Cubs rumors: Seth Lugo deal gains traction with prospects now on the table

Based on the reporting this week, it seems that Jed Hoyer is urgently trying to add a starting pitcher within the next few weeks. It was Bruce Levine who reported earlier this week that the Cubs could trade for a starting pitcher within the next 7-10 days, and once the Mitch Keller rumor surfaced, the impression was that the Pittsburgh Pirates' veteran starter was the pitcher Levine was referring to. However, a new rumor suggests that outside of their interest in Keller, the Cubs may be gaining traction on a different deal.

Matthew Trueblood of North Side Baseball reports that the Cubs tried to complete a deal with the Kansas City Royals this week that would have seen starting pitcher Seth Lugo join the team's rotation. Despite the Cubs trying to make a deal happen, the indication is that the Royals aren't quite ready to sell. That said, the impression from Trueblood's reporting is that the two teams will remain engaged on variations of the deal that would include Lugo. Trueblood also adds that the Cubs have an interest in utility infielder Jonathan India.

Seth Lugo chatter gets serious with actual names now in play

Now, what catches the attention of this rumor, as opposed to others, is that there are some direct mentions of Cubs prospects who could be involved in the deal. Jefferson Rojas, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, and Ben Brown were the names specifically mentioned. Though for Rojas and Caissie to be involved, as is speculated, it would need to be a larger deal than the Cubs just getting Lugo in return.

Similarly, considering the struggles of each during their respective seasons, in a deal for Lugo, the Cubs would need to offer more than Brown and Alcantara in a potential deal.

Lugo has been a model of consistency for much of his career; however, in his last two seasons with the Royals, he has had the impression of being closer to a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. After posting a 3.00 ERA in 33 starts with the Royals last season, he has been equally good this season with a 2.93 ERA through his first 14 starts. Lugo has a player option for the 2026 season, but if he remains healthy, he almost certainly will elect free agency after the season.

Entering play on Friday, the Royals are only 3.5 games out of a Wild-Card spot in the American League. That speaks to their hesitancy to remove a piece from their Major League roster; however, that could shift in the coming weeks.

More Cubs Rumors from Cubbies Crib