5 trade candidate pitchers Cubs must target before it's too late

Nick Radosevich

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5 trade candidate pitchers Cubs must target before it's too late image

The Chicago Cubs are in a position to win the National League Central for the first time since 2020.

If the Cubs want to maintain their status atop of the NL Central, they need to pursue at least one starting pitcher as well as some bullpen help.

Here are several pitchers who could be options in the future:

Pablo Lopez

Lopez, 29, has been a great addition to the Minnesota Twins pitching staff since being acquired from the Miami Marlins. The right-hander is 4-2 with a 2.40 ERA in eight starts this season, posting a 0.93 WHIP. If the Twins are sellers in a weaker American League Central, Lopez is probably the best option.

Kevin Gausman

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Gausman, 34, has been one of the better pitchers in the league since 2020. The veteran right-hander has his highest ERA since 2019, but his WHIP ranks at 19th in Major League Baseball at 1.06. This would be a cheaper option than Lopez, and in a tough American League East division, the Toronto Blue Jays could be sellers by the trade deadline.

Tyler Anderson

Anderson, 35, has been a bright spot for the Los Angeles Angels. The crafty lefty is 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, and after the Angels had a surprising start to the season, it’s become more likely the team will be sellers come the deadline.

Kyle Finnegan

Finnegan, 33, was an All-Star in 2024 and is on his way to another All-Star season. He has a 2.70 ERA and 14 saves. The Washington Nationals are eight-and-a-half games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East, and while they have exciting young players, teams will be calling about Finnegan and they should move him.

Mason Miller

Miller, 26, is perhaps the most exciting young closer in baseball. The flame-throwing righty has been on every teams' radar since he made his debut, and with the Athletics sitting in fourth place in the American League West, they may take calls for Miller. This would be an expensive move for the Cubs, but they have the assets to make a big splash.

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Nick Radosevich

Nick Radosevich is a freelance contributor with The Sporting News and a graduate of the University of Dayton. He covers the MLB and has over four years of experience covering various sports. For inquiries, please contact [email protected].