When the 2025 season began, few would have predicted that the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen, once considered a glaring weakness, would become a stabilizing force. After struggling mightily through the first few weeks, the Cubs’ relief corps has been nothing short of dominant.

Since April 19, their bullpen boasts a league-best 2.44 ERA, thanks in large part to strategic additions by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and General Manager Carter Hawkins. The front office deserves serious credit for assembling a high-performing mix of veterans and bounce-back candidates. Those include Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar, Drew Pomeranz, Eli Morgan, Genesis Cabrera, Ryan Brasier, Chris Flexen, Ryan Pressly, and Daniel Palencia. Porter Hodge, who will soon be activated from the injured list, will slide back into a setup upon his return.

With the bullpen shored up, attention now turns to the rotation, a unit decimated by injury and in dire need of reinforcements if the Cubs hope to stay in the thick of the NL Central race.

Taillon and Boyd Providing Stability, But It’s Not Enough

Jameson Taillon has rediscovered his rhythm in 2025, emerging as a much-needed veteran presence amid chaos. Alongside him, lefty Matthew Boyd, signed as a depth piece during the offseason, has quietly become a key contributor, offering quality innings and providing a steady hand when the Cubs have needed it most.

The Cubs’ rotation is being held together with duct tape and hope. Shota Imanaga, who was stellar early in the season, is currently on the injured list but expected back by the end of the month. This is more than can be said for Justin Steele, whose season is likely over, and Javier Assad, who remains out with a long-term injury and whose return this year is far from certain.

Ben Brown has flashed upside, although he may be better suited for a bullpen role or as a modern-day “opener,” having shown a pattern of success early in outings before faltering the second and third time through lineups. Colin Rea, the definition of a grinder, continues to contribute valuable innings, while rookie Cade Horton, since his promotion on May 10, has injected energy and consistency into the staff.

The Cubs cannot ride this patchwork rotation into October. Serious contenders will need to acquire at least two quality starters via trade before the deadline.

MLB Hot Stove: Who Will The Chicago Cubs Target?

With the need for arms clear, the Cubs will dip into their deep farm system to get deals done. While the organization would prefer to hold onto prized talents like Jaxson Wiggins and Matt Shaw, several other high-upside prospects could be dangled in the right package.

  • Owen Caissie, the lefty slugger who continues to flash plus power, could be moved given the crowded outfield at the big league level.
  • Kevin Alcántara, once considered a cornerstone prospect, could be included after some developmental setbacks.
  • James Triantos, a versatile infielder with strong bat-to-ball skills, could attract interest as infield depth.
  • Moises Ballesteros, a fast-rising catcher and designated hitter with elite bat-to-ball skills and emerging power, faces limited opportunity behind Miguel Amaya, and veterans Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire, making him a likely trade candidate to help land pitching help.
  • Jack Neely, a fast-rising right-hander with a power fastball, has shown promise both as a starter and reliever and could be part of a package.

Potential Rotation Trade Targets

The Cubs’ front office will be active in the weeks ahead, with multiple arms floated as potential fits:

  • Chris Sale (Braves): Atlanta’s ace is in the midst of a resurgent 2025 campaign. With his contract set to expire and the Braves struggling, he could be a blockbuster addition if the Cubs meet the high asking price.
  • Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks): Both have expiring contracts, and Arizona may choose to reset rather than re-sign. Gallen, especially, would be a major splash.
  • Zach Eflin (Orioles): Eflin has been a steady presence in Baltimore’s rotation and could thrive in a return to the National League. His contract is reasonable, and the Orioles may be open to dealing from a position of depth.
  • Chris Bassitt (Blue Jays): Bassitt offers innings, experience, and playoff seasoning. With Toronto looking to shed payroll, he could be a logical veteran addition.
  • Tyler Anderson (Angels): The Angels are on the verge of another reset, and Anderson’s 2025 performance makes him a solid back-end rotation option.
  • Kyle Freeland (Rockies): Freeland could benefit from a change of scenery, and the Cubs’ defense might unlock better results.
  • Edward Cabrera (Marlins): Cabrera has started to find his command and is quickly becoming a dominant pitcher. At 27 and with three years of arbitration left, he offers high upside for a postseason push.
  • Pablo López (Twins): Despite being sidelined with shoulder issues, López was 5–3 with a 2.82 ERA and 61 strikeouts before injury. His stock may be down, making him a worthwhile risk that could pay dividends if healthy by October.

End Of My Cubs Pitching Rant

The Cubs have weathered their bullpen storm. The NL Central remains tightly contested, making it time to aggressively pursue starting pitching to keep the club afloat and competitive through the dog days of summer and into the postseason.

With smart maneuvering and a willingness to part with mid to upper-tier prospects, Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins could once again reshape the Cubs’ narrative. The window to contend is open, but only if the rotation is upgraded before it is too late.