These 2 trade targets fit the Cubs perfectly but 1 could backfire badly

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been a popular trade target for Chicago Cubs fans to dream about, especially since he was labeled as the perfect fit for the Cubs by ESPN's Jeff Passan.

I know I'm in the minority here, but while I do agree with the overall premise of trading for Alcantara, I'm not for the risk that it would involve. Short of Alcantara looking excellent against a team likely breaking records in futility this season, he has been awful. While the Cubs are entering this year's trade season as one of the best teams in baseball, until proven otherwise, they are also entering this year's trade season knowing that they will only have Kyle Tucker for a few more months. To put it into context, Kyle Tucker and Trade Deadline acquisition x would make the Cubs a legitimate contender for the 2025 season. Trade Deadline acquisition x and no Tucker may not make the Cubs a World Series contender in 2026.

That is important context when talking about the potential of the Cubs trading for Alcantara this season.

1 Cubs trade target who could backfire badly

• Sandy Alcantara

The risk in trading for Alcantara, despite his struggles this season, is that the Cubs would have given up top prospects for a starting pitcher who never returned to pitching at a top-of-the-rotation level. It's a path the Cubs are all too familiar with. If Alcantara doesn't turn his season around, that would defeat the purpose of the primary reason why the Cubs would be trading for him.

2 trade targets who fit the Cubs perfectly

• Zac Gallen

As with Alcantara, there is some risk involved in Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Zac Gallen for the Cubs if he isn't able to turn his struggles around. Gallen has been roughed up over the last month, resulting in his season ERA ballooning up to 5.13. However, unlike Alcantara, Gallen is a free agent after the season and likely wouldn't cost as much as the Marlins' pitcher would. Also, unlike Alcantara, 2025 has been the only blip for Gallen.

• Mason Miller

Athletics' closer Mason Miller remains a pitcher that the Cubs should be moving mountains and earth to trade for. Miller's inflated ERA, 5.49, doesn't tell the full story of his season as a 5-run appearance against the Marlins last month is doing most of that lifting. For example, on the season, Miller's xERA is at 3.33 and his xFIP is at 2.16. In other words, he is still very good and under team control until 2030.