Chicago Cubs Trade Deadline Preview: What You Need to Know

The Big Picture

The Chicago Cubs are in a tricky spot as the trade deadline approaches. Think of it like a fantasy football team with lots of injured players — they’re waiting for reinforcements to return, but they also want to go shopping for new talent before the deadline hits on Monday.

Pitching Help Is on the Way (Eventually)

Important Point: The Cubs aren’t panicking about their pitching injuries — they know help is coming, but they’re being extra careful.

Who’s Coming Back Soon

• Edward Cabrera – Right-handed starting pitcher
• Daniel Palencia – Closer (the pitcher who finishes games)

These two are expected to return from the injured list in the final two months of the season. But because the Cubs have dealt with so many pitching injuries this year, they’re not taking any chances.

The Cubs’ Shopping List

The team ideally wants to add three pitchers before Monday’s deadline. Here are the two scenarios they’re considering:

Option A: Two Starters + One Reliever

• Two pitchers who start games
• One pitcher who comes in for short bursts

Option B: One Starter + Two Relievers

• One starting pitcher
• Two relief pitchers

Reality Check: Getting all three might not be possible, but there are plenty of both starters and relievers available on the market, giving the Cubs lots of options.

The Catcher & Right-Handed Hitter Problem

Here’s where it gets interesting: while there are lots of pitchers available, catchers and right-handed hitters are in short supply.

This scarcity creates potential trade interest in two Cubs players:

Why Seiya Suzuki Isn’t Going Anywhere

Suzuki bats second in the Cubs’ lineup — that’s premium real estate in baseball. He’s simply too valuable to the team’s offense.

The backup plan that didn’t work: The Cubs might have considered a platoon (shared playing time) between Michael Conforto and Matt Shaw in right field if Suzuki left. But Shaw has been injured since June 29 with a sprained left wrist, making that plan impossible.

Why Carson Kelly Is Staying Put (Unless…)

Kelly isn’t just a catcher — he’s part of the Cubs’ "fabric" (team culture and chemistry). Trading him would:

1. Hurt the pitching staff – Catchers work closely with pitchers
2. Damage clubhouse morale – Teammates value him

The only exception: If another team makes an overwhelming offer that the Cubs simply can’t refuse. This isn’t out of the question given how desperate teams are for catchers.

The Catcher Market Is Bare

The demand for catchers is intense, but the supply is nearly zero. These big names are almost certainly staying put:

• Hunter Goodman (Colorado Rockies)
• Ryan Jeffers (Minnesota Twins)
• Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)

The Catch-22: If the Cubs did trade Kelly, they’d immediately need to find another catcher — and there simply aren’t any available.

Summary

• Good news: Injured pitchers Cabrera and Palencia are returning soon
• Goal: Add 3 pitchers before Monday’s deadline (mix of starters/relievers)
• Challenge: Catcher/right-handed bat market is empty
• Result: Suzuki and Kelly almost certainly stay unless blown away by offers
• Bottom line: Cubs will likely focus entirely on pitching upgrades

FAQ

Why are the Cubs being so cautious with pitching?

They’ve had an unusually high number of pitching injuries this season, so they want depth insurance even with players returning.

What’s a "platoon" in baseball?

When two players share one position, typically based on whether the opposing pitcher is left-handed or right-handed.

Why is batting second so important?

The #2 hitter gets lots of at-bats with runners on base and sets up the team’s best hitters (usually #3 and #4).

Could the Cubs trade for a catcher instead of Kelly?

Almost no catchers are available. The few good ones (Rutschman, Jeffers, Goodman) are untouchable for their teams.

What happens if the Cubs don’t get 3 pitchers?

They’ll still likely add at least one or two — the market has plenty of pitching options available.