Cubs Aggressively Pursue Multiple Pitchers Before Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing multiple starting pitchers and relievers ahead of the trade deadline, with recent interest extending to José Soriano of the Angels, Luke Weaver of the Mets, and Jeff Hoffman of the Blue Jays. The organization believes it can construct a competitive rotation capable of contending for a World Series championship through a combination of rentals and long-term controllable arms.

Cubs' Aggressive Pitching Strategy

The Cubs' front office has made it clear that pitching reinforcement is a priority. According to reports, the team is hoping to add three pitchers in some configuration—either two starting pitchers and a reliever, or the reverse. General Manager Jed Hoyer and his staff have reportedly been in contact with nearly every team holding an available arm on the market, reflecting the urgency of their pursuit.

The team's interest in multiple arms stems from confidence in its ability to evaluate talent beyond surface-level statistics. The Cubs' elite defense and coaching staff, led by Manager Craig Counsell, are viewed as assets that can help pitchers succeed. This philosophy has already borne fruit; the organization acquired David Peterson from the Mets in late June and continue to explore similar opportunities.

Target Profiles: Youth and Control

Chicago's newest targets represent a shift toward pitchers with multiple years of team control remaining. José Soriano, earning just $2.9 million this season with arbitration eligibility through 2028, offers both affordability and long-term flexibility. The Angels' right-hander has posted a 3.29 ERA across 123 innings, with an exceptional 59.9% groundball rate among qualifying pitchers in his first season as a starter. While his performance has cooled from an early-season surge, scouts view him as a consistently above-average starter capable of strengthening any contending rotation.

Luke Weaver and Jeff Hoffman represent similar profiles—younger pitchers with extended team control who could address the Cubs' rotation depth without demanding the astronomical prospect cost that Tarik Skubal commanded when he moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Cubs reportedly exited the Skubal bidding relatively early, unwilling to match the Dodgers' offer but maintaining confidence in their ability to secure other quality arms.

Rental Options and Bullpen Considerations

Beyond controllable assets, the Cubs remain engaged with rental pitchers including Freddy Peralta, a former Brewers teammate of Counsell who maintains a strong relationship with the manager. Clay Holmes, a ground-ball specialist approaching return from injury, also factors into discussions. If the team pivots toward bullpen reinforcement, Adrian Morejon remains under consideration alongside the previously mentioned Weaver and Hoffman.

The organization's confidence extends to established veterans as well. Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays, despite posting a 4.38 ERA this season, possesses the strikeout rate and walk rate consistent with his previous performance as an All-Star. His 2.93 ERA across six playoff games last season, including two quality starts against the Dodgers in the World Series, illustrates his postseason reliability—a factor weighing heavily in Chicago's evaluation process.