This Reid Detmers trade package would satisfy Cubs' deadline thirst, convince Angels to be bold

Reid Detmers appears to be the current flavor in Chicago Cubs rumors. The Cubs are certainly looking to bolster the starting rotation ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, but recently, there seems to be a consensus among insiders that the Cubs are looking for a starter under control beyond this season.

There are two obvious targets in Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins and Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants. Yes, the Cubs should want both of those pitchers. Who else should want both of those pitchers, the Twins and Giants. The idea of the Cubs overwhelming either team can be shouted from the highest of mountain tops, but if neither team is willing to make a deal, it's a fruitless exercise.

Which brings us to Detmers. There appears to be a growing sense that even though he's wearing the interim label, John Mozeliak is going to swing big at the deadline in terms of resetting the Angels. That should mean a trade of either Detmers or Soriano. Soriano would certainly be a strong fit for the Cubs, but again, Detmers appears to be the one gaining traction in Chicago.

Detmers is under control through the 2028 season, and that alone is going to be a steep price for the Cubs to pay in a trade. His underlying metrics suggest that there's another layer of success that has yet to be tapped into. He has a 4.05 ERA through 21 starts, but his 27.6% strikeout rate, 7.% walk rate, and 3.27 FIP are a better indicator of just how good he has been.

Angels or not, no team just gives up the type of pitcher Detmers represents for nothing. If Mozeliak has been given the green-light to reset things in Anaheim, then he's going to make sure he follows through. The Cubs would need to pay up.

Trading for Reid Detmers would mark a level of aggression for the Cubs worth the cost

Ripping the band-aid off right away, there's a good chance that Owen Ayers would be involved in this deal. The Athletic recently reported that if the Angels were to trade Soriano or Detmers, they would be seeking a young catcher. That puts the Cubs in an ideal spot in these trade talks, considering the ascension of Owen Ayers. While teams aren't quick to trade ascending catching prospects, adding an ascending pitcher under control for rest of this year and two years after that is an opportunity that doesn't always come around.

There's a need to reset some expectations with Ayers. He's certainly impressed this season, but in terms of his projection, not much as changed. In other words, on his own, it's hard to imagine Ayers being the one to headline the return for the Detmers. That would be the primary reason for including Jaxon Wiggins in this season, ensuring that LA has a high-ceiling pitching prospect arriving into the organization as a replacement for Detmers.

Giving up Ayers and Wiggins in the same deal stings, but that is why the final piece is likely someone the Cubs aren't that concerned about parting ways with. With Matt Shaw and Pedro Ramirez on the roster, chances are the Cubs aren't opposed to the idea of using James Triantos as a trade chip. There's a role redundancy developing between these three, and it feels like a safe chance one of them will be moved before the deadline.

Given what the asks were at the deadline last year, it's safe to say a trade for Detmers is going to a sting a team's prospect capital. But, there should be reason for the Cubs to act with urgency here. Detmers would immediately help them this season, but gives the rotation clarity for next season. An important factor, considering Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon are all free agents, and Cade Horton pitching next season is far from a certainty.

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