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Seth Lugo is starting against the Chicago Cubs today, and if the Cubs have their wish, he could be starting as part of their rotation by the time the MLB trade deadline passes one week from Thursday night. MLB Network's Jon Morosi is covering the series between the Royals and Cubs this week and shared an update that shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
The Cubs have checked in with the Royals ahead of the trade deadline, sources say. This is not a surprise. The Cubs need pitching; KC is more likely to move Seth Lugo (starting tomorrow at Wrigley) than All-Star LHP Kris Bubic. @MLBNetwork @WatchMarquee @670TheScore
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 22, 2025
First and foremost, with the deadline next week, it stands to reason that the Cubs are checking in with nearly every team. If the Royals choose to sell at the deadline, Lugo and Kris Bubic would certainly be two names that would provide much-needed stability to the Cubs' pitching staff.
Lugo has already been mentioned as a Cubs' target earlier this season, with one report suggesting that the Cubs already had an offer on the table, but Kansas City wasn't ready to move the veteran starting pitcher.
Lugo would be among the best rental options for the Cubs as they look for a starting pitcher before the deadline. Lugo enters his start against the Cubs with an ERA of 2.94 while striking out just under 22 percent of the hitters he has faced this season.
Cubs fans unmoved as insider shrugs off ‘rumor’ as basic deadline talk
Kris Bubic, meanwhile, would give the Cubs a top-of-the-rotation starter who can be penciled into their rotation beyond this season. While Bubic is a free agent in 2027, chances are the Cubs would try to sign him to an extension, given the cost it would take to acquire him from the Royals. Through 19 starts this season, Bubic has an ERA of 2.38 while striking out nearly 25 percent of the hitters he has faced. Bubic would be the type of pitcher whom the Cubs would likely be willing to include Owen Caissie in a trade for.
Looking beyond the pitchers the Royals have to offer, Jonathan India likely would generate interest from the Cubs, given his ability to play all over the field. Likely not a threat to Matt Shaw at third base, India would be a clear improvement on the bench over Vidal Bruján and Jon Berti.