Cubs May Already Have Justin Steele Replacement In Mind
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Chicago Cubs' pitching rotation has been crushed with injuries this season. The biggest loss was Justin Steele, who underwent elbow surgery earlier this year that ended his season before he could really get going.
The Cubs will need to hit the trade market in the coming weeks, and it's likely they hit it hard to find the best solution in their rotation.
Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN recently suggested the Cubs could be one of the best fits in a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 08: A detail of a Chicago Cubs logo on a helmet against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 08, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 08: A detail of a Chicago Cubs logo on a helmet against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 08, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan."Gallen was excellent for the past three seasons, but now, in a contract year, is posting career-worst numbers in almost every category. His stuff looks pretty similar, but he's allowing much more damage when hitters make contact," they wrote. "Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the team does not plan to deal away players at the deadline, but if Arizona doesn't make a run, it could reap a huge return with all of its impending free agents."
Gallen is the perfect buy-low candidate if the Cubs believe they can help him return to his old form.
The Diamondbacks righty has been excellent for nearly all of his big league career, but during a contract season, he's been a bottom-of-the-barrel pitcher.
With that in mind, the Cubs could buy low on him, likely acquiring him for much less than many expect, in a deal that would boost the Cubs' pitching staff. If Chicago can help Gallen return to his old form, the righty would be the boost Chicago needs to clinch the National League Central.
More MLB: Astros Listed Among 'Best Fits' In Trade For $45 Million AL Ace
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Brendan Donovan's leadoff homer (6)
Is Riley Greene a franchise player for Detroit Tigers? Does he deserve contract extension? The "Days of Roar" podcast walks through the merits of Riley Greene being deemed a franchise player — and if it's time for a contract extension. 3:22 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Class of 2025 Hall of Famer and Seven-Time All-Star Dave Parker Dies
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds announced Hall of Famer Dave Parker passed away before Saturday's games. Parker was set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27 after a 19-year career that started in 1972 and ended in 1990. CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1979: Dave Parker #39 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats against the Chicago Cubs during a Major League Baseball game circa 1979 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Parker played for the... CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1979: Dave Parker #39 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats against the Chicago Cubs during a Major League Baseball game circa 1979 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Parker played for the Pirates from 1973-83. More Focus"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker," the Pirates announced on social media. "A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979. The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022, and will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month." Parker was known as one of the elite hitters that was part of the "Fam-a-lee" for the Pirates. His contributions to the team were significant, and it's hard to imagine the team winning the World Series without his efforts. He was 74 years old, and his impact on baseball will never be forgotten. The Cobra finished his career with 2,712 hits, a .290 batting average, 339 home runs and 1,493 RBI. Upon leaving the Pirates, he spent the next four seasons with the Reds followed by bouncing around several teams in his final two years. The seven-time All-Star made himself a staple in the mid-summer classic, and his performances led to winning three Gold Gloves, two batting titles and a Silver Slugger award. Parker will be missed deeply by the Pirates organization as well as the baseball community. More MLB: Phillies Insider Projects Twins 'Dangle' Closer, Utility Player as Trade Chips
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Cubs' Craig Counsell Delivers Stern Message to Cade Horton After Rough Start
Cubs' Craig Counsell Delivers Stern Message to Cade Horton After Rough Start originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton took the mound Friday night for his eighth start of the season, kicking off a three-game series with the Houston Astros. Advertisement Horton has been one of the young starting pitchers the Cubs have leaned on during the absence of Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, and he's performed quite well. Coming into Friday night, Horton held a 3.73 ERA, which was good for third among the Cubs starters, behind just Imanaga and Matthew Boyd. However, Friday night was a rough outing for the young pitcher. After working through traffic in the first two innings, Horton couldn't get out of the third inning without the Astros getting on the board. Horton allowed three base runners in each of the first two innings, but escaped unscathed. In the third, he loaded the bases with no outs and surrendered his first run on a sacrifice fly. After striking out Christian Walker to create a path out of the inning, Astros catcher Yainer Diaz hit a three-run home run to put Houston up 4-0. Advertisement In the fourth inning, Horton allowed back-to-back singles followed by a second three-run home run. This time by outfielder Cam Smith, who the Cubs traded to the Astros this offseason. Horton's night was done after four innings. He gave up seven runs on eight hits and four walks. "I thought we had a good game plan going into it. I just never really caught my footing - let up too many walks, hit a guy up 0-2 - just a recipe for disaster," Horton said after the game. "I got my (expletive) kicked today." Horton's ERA rose to 4.80 after last night's outing. Manager Craig Counsell had a stern message for the rookie pitcher postgame, but also saw the performance as a learning experience. Advertisement "This was a really good regular season environment. The fans do a great job. This place is loud always. I just told Cade that this is a good example of what the playoffs are going to look like," Counsell said postgame. "Turn it up a couple notches, but of a road game we've that played this year, this is probably the best example that Cade's had of what it turns into against a tough lineup. So, that's the lesson you kind of take from it, and he'll be better next time." The Cubs' skipper showed confidence in his young starter at the end of his quote. After all, it was only Horton's eighth start in the major leagues, and he did so in a pretty electric environment. Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton (22) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Fisher-Imagn Images As if two of the top teams in MLB meeting midway through the season with the same record wouldn't be enough to get the Astros' crowd riled up. Horton was also pitching on the night of the return of two former World Series champions in Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly, who joined the Cubs this offseason from the Astros. Advertisement It was an emotional night all around, and Horton happened to be the guy on the bump for the Cubs. However, Counsell seems confident his young pitcher will bounce back and be better next time out. The only other time Horton gave up four or more runs in an outing this season, the following start, he bounced back, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings. The Cubs and Astros will play the second game of their weekend series Saturday in Houston at 6:15 p.m. on FOX. Related: Cubs Might Find Shocking Trade Candidate in Orioles' Two-Time All-Star This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
