Cubs best trade deadline fit is 2.99 ERA All-Star starter per MLB insider

The Chicago Cubs are not having a terrible season, but there are some massive issues with the team right now.

Offensively, the team isn't performing nearly well enough to make noise come October. But the more pressing issue is the starting rotation. Between injuries and poor play, this rotation is in dire need of help.

That's why MLB insider Robert Murray of Fansided.com named 2.99 ERA All-Star starter, and Minnesota Twins ace, Joe Ryan, as the Cubs' best trade deadline fit this summer.

Cubs best trade deadline fit is Twins' Joe Ryan

"Best fit: Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins," Murray writes. "The Cubs need pitching, pitching, and more pitching. Skubal is the obvious name, and Robbie Ray may be available, but someone controllable would make more sense for Chicago."

The Cubs are looking to be a better World Series contender with a trade this summer, but they might not be willing to spend all of their top assets on a trade for someone like Tarik Skubal.

He's a half-season rental, and even if he's incredible, Skubal is likely to leave in free agency after the 2026 season concludes.

Ryan, on the other hand, is under club control through the 2027 season, giving the Cubs a chance to land a pitcher for both the end of the 2026 season and all of the 2027 season.

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Chicago needs rotation help badly, with Cade Horton ruled out for the year, Justin Steele's setback, and the core starters of Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Edward Cabrera struggling this season.

Ryan is someone the Twins might be more open to trading than the Tigers with Skubal this summer, especially if Detroit keeps climbing back into the playoff race.

The 2.99 ERA All-Star right-hander is a fantastic trade target, and as a pitcher under club control for another year, he makes a lot of sense for the Cubs to target this summer.

More MLB news:

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• Phillies reportedly turn down Bryce Harper's outfield offer to help at trade deadline
• Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
• Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal
• Giants are 'pessimistic' they can trade Rafael Devers or Willy Adames