Cubs rumors continue to point in Mets direction as trade deadline partner

Clay Holmes had another minor-league rehab start on Tuesday, and it would be safe to say the Chicago Cubs were paying attention. The impression continues to be that the Mets will trade Holmes before next Monday, and given the need for pitching, the Cubs almost certainly will be involved in those trade talks.

The Mets and Cubs already connected on one trade this season, exchanging David Peterson for Cole Mathis, and conventional wisdom would point to another trade happening before the deadline. The two teams have been frequent trade partners in recent seasons, and it would seem that New York is continuing their scouting of the Cubs' system.

Athlon Sports' Pat Ragazzo reports that Mets have been following the Cubs' minor-league system in recent weeks, specifically mentioning Double-A Knoxville.

As Ragazzo alluded to, name a pitcher on the Mets' staff and they make sense for the Cubs. Beyond Holmes, Freddy Peralta is a clear target, considering the connection to Craig Counsell. The Cubs were interested in Luke Weaver this past offseason, and targeting him would provide stability for their bullpen beyond this season.

Jefferson Rojas is a clear Cubs' trade chip before the 2026 trade deadline

If the Mets are focusing on the Smokies, the prospect who immediately comes to mind is Jefferson Rojas. Rojas is a top prospect in the Cubs' system, but is clearly going to be blocked upon his ascent to the majors. If the Cubs are trying to find a path in trade talks where they can get what they desire without having to part ways with Matt Shaw or Pedro Ramirez, Rojas almost certainly will beed to be involved in those trade talks.

There's also a number of mid-level pitching prospects currently pitching with the Smokies. In any trade for pitching, the Cubs almost certainly will have to include pitching in the deal. Specifically with the Smokies, Brooks Caple is an arm that could be included in a deal for rental.

Caple is carrying an ERA of 3.56 in tick under 53 innings pitched with the Smokies this season. After a draft where the Cubs used 16 selections on pitchers, the front office likely isn't opposed to moving a prospect like Caple. He's certainly impressed, but there's a clear ceiling to what he can be once he reaches the major-league level.

As we get closer to the deadline, monitoring the Cubs' affiliates will be of importances, considering a prospect can be pulled from a game at a moment's notice.

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