Cubs reveal 'top priority' for MLB trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs have a clear need for this season's trade deadline. 

And the front office knows it. 

The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote Thursday that the Cubs' "top priority" over the next month and change will be to add starting-pitching depth. 

"The Cubs have made it clear to opposing front offices that trading for starting pitching is their top priority, and they’ve been making those calls and texts for weeks," Bowden wrote. 

According to Bowden, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has already begun making phone calls to add arms. Injuries have taken a toll. 

Cade Horton is out for the season, Justin Steele has yet to make his season debut, and Matthew Boyd is set to start a rehab assignment after tearing the meniscus in his left knee. 

Not to mention, Jameson Taillon is also on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. 

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"They have a strong enough roster at both the major- and minor-league levels to make another significant trade between now and the deadline similar to their offseason deal for Edward Cabrera," Bowden added about Chicago's rotation situation.

"If only their rotation could have stayed healthy." 

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