The Chicago Cubs could find themselves aggressively pursuing starting pitching help this summer. With the MLB trade deadline now less than two months away, teams around the league are beginning to evaluate whether they will buy or sell, and Chicago appears firmly focused on strengthening its roster.
The Cubs have learned over the past several weeks just how unforgiving the MLB season can be. After slipping in the standings, Chicago now faces a legitimate battle to secure a postseason berth. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants have fallen more than 10 games below .500, leaving their playoff aspirations all but extinguished and potentially positioning them as major sellers ahead of the deadline.
Adrian Houser may not be the headline-grabbing target Cubs fans are hoping for, but Chicago could be forced to explore every available option if it wants to bolster its rotation.
In a recent analysis, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer identified the most logical destinations for several potential Giants trade candidates and connected Houser to the Cubs.
“Adrian Houser is having a rough season in part because he’s not getting ground balls as often. A team could hope that he would again upon getting a change of scenery, as he’s still using a sinker-changeup combo that is geared for grounders. If so, the Cubs are the best place for him simply on account of their infield defense, which leads MLB with +19 Outs Above Average. While he isn’t the starter their fans want, at least he’s a starter.”
Houser’s numbers this season leave plenty to be desired. Across 65 innings, he owns a 5.54 ERA with 46 strikeouts and has allowed 11 home runs. He is also playing under a two-year, $22 million contract, though a potential deal could become more appealing if San Francisco agrees to absorb part of the remaining salary.
What Will Cubs Do at the Trade Deadline?
While Houser is unlikely to sit near the top of Chicago’s wish list, there is little debate that the Cubs need additional pitching help. Whether that comes in the form of a starting pitcher, a high-leverage reliever, or both remains to be seen.
Chicago currently holds a 39-36 record, placing the club third in the highly competitive NL Central race.
If the Cubs decide to pursue bigger names, they have also been linked to several higher-profile arms, including Freddy Peralta, Sonny Gray, Sandy Alcantara, and Tarik Skubal.
Houser does not carry the same level of excitement as those pitchers, but the Cubs are not limited to a single move. As the deadline approaches, Chicago could look to add multiple pieces in an effort to strengthen its pitching staff and improve its chances of reaching the postseason.