Cubs linked to 2.64 ERA Tigers All-Star as 'best' trade target, but it's not Tarik Skubal

The Chicago Cubs are heading towards the 2026 MLB trade deadline with one very simple need at the top of their wish-list: pitching.

Whether it's more help in the bullpen or a starting pitcher, this Cubs team needs both, so adding either would make a ton of sense. But there are still some pitchers who make more sense than others.

ESPN's Jeff Passan linked the Cubs to a Detroit Tigers All-Star pitcher who has a 2.64 ERA this season, but contrary to Cubs fans' wishes, it's not Tarik Skubal. Instead, it's right-hander Casey Mize.

Cubs 'best' trade deadline fit is Tigers' Casey Mize

"Best match: Casey Mize, RHSP, Detroit Tigers," Passan writes. "... Mize's availability depends on the Tigers' viability. If they keep winning and believe they're legitimate playoff contenders, he could stay."

Mize is named as the Cubs' best fit at this year's trade deadline, but the one problem is the same one many clubs have with a Skubal trade this summer: the Tigers might not sell.

They've won some games recently, and now are just 4.0 games out of the Wild Card with only a few games to go until the All-Star break. They're also just 5.5 games out of the AL Central lead.

While it's possible the Tigers are actually buyers at the deadline, as they try to make the most of Skubal's last season, it's also possible the team winds up selling this summer. And if they do, Mize is someone the Cubs should target.

MORE: 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline

Their current rotation is a mess, with Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, and Jameson Taillon all hurt, with Cade Horton and Justin Steele done for the year as members of the rotation.

Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, David Peterson, Javier Assad, and Colin Rea are the current rotation options, which makes it very clear this team needs a starrer.

Mize, the 29-year-old right-handed All-Star, has a 2.64 ERA this season in 13 starts with 2.6 bWAR and 72 strikeouts in 71.2 innings of work. His 2.73 FIP is a good sign, as is his 163 ERA+, which is the best of his career.

As a one-year rental, he would be a fairly reasonable starter to pursue this summer. Add in that the focus will be on Skubal, and trading for Mize might not be as difficult as it normally might be.

Mize is the Cubs' "best match" at the trade deadline, according to Passan, and for good reason. He's a good starter who shouldn't cost too much to acquire. Mize would be a great pickup for the Cubs if they could pull it off.

More MLB news:

• Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez is planned NL All-Star starter
• Blue Jays trade idea swaps two top-10 prospects to Mets for Freddy Peralta
• Rays trade idea sends top-10 prospect in MLB to Tigers for Tarik Skubal
• Astros plan to be involved in Tarik Skubal trade sweepstakes
• Angels GM says ’NO!’ in response to Phillies trade rumor for Mike Trout