3 teams that will come calling for Chicago Cubs' starting pitching

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We are now less than just 10 days from the MLB trade deadline, and the Chicago Cubs have not picked up where they left off before the All-Star break. All signs point to selling, at least somewhat, meaning Jed Hoyer and Co. will have some serious decisions to make. It will be hard to move Cody Bellinger, given the current IL-stint for a fractured finger, along with the 30.0M player option that the team can't control the outcome of. However, if they do move some players that have the value needed to fetch a notable prospect, it will be from their starting rotation.

We've heard the Justin Steele rumors, and frankly, I'd be appalled with the front office if they moved on from their ace. It's much more realistic that it will be Javier Assad or Jameson Taillon if they make a sell-off move. Taillon has been great for a calendar year now, and Assad has outperformed everything he was expected to do for multiple years now. That being said, here are three teams that will come calling the Cubs' front office regarding their starting pitching.

3 teams that will come calling - 3. New York Mets

The New York Mets have risen above .500 and will certainly be in the mix of adding at the trade deadline. Things are complicated for the Mets, seeing that they're 12.5 games back in the NL East, but are also tied for the third Wild Card spot. Therefore, the Mets' front office will have a hard time deciding how aggressive they should be.

The Mets have their ace, Kodai Senga, coming back, which adds reason for optimism in itself. Given that the Mets' starting rotation is currently 10th in the National League, adding another quality starter to the rotation theoretically would help massively and could be enough to secure a postseason berth this season.

Ultimately, if the Cubs do move on from one of their starters to further strengthen the farm, I don't foresee it being with the Mets. They will check in, but it's more plausible that another team with much higher playoff odds will outbid them. With the multiple years of control for those aforementioned players, such as Assad or Taillon, Jed Hoyer is going to want a reputable prospect that can contribute to the major league roster as soon as next season. Think of the Michael Busch trade all over again.

Assad makes the most sense from a cost standpoint. The Mets likely don't want to add Taillon's17.0M annually for the next two seasons if they can avoid it, and Assad's pre-arbitration status is highly desirable. Their system is one that is just starting to bear its fruit, and it's unlikely they will scrap it apart too quickly for nothing more than a potential Wild Card spot.

2. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are a team to keep on our radar here as they are strong in all areas except for the one where the Cubs have a surplus. They currently sit 9th in the AL in terms of starting pitching ERA but are 4th in the AL in terms of Runs Per Game, as well as having the 4th best bullpen in the AL. Adding a quality starting pitcher now likely sees the Astros start to run away with the AL West, where they currently own a record of 52-47 but are locked in a tie for the division with Seattle.

The Cubs and Astros almost reached a deal regarding Willson Contreras at the deadline in 2022, but former head coach Dusty Baker ultimately blocked it. However, things start to get complicated when you consider Houston's roster when making a deal.

Given that the Cubs want to add players to help compete next year, the Astros are low on quality prospects that can offer the Hoyer that luxury. Houston only has one top-100 prospect in Jacon Melton, an outfielder currently batting just .244 in Double-A in over 200 ABs. The Cubs obviously aren't going to take a rental for 2024, and it's doubtful that Houston wants to move anybody worthy off of their major league roster. I'm not sure what Houston will be able to offer here, but they will no doubt at least be inquiring the closer we get to the trade deadline.

1. Cleveland Guardians

The team that makes the most sense to strike a deal with is the Cleveland Guardians. One of the best teams in all of baseball currently has a starting rotation that sits just 12th best overall in the American League and 24th overall in MLB. The Guardians currently have a five-game lead in the AL Central, where they will surely be looking to strengthen for a postseason push.

Cleveland does have several prospects in the top 100; however, they are mostly at lower levels, which won't help the Cubs soon enough, or they are guys like Kyle Manzardo, a lefty first baseman that the team needs no longer has a strong need for unless they decide to push Michael Busch back to third base. Cleveland does, however, have an interesting arm in Daniel Espino that would intrigue the Cubs.

Espino is a roll of the dice due to recent injury history that has spanned the better part of the past two seasons, but there's no doubt the upside is there. He's been listed as high as the #14 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline two years ago. Currently, he is the #5 prospect in the Guardians' organization, and it will be interesting to see if they're willing to move him at the deadline. He currently owns a 2.45 ERA in four starts in double-A, striking out an absurd 35 batters in 18.1 IP.

At just 23 years old, he's the type of target the Cubs should be eyeing if they believe the injuries are behind him. A decent prospect from the Cubs may be needed as a sweetener, but we've seen the Cubs acquire great prospects in the past for mere rentals. Now, willingness to move on from starting pitching with multiple years left of control may make these two teams a match made in heaven at the trade deadline.

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