Why Cubs' bullpen is a bigger area of need than their rotation at MLB trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs are likely to be trade deadline buyers this summer, and the pitching staff is going to be the focus of Jed Hoyer and the front office.

There's been significant focus on the starting rotation being the top need for the Cubs this summer, and for good reason. Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Ben Brown are injured, and Justin Steele and Cade Horton are done for the year.

However, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian made the case for why the bullpen should be the team's top need this summer. Instead of another starter, the Cubs should pursue a late-inning reliever by the August 3 deadline.

Why Cubs should pursue a reliever over a starter at trade deadline

"Chicago's need for rotation help is clear, but the front office shouldn't overlook the bullpen at the deadline," Bastian writes. "... While some pitchers are on the comeback trail, the Cubs really could benefit from a more reliable stopper to help anchor manager Craig Counsell's bullpen."

The 50-40 Cubs are likely to shop for pitching upgrades at the deadline, and while many will focus on the rotation, the bullpen is a key spot to upgrade.

Daniel Palencia, the flame-throwing closer, is on the injured list and will be out for some time this season. Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, Riley Martin, and Ethan Roberts are all on the injured list and should return at some point.

But, with Porter Hodge, Shelby Miller, and Hunter Harvey also on the IL, and a ways away from recovery, the Cubs' bullpen is in dire need of some help.

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A reunion with Aroldis Chapman would be a lot of fun, as would the addition of a multi-inning option like Antonio Senzatela of the Colorado Rockies.

A.J. Minter, Brooks Raley, and especially Luke Weaver of the New York Mets would make a lot of sense as well. The Cubs really could use a late-inning reliever, and there are going to be some options to consider at this year's deadline.

But, since a fully-healthy rotation later this season for the Cubs could have Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Cabrera, Taillon, Brown, David Peterson, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad as options, the bullpen should be a slightly bigger priority.

The Cubs should be looking at both the starting pitcher and the reliever trade market this summer, but if there could only be one spot to upgrade, the Cubs should target a late-inning reliever to get a bit more security at the end of games.

More MLB news:

• Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez is planned NL All-Star starter
• Padres have ‘no choice’ but to be trade deadline sellers if things don’t turn around
• Phillies DFA No. 13-ranked prospect Jean Cabrera to keep Bryan De La Cruz
• 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