Cubs Rumors: Angels front office shake-up creates ideal trade deadline scenario

With the Chicago Cubs turning the page from the struggles that suffocated them during the month of April and early parts of June, it's become clear that the team will be buyers at the trade deadline. Even in that sense, there's still some debate over what exactly the Cubs should do.

The Cubs are certainly in a position to buy rental players. If they continue to stack wins, there's even a path that they get involved in the Tarik Skubal trade talks by the end of July. But, overall, it would seem that there's going to be a focus on the team adding controllable pitching.

Certainly, the Cubs have a pressing need for pitching this season. But, with Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon free agents after the season, they also will have a pressing need for pitching this offseason. If they can add a starting pitcher at the deadline under controlled beyond this season, that would be the best-possible outcome.

John Mozeliak's Angels' arrival could be a blessing for the Cubs at the trade deadline

The Los Angeles Angels would be a potential trade partner to watch. The Angels have two controllable starting pitchers Jose Soriano and Reid Detmers who would be ideal trade targets for the Cubs. The Cubs' system, rich with position player prospects, would match up well with what the Angels should be looking for.

Throwing a wrench in the fit was the idea that the Angels were reportedly not interested in moving Soriano or Detmers. At least, that was reporting from USA Today's Bob Nightengale last week, suggesting that decision came from owner Arte Moreno.

That may no longer be accurate. The Angels have since fired general manager Perry Minasian, and replaced him with former St. Louis Cardinals executive John Mozeliak. The early impression is that Moreno won't interfere with Mozeliak's decisions, and Jon Heyman noted that could lead to a decision where Soriano or Detmers are moved at the deadline.

If that's the case, the Cubs need to be involved in those discussions. Soriano has cooled a bit since his hot start had him in early American League Cy Young conversations, but he's under control through the 2028 season and has an ERA of 3.42 while striking over 26% of the hitters he's faced. Not to mention, his fastball sits in the upper 90s.

Like Soriano, Detmers is under control through the 2028 season. In his return to the role of a starting pitcher this season, the 26-year-old has an ERA of 3.88 while striking out over 27% of the hitters he's faced.

This is where Hoyer will face an uncomfortable decision. Last summer, it was clear that Hoyer and Co. did not want to pay the prices attached to controllable starting pitcher. This summer, the prices will once again be high, but it's now or never for the Cubs.

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