Jeff Passan connects Cubs trade deadline fit with Tigers not named Tarik Skubal

Name a starting pitcher available on the trade market, and the Chicago Cubs will be connected as a potential suitor before the MLB trade deadline. One week before the MLB All-Star break, ESPN's Jeff Passan rolled out his latest deadline intel, and the Cubs are just about mentioned whenever there is a starting pitcher listed.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal remains at the top of Passan's trade candidate list, and the MLB insider suggests every contender should have interest. For the Cubs, the degree of intent they have in pursuing Skubal may be determined ny where they are in the National League Central standings closer to the deadline. If the Brewers are within shouting distance, chances are the Cubs will be involved in the conversation.

Not that the Cubs should be viewed as a potential favorite in the Skubal sweepstakes. There's a number of teams who can offer a more appealing package than the Cubs, including the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees.

As it turns out, Skubal isn't the only Tigers starting pitcher the Cubs should have interest in. Listed with 60% chance of being traded, Casey Mize could be a more attainable target for the Cubs. Mize was the first overall selection of the 2018 draft, but injuries have clouded his path toward becoming a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.

Tarik Skubal, sure, but the Cubs shouldn't sleep on Casey Mize

Since making his debut in 2020, Mize has only made 20 starts in a season three times over the course of his career. He had an injury scare earlier this season, but other than that, he's having the best year of his career. Mize has an ERA of 2.64 through his first 13 starts this season and striking out over 25% of the hitters he's faced.

Like Skubal, Mize is a free agent after the season. Unlike Skubal, the financial cost to adding Mize for the remainder of the season is minimal, considering he's roughly owed $2 million for the remainder of the season.

For where the Cubs currently are, adding a rental pitcher like Mize feels like the best possible outcome at the deadline. His numbers on the season would paint him as the Cubs' de facto ace for the rest of the year, and his arrival would certainly stabilize the starting rotation for a postseason run. Sure, the Cubs certainly could aim higher, but it's hard to imagine the chips will be pushed that close to the middle of the table.

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