The Chicago Cubs are actively exploring options to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the Aug.
3 MLB trade deadline, positioning rookie infielder Pedro Ramirez as a key potential trade piece while maintaining a 60-46 record as of July 28, 2026.
Chicago holds a 5½-game lead for a National League playoff spot after designated hitter Jameson Taillon was placed on waivers Monday, signaling an aggressive front-office strategy.
The club has directed its main attention toward securing controllable starting pitching and late-inning bullpen depth.
Team Confidence Remains High
Shortstop Dansby Swanson emphasized the front office's confidence in the current roster's trajectory. "I think they know that this is a special group," said Swanson.
"I think Jed and them realize what this group's capable of.
The wild thing is, we've got the fifth-best record in baseball, and you can argue that we haven't even played to our full capability offensively."
Swanson added that internal progression could further elevate the roster's performance.
"So that's where we all find this hope of just like, man, as guys continue to creep toward what they're capable of doing, how much even more dangerous this team will be," said Swanson.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell deflected questions regarding specific rotation targets leading into next week. "Pass," said Counsell.
"I think (Hoyer has) been quoted as saying, 'I would like to add starting pitching.'"
Left-hander Matthew Boyd noted that the team's ability to maintain high performance through rotation injuries highlights depth across the system.
"Guys have been called on to take on bigger roles and they've answered," said Boyd. "It's the story of the season.
Be where we are.
This is one of the top teams in baseball, and we've been playing without the roster to a large degree."
Boyd expressed optimism regarding the team's remaining schedule. "And that's what good teams do, and that's what we've done.
And there's still a lot of race to be run, and we're excited for that.
But it's an amazing story, and it speaks to the character and the willingness of guys to step up in this clubhouse and go do what needs to be done," said Boyd.
Second baseman Nico Hoerner acknowledged that the impending deadline introduces a unique dynamic to the clubhouse. "Our group has some pretty special things about it," said Hoerner.
"We're not perfect, and we're in a place now where we can definitely make some improvements to a team that's already really strong.
The time leading up to the trade deadline does feel different."
Potential Trade Assets and Targets
Among potential trade chips, Ramirez has posted a . 322 batting average in his first 34 games, making him an attractive asset for selling clubs.
"(Ramirez) is not untouchable, nor should he be," reported ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan.
The Cubs have expressed interest in Los Angeles Angels starter Reid Detmers, who holds a 4.03 ERA across 125 innings this season, alongside scouting activity involving the New York Mets system as the Aug.
3 deadline approaches at 5 p. m.
CT.
