Cubs Acquire Aaron Civale for Aiden Moffett Following 6-2 Victory Over Minnesota

Chicago bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Aaron Civale and cash from Oakland in exchange for minor league righty Aiden Moffett on Saturday.

The Chicago Cubs finalized an Aaron Civale trade on Saturday, acquiring the 31-year-old right-hander and cash considerations from the Athletics. This transaction occurred immediately following Chicago’s 6-2 victory over Minnesota. In exchange for the veteran pitcher, the Cubs sent 22-year-old minor league righty Aiden Moffett to Oakland. Civale returns to Chicago after the Athletics designated him for assignment this past Wednesday.

During his tenure with Oakland this season, Civale posted a 5-7 record across 16 games, including 15 starts. He recorded a 5.42 ERA before the trade. The right-hander originally joined the Athletics in February on a one-year contract. Over his eight-season major league career, Civale has played for six different franchises, accumulating a lifetime record of 48-51 with a 4.26 ERA.

Civale’s Previous Stint in Chicago

This move marks Civale’s second stint with the Cubs organization. During the 2025 season, he split time between the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and the Cubs. Chicago initially claimed him off waivers on August 31, 2025. In his five relief appearances for the club during that regular season, he pitched 13 innings, earning a 1-0 record and one save while maintaining a 2.08 ERA.

Civale also contributed to the Cubs' 2025 postseason run. He delivered 4⅓ scoreless innings in a single relief outing against Milwaukee. His familiarity with the coaching staff and environment comes at a critical time for a roster currently struggling with significant depth issues on the mound.

Injury Crisis in the Cubs Rotation

The Cubs front office pursued this Aaron Civale trade to address a pitching staff raked by injuries. The starting rotation has lost Cade Horton for the remainder of the season as he undergoes Tommy John surgery. Four other key pitchers remain sidelined: Jameson Taillon is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Edward Cabrera is recovering from a combination of hamstring and abductor issues. Additionally, Ben Brown is out with a neck injury, and Justin Steele remains unavailable due to an elbow ailment.

Scouting Aiden Moffett and Trade Terms

Aiden Moffett, the prospect sent to the Athletics, has spent the current season split between the Arizona Complex League Cubs and Single-A Myrtle Beach. In 17 relief appearances, the 22-year-old right-hander produced a 1-2 record and secured one save. His statistical line included a 9.67 ERA before the trade was finalized on Saturday.

Oakland included cash considerations in the deal to facilitate the move. Civale’s departure from the Athletics follows a short stay after his February signing, as the team moves forward without the veteran starter. Chicago intends for Civale to provide immediate stability to a rotation that has seen five primary contributors land on the injured list simultaneously. The 6-2 win against Minnesota provided a positive backdrop for the roster adjustment as the club navigates these persistent health challenges across their pitching staff.