Cubs pitching prospect scratched in move that raises trade deadline eyebrows

It can be difficult tracking pitching prospects in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Mostly because it's never known if pitcher is scratched from a scheduled start because the organization is monitoring their innings, or is the scratch related to a potential trade. Chicago Cubs fans are facing that very guessing game when it comes to one of the team's rising pitching prospects.

Mason McGwire was scheduled to pitch for Class-A South Bend on Thursday night, but was ultimately replaced. The Cubs aren't required to provide injury updates on minor-leaguers, so the exact reasoning for the scratch hasn't been revealed.

Mason McGwire's missed start could be something, it could be nothing

McGwire has certainly been a prospect of note this season. He was named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game, and in 56 innings pitched this season, he sports an ERA of 2.89 while striking out over 31% of the hitters he's faced.

Given the nature of what the Cubs are looking for ahead of the deadline, pitching, it stands to reason any team they are talking with would want pitching in return. Before the draft, the Cubs weren't exactly in a position to offer much of that.

After taking 16 pitchers in the 2026 MLB draft, that conversation has changed. At the very least, it's feasible that the Cubs would be willing to include McGwire or Jaxon Wiggins in a potential deal. To be clear, if they were, they almost certainly would have to be getting a starting pitcher who is under control beyond the 2026 season. For where the Cubs are this season, it wouldn't be worth it to give up either prospect in a deal for a rental.

This speculation could be for naught, but again, considering where the baseball season, it needs to be had.

If not a trade or an injury, it's also possible the Cubs are managing McGwire's workload. They did so earlier this season when he went about three weeks without making a start, and would follow a trend they've had for the likes of Wiggins and Cade Horton in the past.

Clarity on McGwire's status likely won't be had until he either makes a start for South Bend or news breaks that he's been traded. The Cubs don't go out of their way to provide clarity on a pitcher's status in the minors, so for now, it's a bit of a guessing game.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow