Chicago Cubs Rumors: 2025 rotation need could be addressed with this trade

It seems likely that the Chicago Cubs will part ways with veteran starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks after the season.

Hendricks's contract is expiring, and while he has shown a recent resurgence in the starting rotation, it would seem that the Cubs would be better off spending their money elsewhere instead of working out a new deal with their final remaining player from the 2016 World Series team.

Given Hendricks' likely departure, along with the possibility of the Cubs shifting Ben Brown to a high-leverage role in the bullpen, it would seem that the Cubs will be in the market for a veteran starting pitcher this offseason.

With Justin Steele firmly in place at the top of the Cubs' starting rotation, it may be in the team's best interest to address their 2025 need for another starting pitcher at this year's Trade Deadline. Among the pitchers who could be moved at the deadline, Jon Heyman of the New York Post placed a high likelihood on the chances of the Los Angeles Angels moving starting pitcher Tyler Anderson.

Anderson signed a three-year deal with the Angels before the 2023 season. What's interesting about Anderson's being on the trade market is that the Cubs had interest in the starting pitcher prior to his deal with the Angels.

Tyler Anderson would be an intriguing Trade Deadline target for the Cubs.

Anderson is having an excellent season with the Angels, posting a 2.97 ERA through 19 starts this season. Where the concern lies with Anderson is that his FIP on the season is 4.60. That would seem to suggest that Anderson has been the beneficiary of some good luck this season.

The Cubs recently moved Jordan Wicks to the 60-day IL and with Brown still sidelined with a neck injury, the team could look to bolster their rotation depth with a soft buy at the deadline. Anderson will cost more than your standard rental starting pitcher, given the additional year of control, but it shouldn't be anything that risks the value of the Cubs' farm system overall.