Why Cubs are a trade deadline winner despite costly acquisitions

The Chicago Cubs were one of the most active teams at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, adding a ton of talent to the roster to upgrade their key areas of need in the rotation and bullpen.

But, in the process of swinging those trades, they parted with Moises Ballesteros and Jefferson Rojas, two very valuable youngsters. It was a costly deadline, but, at the end of the day, it was a good one for the Cubs.

ESPN's David Schoenfield labeled the Cubs as a "winner" of the trade deadline. The reason why is simple: the Cubs' additions have changed the calculus of the rotation from a concern into a strength.

Cubs are a trade deadline 'winner' due to major rotation shakeup

"It's a bold series of moves given the Cubs are still 6 1/2 games behind the Brewers, but a revamped rotation with Holmes, Gausman, Matthew Boyd, and Shota Imanaga looks like one that, paired with a lineup that has scored as many runs as the Dodgers, could go on an extended playoff run," Schoenfield writes.

The reason why the Cubs' deadline moves were "bold" in Schoenfield's eyes is all about the departure of top prospect Jefferson Rojas and fan favorite Moises Ballesteros.

But the players they are getting in return this summer at the deadline will make a major difference in the club's odds for a deep postseason run.

Kevin Gausman was their first move, and the now former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander is a fantastic pickup to improve their rotation with a potential Game 1 starter.

Clay Holmes was a major addition, acquired from the New York Mets alongside righty-hitting outfielder Tyrone Taylor in exchange for Rojas.

MORE: How Cubs inadvertently helped Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal

While Holmes might be on the injured list, he should return soon, and hopefully return to form when he posted a 2.39 ERA in nine starts earlier this season.

Braxton Garrett is another nice pickup, as he should be quality pitching depth for the Cubs amid their major need for help.

Lastly, Ryan Zeferjahn, the reliever from the Los Angeles Angels, cost them Ballesteros, but should be a significant upgrade to the team's bullpen.

Overall, their additions this summer have completely revitalized what looked like one of the shakier rotations among the playoff teams this season.

While they have some work to do to catch the Milwaukee Brewers, and won't have an easy road in the postseason, this new-look pitching staff should go a long way towards making a run this season.

More MLB news:

• Cubs land Kevin Gausman in blockbuster trade with Blue Jays
• Red Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran during offseason, not MLB trade deadline
• What did Mets get for Freddy Peralta? Rays send three prospects for 4.99 ERA SP
• Braves get unexpectedly weak grade from ESPN for Lane Thomas trade with Royals
• Tigers receive lousy grade for Tarik Skubal trade to Dodgers from ESPN