The Chicago Cubs need pitching help. Despite a solid 13-9 start, Chicago has high aspirations this season, and the rotation has already received a serious blow with Cade Horton being sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Could the Cubbies be thinking about making a mid-season blockbuster trade to write all the rotation wrongs? A recent trade pitch by SI.com’s Ryan Shea proposes that the Cubs make an ‘under-the-radar’ trade for Washington Nationals‘ starter Zack Littell. Chicago would have to offload Jefferson Rojas and Brandon Birdsell to complete a deal, according to Shea. Littell signed with the Nationals just before the season on a one-year, $7 million deal with a mutual option.
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Does this Trade Idea Make Sense?
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 17: Zack Littell #18 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Would the Cubs be okay with letting go of two young players for a veteran, but sometimes shaky starter, in Zack Littell?
Per ESPN.com’s David Shoenfield, the Cubs’ biggest need is pitching help, and their top ‘trade candidate’ is Jefferson Rojas:
“Rojas is one of the Cubs’ top prospects, a shortstop in Double-A with a nice swing and enough glove to stick at the position. With Dansby Swanson signed through 2029, Nico Hoerner recently extended with a six-year deal and Alex Bregman signed through 2030, Rojas’ path to playing time in the infield is blocked. Meanwhile, with Cade Horton out for the season and some concerns about the bullpen depth, dealing Rojas could help get a quality pitcher for the stretch run.”
Conversely to that, Shoenfield names Zack Littell at the Nationals’ top trade candidate, and identifies their biggest need as young prospects. So, surely both sides would agree to this deal, per Shoenfield’s and ESPN’s metrics.
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Who Says ‘No’ In Hypothetical Trade Idea?
GettyJefferson Rojas led the Cubs in total bases (28) during spring training.
Well, according to Shoenfield, given both the Cubs and Nationals needs, neither side should say no.
However, Chicago declining this deal seems a bit more likely.
Over 19 innings this season, Littell has an ERA of 7.11. In 10 starts with the Cincinnati Reds last season, Littell struggled a bit as well. The big issue for Littell is giving up home runs. He’s surrendered seven long balls this season, which is the most in MLB.
Given the way the wind tends to carry baseballs in Wrigley Field, that number might only get worse.
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Cubs-Nationals Trade Pitch Offloads Jefferson Rojas, Brandon Birdsell for $7 Million Starter