Cubs could turn Dodgers' roster uncertainty into a brilliant buy-low trade

The Chicago Cubs need to add starting pitching this offseason with Kevin Gausman, David Peterson, Clay Holmes (expected to opt-out), Matthew Boyd (mutual option) and Shota Imanaga all likely to become free agents. While there are certainly some intriguing options that will be available in free agency, the Cubs can also explore the trade market to strengthen their rotation.

Beyond a big splash move, the Cubs should bring in some depth arms as well after they were riddled by pitching injuries in 2026. That's where one buy-low trade candidate comes in, right-handed starter Gavin Stone, who pitches for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Why Gavin Stone is the perfect buy-low candidate for the Cubs

Stone has become the forgotten man for the Dodgers after essentially missing the past two seasons following October 2024 shoulder surgery. The expectation was that Stone would compete for a spot in the Dodgers' rotation this year, but he experienced shoulder soreness after one spring training start, which knocked him out for six months of action. Upon returning to the mound in August, Stone made six minor league starts and posted a 5.28 ERA in just 15.1 innings. He did not appear in the major leagues this season and hasn't since September of 2024.

Stone has one full big league season under his belt, which came in 2024. As a rookie, Stone went 11-5 with a 3.53 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 113 ERA+, 116 strikeouts, 2.4 walks per nine innings and a 2.1 bWAR in 25 starts (140.1 innings). The righty was shut down in September of that season with shoulder inflammation, which eventually led to surgery.

Given their weak farm system, the Cubs would be better off spending big on a starter in free agency and adding pitching depth via trade. The Cubs likely wouldn't have to give up too much to land Stone from the Dodgers since he hasn't pitched in MLB in two years and Los Angeles has a loaded rotation already. Stone comes along with three years of arbitration eligibility as well.

If Stone, 28, can re-gain his form from two seasons ago, it would be a major win for the Cubs, who must have a deeper rotation in 2027, so they aren't scrambling for starters during the regular season once more. Stone clearly has a high-ceiling when healthy and the Cubs would look like geniuses if he came to Chicago and flourished for them. Should he become available this offseason, the Cubs should pounce on a trade for Stone to bolster their starting pitching depth. It's a low-risk, high-reward type of deal that could potentially pay dividends for the Cubs.

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