The Chicago Cubs are certainly looking to add a quality starting pitcher this summer. Chicago’s rotation has been decimated by injuries during the early stages of the 2026 season. Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, the club’s top two starters, are both out with long-term issues. Justin Steele also recently suffered a setback with his elbow problem.
With the trio out of action, the Cubs have somehow kept it together enough to lead the National League Central. Nevertheless, Chicago has been linked with New York Mets pending free agent pitcher Freddy Peralta. Cubs manager Craig Counsell and Peralta previously worked together with the Milwaukee Brewers. A move, however, may only be possible if the Mets struggle through the summer.
Peralta would certainly be a solid option for the North Siders. The Cubs may have an even bigger target, though. CBS Sports reporter Mike Axisa is reporting that Chicago will be one of several contenders who would “make a run” at Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The back-to-back reigning American League Cy Young winner is currently sidelined with an elbow issue. He is, however, expected to return ahead of schedule.
Without Skubal on the mound, the Tigers have won just five of their last 17 games. As a result, Detroit is currently tied for last in the A.L. Central. According to Axisa, the Tigers would only be open to trading Skubal if they continue this trend. If there is any real chance at a playoff push at the trade deadline, the ace would likely remain with the club.
Adding Tarik Skubal Could Put the Chicago Cubs Over the Top
GettyThe Chicago Cubs will have plenty of competition for Tarik Skubal.
It was previously revealed that Skubal’s injury could have actually helped the Tigers retain the superstar. The chances of the ace accepting a short-term deal with Detroit become “much higher” following his recent surgery. Nevertheless, this could all change if Skubal returns in June and regains his Cy Young form throughout the summer. If so, teams may not be scared to offer the ace a long-term deal in the winter.
Assuming the Tigers do put Skubal on the trade block, the Chicago Cubs would love to at least talk to Detroit. Although Chicago is atop its division, reinforcements are needed. Cubs starters have combined to post an underwhelming 4.34 ERA during the current campaign. This figure ranks 19th in the entire league. Shota Imanaga is the only healthy regular starter on the roster with an ERA under four.
Chicago has the Pieces to Make a Significant trade
The Chicago Cubs would certainly have plenty of competition in the Skubal sweepstakes. As Axisa pointed out, just about every contender would be interested in acquiring the superstar this summer. Chicago, however, does have some attractive pieces to trade. Matt Shaw has been linked with a potential move out of town and would register plenty of trade interest.
Unlike other contenders, Chicago also has several quality prospects to dangle. MLB.com recently ranked the Cubs’ farm system higher than top teams such as the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves. Which highly rated prospects are involved in a deal with Detroit may come down to whether or not Skubal would re-sign with his new team. The Cubs could look to part with top prospects for a legitimate chance to win the World Series.
Cubs Target Cy Young-Winning Pitcher to Bolster Rotation