Cubs' refusal to go all-in at the trade deadline suddenly looks a lot smarter

The Chicago Cubs caught a lot of flak for the way they handled the 2025 trade deadline, but a recent injury to Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore makes the decision to avoid a blockbuster deal a look a little better.

Gore was one of the many impactful starting pitchers the Cubs were rumored to be in on at the deadline. Since the southpaw has multiple years of team control and he was among the league leaders in strikeouts at the time of the deadline, it would have been an expensive trade. But it appears the Cubs were wise to avoid such a transaction because the Nationals just announced that Gore will go to the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.

Before heading to the injured list, where he could stay for the rest of the season, Gore had a rough stretch of starts. In 37 innings in the second half, the southpaw posted a 7.54 ERA with opponents hitting .308 off him. In hindsight, it looks like the Cubs dodged a bullet because they would have been depending on Gore to make vital starts in the postseason if they acquired him.

Can the Chicago Cubs' rotation compete in October?

If the Cubs make the playoffs, it looks like Shota Imanaga would likely get the ball in Game 1. He has been the Cubs' ace for two straight seasons and has the best chance to give the Cubs a win. As for Game 2, rookie Cade Horton is making the case to get the ball. Horton recently jumped to the front of the National League Rookie of the Year race, and he owns a 2.92 ERA in 98 2/3 innings pitched this year. If Horton can keep his poise in the playoffs, the Cubs have a solid duo at the top.

Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea are the next in line since Jameson Taillon is again on the injured list. This rotation is not as formidable as others in the National League, but they have a chance to take the Cubs deep if the offense can find its groove from the first half of the season.