Cubs trade someone from the group of Pedro Ramirez, Matt Shaw, Kevin Alcantara, or Moises Ballesteros, there's a case to be made that they look to bring in another veteran for the bench.

Potential fits will be based on who the Cubs give up, if it's Shaw or Ramirez, perhaps it's another utility infielder. If it's Alcantara or Ballesteros, may be the Cubs look for a veteran who can have some pop off the bench.

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