The Chicago Cubs aren’t browsing the clearance rack, they’re walking into the trade deadline like a tailor with a sharp pair of shears. A roster that’s teased potential but failed to string wins together has forced the front office to face the facts. Injuries keep piling, third base keeps evaporating; and October hopes flickering. It’s time to buy big, or brace for mediocrity.
And big means bold—because the names in circulation aren’t coming with discount tags or guarantees. Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eugenio Suarez, and Ryan McMahon headline a market flooded with intrigue and price tags. Each comes with baggage, upside, and a backstory worthy of deadline drama. But for a Cubs team toeing the line between contender and pretender, every name reads like both a gamble and a blueprint.
Sandy Alcantara could be the perfect fit in the rotation.
Sandy Alcantara’s 2025 season has been rocky, with numbers that don’t match his past pedigree. Through 19 starts, he holds a 4–9 record and a bloated 7.14 ERA across 97 innings. His strikeout total sits at 73, while his WHIP of 1.49 signals consistent traffic on the bases. However, a 4.59 FIP and 4.99 xERA suggest he’s performing slightly better than his traditional stats indicate. The former Cy Young winner is battling form, not stuff, which still flashes elite upside.
For the Cubs, Alcantara presents both risk and reward as they eye upgrades to stabilize their rotation. With Justin Steele inconsistent and Jameson Taillon injured, Chicago needs innings, pedigree, and playoff experience. Alcantara could slot into a top-three role, offering durability and a track record of late-season strength. Despite his struggles, his velocity, pitch mix, and stamina remain valuable tools in a contending clubhouse. If corrected in the right system, Alcantara could make a difference come October.
The Cubs’ top trade deadline priority is to add starting pitching help, reports @JimBowdenGM.
Chicago’s targets include Mitch Keller, Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano.
The Cubs would also love to land a third baseman… pic.twitter.com/XkQFRNF2E5
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) July 21, 2025
Landing him, however, wouldn’t be cheap, even amid his down year with the Marlins this season. Miami would likely ask for multiple controllable assets, possibly including a near-MLB-ready pitcher or top-10 farm talent. Alcantara’s contract—five years, $56 million—adds both value and leverage to the asking price. The Cubs might be forced to include someone like Cade Horton or Ben Brown in negotiations.
If not Alcantara, could the Cubs go for Zac Gallen?
Zac Gallen’s 2025 season with Arizona has been challenging despite a solid strikeout total of 110. Across 20 starts, he holds a 7–10 record paired with a 5.40 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. He has logged 115 innings and averages approximately 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Home outings have been particularly difficult, featuring a 5.66 ERA and 52 strikeouts in ten starts. Control has faltered, with 36 walks leading the National League.
Apr 26, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
If the Cubs acquire Gallen at the trade deadline, he could strengthen their inconsistent starting rotation. He offers durability through his 115 innings of work and proven ability to go deep into games. Paired alongside rising starters, Gallen could solidify a mid-rotation role for the remainder of the season. His past performance, including a 3.65 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 2024, illustrates his underlying upside. Stabilizing the command would be key to maximizing his impact upon arrival.
Acquiring Gallen would likely require the Cubs to part with multiple high-value, near-MLB-ready prospects. Arizona would demand controllable assets in exchange for his one-year, $13.5 million salary. Furthermore, his dominant 2024 campaign strengthens Arizona’s leverage heading into negotiations. The cost might include a top‑tier minor leaguer alongside a lower-level pitching prospect. For a Cubs team seeking a reliable rotation boost, this price reflects Gallen’s demonstrated talent and upside.
Eugenio Suarez could bring together the Cubs’ infield.
Eugenio Suarez’s 2025 season has been exceptional, with a .257 batting average, 35 home runs, and 85 RBIs. He currently ranks third in MLB homers and leads the National League in RBIs . Through 98 games, his OPS stands at .928, placing him among the top power hitters league‑wide . Since July 1, Suarez has hit nine homers in sixteen games, registering an impressive .259/.343/.759 slash . His consistent two‑homer performances have driven notable contributions to the Diamondbacks’ lineup this season .
MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs Jul 21, 2024 Chicago, Illinois, USA Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Chicago Wrigley Field Illinois USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMattxMartonx 20240721_cec_bm5_046
If the Cubs were to acquire Suarez, he would directly address their infield offensive deficiencies at third base. The Cubs’ current third basemen combine for a .531 OPS, marking significant underperformance . Suarez’s power bat, proven against Cubs pitching—16 homers at Wrigley—provides immediate lineup reinforcement . His experience and durability, evidenced by six past 30‑home‑run seasons and elite Statcast metrics, would bring stability . As a rental option with a manageable $5 million remaining salary, he would cost less in payroll flexibility .
However, Suarez would not come inexpensively in terms of prospect capital. Arizona will likely demand top‑tier minor league talent in exchange for their NL RBI leader . As a pending free agent and soon‑to‑turn‑34, he is a classic high‑cost rental for contenders . The Cubs would probably need to part with at least one MLB‑ready arm alongside another mid‑level prospect. Given his statistical impact and team fit, Chicago must weigh acquisition cost against offensive urgency.
Merrill Kelly could solve the pitching problem.
Merrill Kelly’s 2025 season features a 9–5 record, 3.32 ERA, 118 strikeouts, 122 innings pitched, and 1.06 WHIP. He ranks tied‑21st in strikeouts and 25th in ERA among MLB starters this season. His K/9 rate sits at an impressive 8.70, demonstrating strikeout ability with reliable control. Across 21 starts, he’s consistently limited baserunners, issuing just 37 walks over 122 innings pitched. That combination of durability and efficiency makes him a coveted rotation piece.
Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
If the Cubs were to acquire Kelly, he would immediately solidify their back‑of‑rotation depth behind existing starters needing innings. His ability to consistently work deep into games—122 innings across 21 outings—aligns perfectly with Chicago’s need for reliable arm usage. His career record against Chicago stands out: 3–1 record with a 3.25 ERA and 36 strikeouts in eight career appearances. Pairing Kelly with in‑house arms would provide rotation stability down the stretch and into October. His major‑league experience and steady performance would boost confidence in Chicago’s pitching staff’s resilience.
Acquiring Kelly likely requires the Cubs to trade two or more controllable, MLB‑ready prospects. Arizona will demand immediate help, given that he has one year remaining at $7 million salary and free‑agent status. Reports suggest that a mock trade for Kelly included two mid‑level pitching prospects similar to High‑A caliber arms. His contract expiring enhances his appeal but limits leverage, increasing the return cost.
Ryan McMahon could be the missing piece at third base.
Ryan McMahon’s 2025 season includes a .214 batting average, 15 home runs, and 32 RBIs across ninety‑six games. His OPS stands at .710 while wOBA sits at an even .312, showcasing solid offensive contributions . Statcast marks his hard‑hit rate near fifty percent, with average exit velocity at 93.7 mph . He’s added consistent power recently, homering in consecutive games versus the Twins . While his batting average hovers in the low.200s, his slugging and barrel percentage reflect offensive upside.
If the Cubs acquired McMahon, he would immediately address third base deficiencies, combining power and defense reliably. Chicago currently lacks a middle‑infield bat, posting a combined .531 OPS from existing options . McMahon’s positional versatility and glove combine with his power potential to stabilize the infield. His 30-year track record, including a 2024 All‑Star season, indicates durability and veteran leadership . His familiarity with National League pitching offers seamless integration and situational advantage.
Colorado would likely demand multiple mid‑tier MLB‑ready prospects for McMahon’s controllable contract through 2027 at $16 million annually . Despite his underwhelming average, his defensive value and power output support significant trade value. Reports suggest the Rockies wouldn’t demand top‑tier talent, instead seeking two or more mid‑level prospects . However, acquiring his cost‑controlled deal and multi‑year control increases the Cubs’ investment. The trade price may test Chicago’s willingness to prioritize positional stability over farm assets.
Whether it’s a Cy Young on a comeback trail or a slugger with Wrigley nightmares in reverse, the Cubs are not window shopping—they’re gearing up for a spending spree of assets and ambition. These aren’t whispers in the wind; they’re signals that Chicago intends to play chess, not checkers, in the NL Central arms race.
In a deadline defined by high asks and higher stakes, the Chicago Cubs are swinging at more than just pitches. From Alcantara’s turbulence to Suarez’s thunder, every name on their board reflects urgency, not luxury. One thing’s certain: if Chicago rolls the dice, it won’t be for a soft landing—it’ll be for a postseason roar.
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