The Chicago Cubs have had a rough go of things to begin the 2026 MLB season on the injury front. Thankfully, that has not resulted in many losses.
After their third straight walk-off win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night, the Cubs now hold a 24-12 record. They have won eight straight games and are looking the part of a potential World Series contender.
Unfortunately, Chicago has suffered yet another serious injury.
Matthew Boyd, the team’s star starting pitcher, will miss time after undergoing surgery on his meniscus. He suffered the injury at home while playing with his kids.
A new update has been revealed about Boyd’s status by Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins, stating that Boyd will miss over a month due to the injury.
“It’s more than a month for sure, and then we’ll kind of figure it out from there,” Hawkins said. “It was not a full repair. It was more of a trimming (of the meniscus).”
Chicago Cubs Could Look for Starting Pitching on Trade Market
Not only has Chicago lost Boyd for a decent amount of time, the team has also seen two other starters dealing with injuries.
Cade Horton began the year as one of the most talented young pitchers in baseball. He has gone down for the year due to an elbow injury. Justin Steele was working his way back from an injury suffered last season, but suffered a setback and will miss more time.
At the end of the day, the Cubs need starting pitching help.
It’s rare to see teams scour the trade market this early in a season. However, that is the reality that Chicago finds itself in.
Cubs, Mets Connected as Potential Trade Partners
With that being said, the Cubs have now been connected to the New York Mets as a potential trade partner. In an interesting suggestion, the two teams could come together on a starting pitcher trade.
Christopher Hennessy of ClutchPoints has urged Chicago to consider Clay Holmes, a starter for the Mets.
“The Cubs have a great infield defense, which makes New York Mets starter Clay Holmes a great fit. Holmes pitches to soft contact, which crushed any opportunity he had to succeed with the New York Yankees,” Hennessy wrote.
“He went to Queens, where the Mets turned him into a starter, and he has been one of their bright spots. If the Mets continue to struggle, Holmes should be on the move.”
So far this season, Holmes has made seven starts for New York. He has compiled a 4-2 record to go along with a 1.69 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, a 2.2 K/BB ratio, and 42.2 innings pitched.
Expect to continue hearing rumors about the Cubs as the season moves forward. Keep an eye on the Mets as a potential trade partner if Hoyer decides to move aggressively for another starting pitcher.
Cubs, Mets Emerge as Potential Trade Partners