Ideal Trade Targets to Improve the Cubs 2026 Pitching Roster
It’s been said time and again over the last several years that the biggest problem facing the Chicago Cubs is a lack of pitching talent and depth. In 2025, the team boasted one of the most high-powered offenses in the MLB, but their consistently mediocre mound showings held the team back from realizing their full potential. This offseason, the Cubs have already made a few quality moves in the pitching roster’s favor, including trading for Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera and signing free agent relief pitcher Hunter Harvey. However, the Cubs are in a position where they need to do everything possible to improve this pitching unit. So, who are some of the ideal candidates for the Cubs to make trade offers for?
The starting rotation for 2026 is already looking favorable compared to last season, but there’s still one name that comes to mind as a match made in heaven for the Cubs: Sandy Alcantara. The right-handed starter was one of the biggest names in MLB discussion circles leading up to last season’s trade deadline, but the Marlins ultimately held on to him. Alcantara has struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance over the past three seasons, but there’s no doubt that the former NL Cy Young Award winner still has something left in the tank. At 30 years old, with one year left on his contract, it would certainly be worthwhile for the Cubs to make an offer to try to bring Alcantara to Chicago.
The Cubs also need to seek significant help for their bullpen. The team is in desperate need of a quality, reliable reliever, ideally one that they can get without it being too much of a salary hit. It’s this mentality that leads us to one of the most well-rounded pitching rosters in the American League, the Detroit Tigers. 30-year-old Will Vest was one of the most effective relief pitchers in baseball last year, posting 23 saves and 75 strikeouts in 64 mound appearances, while also being quite effective for the Tigers during their postseason. This January, Vest signed a one-year contract valued at $3.95 million, making him quite an affordable trade target, and one that could be just the boost the Cubs’ bullpen needs.
