MLB insider's Cubs' trade deadline intel reveals just how aggressive Chicago's plan is

There's been no shortage of rumors connecting the Chicago Cubs to available pitcher ahead of Monday's trade deadline, and the impression has been that Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawking plan on taking an aggressive approach to upgrading the team's pitching staff. Of course, with the Cubs having needs in the rotation and bullpen, just how aggressive has been a matter of debate.

If Hoyer has proved one thing, it's that he will be active at the deadline. Though, with last summer as the reminder, being active doesn't exactly lead to the right moves being made.

Given the nature of the rumors, it's been fair to suggest that one scenario could see the Cubs add a controllable starting pitcher, and a rental. The idea being that both would help the rotation for the final two months of the regular season, and the controllable piece would cross an item of the offseason shopping list.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney report that the Cubs hope to add three pitchers before the deadline. The two specific scenarios mentioned were the Cubs adding one starting pitcher, and two relief pitchers; or two starting pitchers and one relief pitcher.

Cubs' exact trade deadline plan starting to take shape as pitching remains the focus

As for what path the Cubs chose, that likely will be tied to how they address their need in the rotation. For example, if the Cubs trade for Tarik Skubal, chances are they then look for two rental relief pitchers to round out the bullpen. But, if the Cubs choose to take a gamble on Freddy Peralta bouncing back for the final two months of the season, perhaps they aim higher, and complete a trade for a controllable starting pitcher from the Seattle Mariners or Los Angeles Angeles.

Speaking of that group, a new name may be available. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that multiple teams are talking to the Mariners about a trade for starting pitcher George Kirby. Kirby is under control through the 2028 season, with a six-pitch mix that and underlying metrics that would suggest pitching in front of the Cubs' defense would unlock another layer of success. Passan didn't specify which teams, but there's a good chance the Cubs are one of them.

If the Cubs are indeed planning on adding three pitchers before Monday evening, then it's safe to assume the moves will need to start relatively soon. Especially, since, in some form, they will be connected based on the level of upgrade the Cubs make in the rotation. Stay tuned.

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