The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a challenging position with their pitching staff this season. Injuries have thinned out their group of reliable starters, creating a clear gap that must be addressed if the team hopes to make a serious postseason push.
Without key contributors like Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd, the rotation lacks the depth and consistency required to compete at the highest level in the National League. These absences have placed extra strain on the remaining arms, highlighting the importance of external help as the summer progresses.
As the trade deadline draws closer, President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is expected to prioritize acquiring additional starting pitchers. Strengthening this area stands out as one of the front office’s primary objectives, with multiple potential moves under consideration to stabilize the staff for the stretch run and beyond.
Analysts from ESPN, including Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, have identified the Cubs as a strong potential destination for a prominent Cy Young contender currently pitching in the American League Central. According to their report, this pitcher carries approximately a 55 percent likelihood of being dealt by his current organization before the deadline.
The ESPN writers specifically highlighted Joe Ryan in their assessment. They noted his resilience and value during a difficult period for his team, providing direct insight into why a change of scenery could be on the horizon.
“[Joe] Ryan was one of the lone survivors after the Twins’ teardown last deadline — and Minnesota was deep into discussions on deals involving him, as well,” they wrote. “So, a move would surprise nobody, particularly considering that Ryan looks better than ever this season.”
Ryan, now 30 years old, is building toward his second straight All-Star selection while wearing a Minnesota Twins uniform. Despite his strong individual performance, signs suggest his tenure with the franchise could be nearing its conclusion as the organization evaluates its future direction.
Should the Cubs successfully land the right-hander, they would gain his services for the remainder of the current campaign along with full control through the 2027 season. This extended commitment would provide meaningful stability to a rotation that has dealt with significant uncertainty.
Hoyer has several other intriguing options to explore as well. Names such as Sandy Alcantara, Reid Detmers, and Tarik Skubal represent additional avenues the front office might pursue depending on available resources and asking prices from opposing teams.
Ryan’s elite ability to generate strikeouts combined with his skill at suppressing hard contact would offer a valuable edge. These traits could prove especially useful when facing some of the most potent lineups across the National League during a potential playoff run.
Acquiring a pitcher of Ryan’s caliber would represent more than just a short-term upgrade. It could meaningfully improve the Cubs’ chances of advancing in a best-of-five playoff series by giving the team another dependable option at the front of the rotation when every outing carries extra weight.
Overall, the upcoming trade window presents a critical opportunity for Chicago to reshape its pitching outlook. With the season intensifying and contention still within reach, targeted additions like Ryan could help bridge the current gaps and position the Cubs for a stronger finish.
