Cubs rumors: These deadline names keep surfacing — here’s how they stack up

There was a definite uptick in the rumors surrounding the Chicago Cubs' search for a starting pitcher this past week. Two of the new names added to their list of targets were Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller and Kansas City Royals' veteran starter Seth Lugo. With regard to Lugo, it seemed that the Cubs were ready to make the trade this past week, while the Royals mull the direction they will take ahead of the deadline.

That is the underlying factor in all of this. It can't be debated if Jed Hoyer will act with urgency to address the Cubs' need for a starting pitcher. If you're following the team and listening closely to what Hoyer has been saying over the last month, it's clear that he wants to add a starting pitcher well before the deadline. The issue, however, is that most of Major League Baseball is still in the conversation for the postseason. Which is the Cubs may be acting urgently in their trade talks, but there simply isn't a deal to be made yet.

Given the uptick in rumors, let this serve as somewhat of a deadline primer for you. Setting the stage for the pitchers linked to the Cubs, and who would best address the team's need.

These deadline names keep surfacing — here’s how they stack up

• "It's fine, it addresses the need" - Yusei Kikuchi

If Yusei Kikuchi is the pitcher the Cubs acquired at the Trade Deadline, it certainly would be an improvement over having Colin Rea in the rotation. Moving forward, Rea is best served as a swing man working in the Cubs' bullpen, and if nothing else, Kikuchi would pitch competitive innings while rounding out the rotation.

• "The Cubs have their Jameson Taillon replacement" - Mitch Keller

Adding to the idea that the Pittsburgh Pirates will move Mitch Keller at the deadline, Ken Rosenthal all but called a trade likely during his latest for The Athletic. With Jameson Taillon a free agent after the 2026 season, a trade for Keller would feel like the Cubs are preparing to replace his spot in the starting rotation.

• "If this team becomes a seller, the Cubs will call" - Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly

If the Arizona Diamondbacks come around to being sellers at the deadline, the Cubs certainly will check on the status of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Gallen has been a disaster this season with the Diamondbacks, but was a model of consistency in 2023 and 2024. Kelly is holding a 3.39 ERA through his first 16 starts this season. Both pitchers are free agents after the season.

• "The Cubs' postseason rotation is set" - Seth Lugo

A trade for Seth Lugo would likely see the Cubs round out their postseason rotation. At this point, Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd are the clear Game 1 and Game 2 starters for the Cubs. Lugo would probably slot in as the Game 3 starter, especially if Jameson Taillon doesn't fix his affinity for the home run ball.

• "The Cubs found their next ace" - Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera

A trade for either Marlins' starting pitcher would signal that the Cubs believe they have their ace for the seasons ahead. After struggling to open the 2025 season, Alcantara is regaining the form that had him win the Cy Young in 2022. Cabrera, meanwhile, has been brilliant since May 1, carrying a 2.36 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 45.2 innings pitched.

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