Cubs next reunion for pitching staff may have just been cut loose by the Athletics

The Chicago Cubs remain in a position where if a pitcher becomes available, there likely is a serious conversations between Jed Hoyer and Co. about a potential move. Even with the Milwaukee Brewers pulling an early trade with the Houston Astros, chances additions of consequence likely won't happen until closer to the trade deadline on August 3.

Case in point, the Cubs took a chance by bringing back Drew Pomeranz earlier this season. Pomeranz struggled in a high-leverage role with the Los Angeles Angels, and upon his return to the Cubs, he hasn't exactly found success in his second act with the team. He's given up four runs through his first four appearances. Not quite the version of Pomeranz the Cubs saw last season, and there's a reason to believe the experiment could be over as soon as the pitching staff gets healthy.

Until then (and the deadline), the Cubs will continue to scan the waiver wire. Their efforts could lead them to reunion with Aaron Civale, who was designated for assignment by the Athletics earlier this week.

The Cubs brought Civale in at the end of the 2025 season, and the 31-year-old found some success. Civale posted an ERA of 2.08 through 13 innings pitched, striking out 28% of the hitters he faced.

Aaro Civale once again a late-season option for the Cubs?

Civale leveraged that success into a one-year deal with the Athletics worth $6 million. The early returns were impressive. Civale had an ERA of 3.23 through the month of April. The problem is that the numbers were misleading and regression has come for him ever since. In 11 appearances since then, Civale has an ERA of 6.24, striking out only 16.2% of the hitters he's faced.

Considering the Athletics are still playing in a minor league stadium, there's still need to check out the home/road splits for pitchers. The numbers are better for Civale on the road, posting an ERA of 4.25. His strikeout rate also jumps up to 19.7%.

In other words, there could be enough there for the Cubs to bring Civale in as a way to bridge a gap to more established options later this season. No, if it happens, there shouldn't be much stock in the move. As is the case with most of the moves the Cubs have made over the last couple of months, Civale would be a means to an end.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow