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The Chicago Cubs need starting pitching, and they may not be able to wait around long to go get it.
Losing Justin Steele for the season was a major blow that solidified that the Cubs, who look like legitimate contenders this season, should be buyers at the July trade deadline. But now that their other star pitcher Shota Imanaga is headed to the injured list, they may have to start exploring trades sooner.
Beyond Steele and Imanaga, the Cubs had a group of serviceable starters--names like Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Ben Brown. Those are guys who can get you through a regular season, but ideally, you have a bigger name anchoring your group in the playoffs.
That's why one baseball writer believes the Cubs could make a bold play for a division rival's three-time All-Star.
On Monday, Andrew Wright of Newsweek named St. Louis Cardinals ace Sonny Gray as a potential trade candidate for the Cubs, despite the bitter rivalry between the two franchises.
"(Gray) is already familiar with the NL Central, and he's had success at Wrigley Field in his career. He's allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts there along with striking out eight or more batters in those three starts," Wright wrote.
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"St. Louis' asking price for Gray may be a bit higher due to the Cubs being a bitter rival but if it isn't anything absurd, the Cubs should try and make a deal to bring the three-time All-Star to Chicago."
Gray's $75 million contract was backloaded, so he's owed $25 million this season and a whopping $35 million in 2026. Then, he's got a $30 million club option for 2027 with a $5 million buyout.
If the Cubs are truly all-in, though, they'll at least consider the possibility of trading for an expensive starter who can help them get to the next level. A lot probably depends on how well Gray pitches over the next few weeks and months.
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