Cubs named as 'logical fit' in trade for 4.45 ERA former All-Star

The Chicago Cubs are very much a postseason contender this season, but with the recent struggles, things have become very clear: this team needs some help.

While the offense could use some improvement, the real issue for this team right now is pitching. Specifically, the Cubs need to find an ew starting pitcher.

Fortunately, as MLB insider Robert Murray of Fansided.com notes, the Cubs would be the "logical fit" in a trade for San Francisco Giants 4.45 ERA former All-Star left-hander, Robbie Ray, at the 2026 trade deadline.

Cubs are 'logical fit' for Robbie Ray trade

"There will be a long list of teams who check in on Ray, if they haven't already," Murray writes. "The Cubs seem like a logical fit, but so do many other contenders, and the price to acquire Ray won't require teams to break the bank."

While there might be plenty of attention on Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers or Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets, Ray of the Giants might be the better option for the Cubs.

He's not going to cost nearly as much, since he's a free agent after this season, and has been struggling a little bit in his age 34 season.

MORE: Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM

So far in 2026, he's posted a 4.45 ERA in 12 starts with a 3-6 record, 59 strikeouts, and an 87 ERA+. These aren't some incredible statistics, but considering their current rotation, the Cubs could still use him.

Shota Imanaga has a 4.37 ERA, Jameson Taillon has a 5.13 ERA, and Colin Rea has a 4.70 ERA. Matthew Boyd and Edward Cabrera are both hurt, while Cade Horton is done for the year, and Justin Steele's setback is forcing him to miss most of the season.

The Cubs need rotation help, and adding Ray in a deal would make a lot of sense. As Murray notes, the Cubs are the "logical fit" for Ray in a trade, as the Giants left-hander would fit right in with the Cubs rotation.

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