Cubs' controllable starter could come from Marlins, and it's not Sandy Alcantara

The Chicago Cubs should get some help in the starting rotation as key guys return from injury in the coming weeks, including (hopefully) Ben Brown, Justin Steele and Edward Cabrera. But that hope cannot be the reason Jed Hoyer doesn't make significant additions at the MLB trade deadline, and one potential solution could be circling back with the Miami Marlins.

Of course, the Cubs acquired Cabrera from Miami last offseason, sending top prospect Owen Caissie to South Florida in the deal. The trade hasn't exactly worked out for either side just yet, but that shouldn't stop Hoyer from taking a look at another Marlins pitcher who is reportedly on the block: Braxton Garrett.

No, he's not Sandy Alcantara, but that doesn't mean he's a name the Cubs should simply look past, either. According to Marlins beat writer Craig Mish, Miami is getting 'a ton' of calls and interest in the southpaw and it's very possible he's traded by next week's Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Garrett, a former #7 overall pick, has been buried at Triple-A Iowa by the Marlins' brass (despite the team's need for rotation help) - which is only adding fuel to the fire that his time with the organization may be nearing its end. In 73 2/3 innings of work at Jacksonville this season, he's been downright dominant, carrying a 2.32 ERA to go along with a sub-1.000 WHIP.

Putting together a potential Cubs trade package for Braxton Garrett

Controllable for two more years beyond this season, Garrett could be especially appealing to a team like the Cubs - one facing major questions on the outlook for its rotation beyond 2026. Right now, internal options include Cabrera, Brown, Steele and Horton - all of whom come with very real questions.

So what would it take? You're probably looking at something along the lines of Owen Ayers, a Jonathon Long or a James Triantos-type prospect and a low-level flyer to get this done. Given the interest he's reportedly receiving, and the multiple years of team control (not to mention his impressive multi-year run before suffering a UCL tear in 2024), there's value there.

Acquiring Garrett could be a nice boost to a short-handed Cubs staff, but he cannot be the team's big answer to its pitching woes. But adding him to the mix alongside a Kevin Gausman or Freddy Peralta could drastically alter the outlook down the stretch and, if you get some guys back from the IL, all of a sudden, pitching depth wouldn't feel like the major problem it's been to this point.

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