Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs are gearing up for what could be a very active MLB trade deadline. With the July 30th deadline approaching quickly, the Cubs need to decide which direction to take.
At this moment, Chicago could choose to buy or sell. If they can start winning consistently, they have a chance to compete. However, even if they make it to the playoffs, they aren’t likely to be serious contenders.
If the Cubs decide to buy, there are a few key areas they need to focus on.
Chicago needs a closer, an upgraded catcher, a starting pitcher, and another big bat. These acquisitions would be valuable if they can be obtained at the right price.
In this context, the Cubs have been linked to an intriguing starting pitcher as a potential trade target.
Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib has suggested that the Cubs pursue Los Angeles Angels’ starting pitcher Tyler Anderson.
“The Cubs recently moved Jordan Wicks to the 60-day IL, and with Brown still sidelined with a neck injury, the team could look to bolster their rotation depth with a soft buy at the deadline. Anderson will cost more than your standard rental starting pitcher, given the additional year of control, but it shouldn’t be anything that risks the value of the Cubs’ farm system overall,” Campbell noted.
Anderson, a 34-year-old left-handed starter, has started 19 games this season, compiling an 8-8 record, a 2.97 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, a 1.7 K/BB ratio, and 118.0 innings pitched.
Anderson has another year left on his contract for the 2025 season.
Adding Anderson would give the Cubs an elite middle-of-the-rotation pitcher behind Shoto Imanaga and Justin Steele. This would significantly strengthen their rotation and could likely be achieved at a reasonable cost.
While acquiring a starting pitcher might not be the Cubs’ top priority, it would make sense. Anderson would be an excellent target if Chicago chooses to pursue a starter.
All that being said, fans will have to wait and see what Hoyer and the front office decide to do. It’s equally possible that they might choose to sell off a lot of their own talent.
