MLB Trade Deadline: Cubs Seek Pitching as Lopez Hits .328 for Marlins

Ahead of the 6 p.m. ET Monday deadline, the Chicago Cubs seek starters after Cade Horton’s season-ending surgery following just 7⅓ innings.

The 6 p.m. ET trade deadline on Monday looms as the Chicago Cubs face a pitching crisis after Cade Horton threw only 7⅓ innings before requiring season-ending elbow surgery. Chicago’s rotation struggles are compounded by Justin Steele’s early-season setback and a major leg injury suffered in June by Edward Cabrera. Jameson Taillon, the highest-paid pitcher on the Cubs roster, was recently designated for assignment. To bolster a group that ranks as a top home-field advantage team, the front office is considering targets including Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, and Reid Detmers. The club is also monitoring the availability of Detroit Tigers arms Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize.

In the American League, the New York Yankees are prioritizing bullpen depth despite injuries to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger. The Yankees are seeking a power arm like Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon to improve their October outlook. While Ali Sanchez hit a pivotal three-run home run on Monday, New York remains linked to Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers and Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor. The Yankees' offensive struggles coincide with the Seattle Mariners ranking 28th in the majors in OPS against left-handed pitching, a significant drop from their 12th-place ranking last year.

National League Pitching Pursuits

The Philadelphia Phillies hold a 43-16 record when Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo start, but they have faltered to a 14-34 mark in all other contests. With Aaron Nola struggling and Brad Keller injured, the Phillies are expected to be aggressive in the reliever market. Similarly, the Atlanta Braves are positioned to offer 23-year-old JR Ritchie in a potential deal for Skubal. The Milwaukee Brewers, who saw Jacob Misiorowski develop into an ace, now seek rotation help following an injury to Kyle Harrison. Milwaukee may explore a reunion with Freddy Peralta or pursue Robbie Ray to fortify their staff.

White Sox and Red Sox Roster Shifts

The Chicago White Sox are navigating the loss of catcher Kyle Teel to a significant ankle injury. To upgrade a position player group that saw 121 losses two seasons ago, the White Sox are looking at Cincinnati Reds catchers Kyle Stephenson and Jose Trevino, or New York Mets options Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens. On the mound, Chicago seeks to replace fifth starter Noah Schultz, who currently carries an ERA over 6.00. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have already acquired Curtis Mead but continue to shop for a shortstop. Boston has inquired about Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez, who leads all hitters with a .328 batting average, and is considering alternatives to prospect Marcelo Mayer such as Zach Neto or C.J. Abrams.

Bullpen Volatility and Offensive Needs

The Pittsburgh Pirates feature a rotation described by one rival staffer as "f---ing real," yet their bullpen ranks 24th in ERA. General Manager Ben Cherington, backed by increased payroll, is expected to pursue Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon to stabilize the late innings. In the AL West, the Texas Rangers are seeking creative ways to add relief depth without taking on significant salary. The Cleveland Guardians have shifted their focus from specifically seeking a right-handed hitter to considering any offensive upgrade, including Lane Thomas of the Kansas City Royals.

The Tampa Bay Rays currently lead the American League despite Shane McClanahan being limited to 96 innings after missing two seasons. With Drew Rasmussen’s injury history providing constant concern, the Rays are viewed as a sleeper candidate for Tarik Skubal to ensure they reach the World Series for the first time in 18 years. These moves are inspired by the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays, who finished one run and two outs shy of defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series after a second-half surge.