The Chicago Cubs are in the market for starting pitching help following a rash of injuries, with a pair of San Francisco Giants aces potentially at the top of their list in the trade market.
Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic compiled a list of 10 pitchers who could make sense for the Cubs. Chicago is missing Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele right now. Cade Horton is done for the season. Adding to the rotation is likely a priority for the organization.
Giants starters Robbie Ray and Logan Webb topped the list for Mooney and Sharma. Ray is a two-time All-Star. The left-hander won the 2021 AL Cy Young award while with the Toronto Blue Jays. Webb also has two All-Star selections on the ledger. He’s the reigning Gold Glove winner at starting pitcher.
Chicago Cubs Trade Pitch: Robbie Ray, Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants Named Potential Targets
Ray joined the Giants via trade from the Seattle Mariners during the 2024 offseason. San Francisco sent back outfielder Mitch Haniger and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. Ray suffered a flexor strain in the previous season. He required elbow surgery. The lefty didn’t debut with San Francisco until July 2024.
The 2025 campaign saw Ray return to full health. He delivered 32 starts of a 3.65 ERA as a crucial member of the Giants’ rotation. Ray’s strikeout rate slipped to 24.6%, but he kept walks in check and worked deep into games.
The Mariners inked Ray to a massive five-year, $115 million contract in 2021. He could’ve opted out of the deal after his first season in San Francisco. Ray unsurprisingly declined the opt-out option. The elbow injury limited him to seven starts in 2024, which would’ve capped his value on the open market.
Injured Webb Would Be a Difficult Fit
Webb has been the picture of durability since entering the San Francisco rotation on a full-time basis. He’s made at least 32 starts in each of the past four seasons. Unfortunately, Webb is currently on the injured list with a knee injury. The issue knocked him out of his most recent start after just four innings.
It’s unclear how long the knee injury was affecting Webb’s performance. He’s off to a brutal start, posting a 5.06 ERA across eight appearances. Webb is punching out just 20.2% of opponents. His walk rate is up nearly 2% from last season.
Chicago is in the trade market because of its own pitching injuries. Making a play for Webb, who is also injured, might not be feasible.
What Would it Cost to Land Ray?
Mooney and Sharma name outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara as a possible option in a Payton Tolle or Connelly Early trade with the Boston Red Sox. Ray shouldn’t be nearly as expensive.
The 34-year-old Ray is in the final year of the deal he signed with the Mariners. He’s making $25 million this season. An acquiring club would only be on the hook for the rest of that figure and could then let him go in the winter. The Cubs could pry Ray away without much investment, especially as the Giants tumble out of playoff contention.
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