Cubs Starting Pitcher Trade Targets: Ranking 10 Best Options - Bleacher Nation

What the report says

Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami assessed the Chicago Cubs’ starting-pitching options on July 22, 2026, with the club 13 games above .500 and 12 days from the trade deadline. The outlet framed Chicago as likely buyers because of its strong National League Wild Card position, while noting that president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has signaled the team may be less aggressive on short-term rental additions because the Cubs remain six games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central.

The article focused on pitchers Cerami viewed as realistic trade fits, while setting aside several bigger or less likely names. Logan Webb, Tarik Skubal, Sandy Alcantara, Sonny Gray and Michael King were described as unlikely Cubs targets for reasons including expected availability, team control, Boston’s recent winning streak, and contract complications. Bleacher Nation also noted that bullpen help could be a separate deadline need.

Among the ranked names visible in the supplied article text, Robbie Ray of the Giants was listed at No. 10, with Cerami citing his 3.33 ERA but questioning the underlying indicators and salary. Royals right-hander Michael Wacha was No. 9, partly because he has control beyond 2026 but could carry a high acquisition cost. Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin was No. 8 after an All-Star first half following time in Japan, and Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta was No. 7 as a buy-low candidate with past NL Central success and ties to Cubs manager Craig Counsell. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman appeared at No. 6, with the article pointing to stronger peripherals than his ERA.

The piece matters because it outlines the trade-deadline balance facing Chicago: adding rotation help for a playoff push without overpaying for rentals.