Cubs 'Accelerating' Plans to Find New Starting Pitcher After Latest Injury
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The Chicago Cubs already knew adding at least one starting pitcher was a necessity in the next few weeks. Now, that process is being amplified.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale confirmed the Cubs are expediting the process to try to bolster the rotation after the latest injury to Jameson Taillon.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas."The Cubs' urgency to find another starter accelerated when they placed veteran Jameson Taillon on the injured list with a calf strain, sidelining him for at least a month," wrote Nightengale. "They continue to pursue Pirates starter Mitch Keller, but his price-tag is soaring with Keller yielding a 2.40 ERA in his last five starts, including seven shutout innings against the St. Louis Cardinals."
As Nightengale also mentioned, the Pirates were 26-25 as of Sunday since Don Kelly took over as interim manager. That makes a trade for Keller even less likely for the Cubs.
Chicago, of course, has other options. It has been linked to Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara for the past several months. Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks has been thrown out there as a possibility as well.
One name the Cubs could consider looking into is Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo, who reportedly has a strong chance of being dealt over the next few weeks.
"Teams are starting to closely scout Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65 ERA), believing that if they are out of the race, he'll definitely be placed on the trade block," wrote Nightengale. "Lugo, in the middle of a three-year, $45 million contract, has an opt-out after this season that he'd likely exercise instead of returning for $15 million in 2026."
Shota Imanaga's return helps the Cubs in the short term as manager Craig Counsell can buy time for his front office to make a move. However, something needs to be finalized if Chicago wants to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the winner of the National League East.
More MLB: Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Believes Team Should Be 'Aggressive' at Deadline
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