The Chicago Cubs are in the thick of a fierce battle for the top spot in the National League Central as the 2025 MLB trade deadline looms. With just days remaining, the Cubs are aggressively pursuing multiple areas of improvement to strengthen their roster for a potential postseason push.

Starting Pitching: A Top Priority

The Cubs have identified starting pitching as their most pressing need. Currently ranked 14th in the majors in starting pitching ERA, the team is looking to add depth behind their top starters, Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. The Cubs have been linked to several high-profile pitchers, including Washington Nationals' MacKenzie Gore, Chicago White Sox' Adrian Houser, and Cleveland Guardians' Shane Bieber. According to sources, the Cubs are ready to make a move if the asking prices for these pitchers become more reasonable.

Relief Pitching: Seeking Stability

In addition to starting pitching, the Cubs are also exploring options to bolster their bullpen. While their core relievers have been solid, recent performances have shown some vulnerabilities. The Cubs are reportedly interested in acquiring experienced relievers like Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe, or Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins. Other potential targets include Kyle Finnegan from the Nationals, David Bednar from the Pirates, and Raisel Iglesias from the Braves.

Third Base: A Potential Upgrade

The Cubs have been monitoring the market for a potential upgrade at third base. While they were not involved in the recent trade that sent Ryan McMahon to the Yankees, the team has shown interest in Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, any deal for Suarez would likely be part of a larger blockbuster trade, which remains a long shot given the Cubs' primary focus on pitching.

Trade Assets and Strategy

The Cubs have a wealth of prospects to offer in potential trades, including top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and Double-A pitcher Jaxon Wiggins. However, the team is cautious about parting with their top talent for short-term gains. As President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer stated, the Cubs are looking for commensurate value in any deal and are unlikely to blow up their farm system to increase their playoff odds.

Conclusion

As the deadline approaches, the Cubs are in a strong position to make strategic moves that could significantly impact their postseason chances. With a focus on starting and relief pitching, and a potential upgrade at third base, the Cubs are poised to be active players in the trade market. The coming days will reveal whether the Cubs can secure the necessary reinforcements to make a deep run in October.