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Ideal Cubs' trade deadline fit may be hiding in plain sight with Angels

Not who you would have thought, but it's a good idea.
ByJordan Campbell|
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May 30, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers (48) reacts after pitching the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 30, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers (48) reacts after pitching the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

There's a growing debate surrounding what the Chicago Cubs should do at the MLB trade deadline. The idea of the Cubs making an aggressive buy for a rental, like Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, can probably be ruled out with how they've played over the past month, but it still stands to reason Jed Hoyer and Co. will be looking to add pieces that can not help the team this season, but in the years ahead.

Strategy like the one the Cubs had in 2024 could be the play. At that deadline, the two notable additions the Cubs made were third baseman Isaac Paredes and relief pitcher Nate Pearson. Both Paredes and Pearson were under control beyond the 2024 season, and a similar strategy could be how the Cubs address their need for starting pitching.

Clearly, the Cubs have a need in their rotation. Cade Horton may not be back until after the 2027 season, Justin Steele may not return this season, and Jameson Taillon is out until after the All-Star break in July. Not to mention, Matthew Boyd is currently dealing with a setback.

Adding to the need, Taillon, Boyd, and Shota Imanaga are all free agents this offseason. It would be in the Cubs' best interest to trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher at the deadline this summer. That search should lead them to the Los Angeles Angels.

Reid Detmers is a shockingly ideal Cubs' trade target

The Angels are going to be sellers at the deadline, but the problem is that they don't have a ton of options to move. It's why they should give serious consideration to moving Detmers at the deadline this year. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand ran through a list of potential trade candidates, and for reasons of replenishing the Halos' farm system, listed Detmers.

Detmers has a 4.00 ERA through his first 14 starts this season, but his success is hidden by the fact that he's pitching for the Angels. He boasts a 2.87 FIP, and is striking out over 29% of the hitter he's faced this season. A left-handed starting pitcher who is only 26 years old and under control through the 2028 season would certainly check the box of what the Cubs need.

There are larger (more established) swings the Cubs could take, Joe Ryan or Sandy Alcantara, but for where their farm system is, Detmers may be the best move available to them.

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