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The Chicago Cubs have not received a healthy season by any means from their starting rotation.
Cade Horton is out for the season, Justin Steele remains on the injured list, and Edward Cabrera injured himself covering first base in last night's game.
That doesn't include Matthew Boyd, who has almost missed the last two months after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus injury.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller lists the Cubs' clear trade deadline need as starting pitching depth.
They could be involved in the Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan sweepstakes, but Chicago will need a backup plan.
"If they'd prefer to go the 'relatively inexpensive rental' route, both Detroit's Casey Mize and Kansas City's Kris Bubic ought to be available as plausible postseason starters," Miller wrote.
Mize has landed on the IL twice this season with right adductor and groin inflammation. The 2025 All-Star has posted a 2.95 ERA in 11 starts and reaches free agency at the end of the year.
Bubic also earned his first All-Star selection last year, striking out 51 batters with a 4.11 ERA through nine starts this season with the Royals.
"Each one has a lengthy injury history, which is just about the last thing this team needs, already seemingly losing an arm to the IL every 7-10 days," Miller added. "Either one could be huge if healthy, though"
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Can the Cubs afford to take a risk on either Mize or Bubic if they fail to land an ace like Skubal?
There's always injury risk with starters, but they might need more durable arms.
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