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If the Chicago Cubs are looking to make an early trade ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline at the end of the month, the Chicago White Sox could be a likely trade partner. With a good amount of teams still a part of the postseason conversation, the White Sox are one of the few teams that would likely be willing to start selling now. Considering the Cubs need a starting pitcher, a bench bat (if not, starting third baseman), and another arm in the bullpen, it would make sense for the front office to start crossing items off their shopping list now.
A team like the White Sox would seem to be the ideal match. While a deal between the Cubs and White Sox this season likely wouldn't match the Jose Quintana and Craig Kimbrel trades of yesteryear, it still could help the Cubs solidify their postseason ahead of the postseason.
2 crosstown targets who make sense for the Cubs
- Mike Tauchman, Outfielder
The Cubs don't have a direct need for an outfielder, but if adding to the bench means that Vidal Bruján would lose his roster spot, the front office likely would want to have a non-Seiya Suzuki option on the bench. Mike Tauchman needs no introduction for Cubs fans, considering his success with the North Side in recent seasons before 2025. Tauchman would check that box for the Cubs while giving them a suitable bat on the bench. A free agent after this season, Tauchman would be a cheap addition for the Cubs at the deadline.
- Adrian Houser, SP
If the Cubs are looking to add two starting pitchers ahead of the deadline, Adrian Houser could be an ideal secondary add. Houser, who spent 2015 through 2023 with Craig Counsell's Milwaukee Brewers, has thrived this season with the White Sox. In 7 starts, Houser has a 1.90 ERA with a 1.1 fWAR. Houser shouldn't be the primary answer for the Cubs' starting pitching need, but would be an upgrade at the backend of their rotation.
Assuming the priority for the Cubs is adding a frontline starting pitcher, an early trade with the White Sox could address their secondary needs while still leaving them prospects for a larger addition closer to the deadline.