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David Peterson trade makes one thing clear about Cubs' intentions for 2026 season

Confirmation of what we probably already knew.
ByJordan Campbell|
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Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) in the dugout prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) in the dugout prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

While the Chicago Cubs' trade for David Peterson was a move made out of desperation, the deal could indicate a larger message for the Cubs' 2026 season.

Over the past month, there's been inclinations that the Cubs could become sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Given how the Cubs were playing, and the number of free agents they have after this season, the conversation was inevitable.

Along those lines, the Peterson trade was a reminder. The first being that even with the inconsistent play from Cubs, they aren't going to ignore their need for pitching. At the very least, they need healthy arms just to get to the end of the season. Secondly, they gave up a prospect in Cole Mathis who was trending toward becoming an organizational top 10 prospect.

For that reason, it feels like we can remove the Cubs selling entirely at the deadline from the conversation. There certainly could be a scenario where they move a piece off the major league roster, Matt Shaw or Pedro Ramirez, but the goal would likely be to add talent that capable of helping the team this year and beyond.

David Peterson trade confirms Cubs won't punt on 2026 season

What's likely to be decided over the course of the next month is what level of buyer the Cubs will be at the deadline. At this point, it would seem unlikely that the Cubs would be willing to gut their farm system for rental pitcher, even if it's Tarik Skubal. Perhaps the Cubs stack enough wins and the offense continues to show signs of life that the idea of Skubal returns to the table. Right now, it's hard to imagine that happening.

It would seem likely that the Cubs will continue to look for the Peterson types on the trade market. Pitchers who are available, likely with some concerns, but enough upside for the front office to be aggressive in their pursuit.

Beyond that, adding a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher under control beyond this season should be the primary goal of the offseason. Logan Webb and Joe Ryan are the names to dream about, but for right now, neither the San Francisco Giants or Minnesota Twins sound that interested in moving their aces. Of course, eventually, everyone has a price.

Peterson's arrival won't solve all of the Cubs' problems, but if anything, it's proof they aren't giving up on this season.

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