Cubs have called Royals ahead of trade deadline, seeking starting pitcher

The Chicago Cubs are in serious trouble if they don’t acquire at least one quality starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

Outside of All-Star Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, the starting rotation is a mess.

Sure, Colin Rea and rookie Cade Horton have looked solid for most of the season, but those guys can’t be trusted to start a postseason game.

Jameson Taillon was dealing for most of the season, then had two bad outings and landed on the injure list for the foreseeable future.

The Cubs need to act fast. The Milwaukee Brewers have won 11 straight games and have taken a one-game lead in the National League Central; Chicago was in first place since April 4.

MLB insider/analyst Jon Morosi reported that the Cubs have had discussions with the Kansas City Royals.

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“The Cubs have checked in with the Royals ahead of the trade deadline, sources say,” wrote Morosi on X. “This is not a surprise. The Cubs need pitching; KC is more likely to move Seth Lugo (starting tomorrow at Wrigley) than All-Star LHP Kris Bubic.”

Lugo, 35, is building off his 2024 All-Star campaign. The veteran right-hander is 6-5 with a 2.94 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 18 starts this season.

Lugo has a 2026 player option worth $15 million, but he is likely to opt-out in the offseason.

Adding Lugo would boost Chicago’s rotation immensely and give the Cubs a premier starting pitcher to pair with Boyd and Imanaga in hopes of a deep playoff run.

More MLB: How will the disappointing Royals approach the upcoming trade deadline?