The Chicago Cubs could look to make a splash to bolster their bullpen.
Chicago has dealt with plenty of pitching injuries, but despite that, the Cubs remain one of the best teams in the MLB. However, if the Cubs are going to be a true World Series contender, Chicago needs to solidify its bullpen.
Although the trade deadline is months away, MLB analyst Wynston Wilcox of FanSided urges the Cubs to acquire Jhoan Duran from the Philadelphia Phillies.
“I don’t think any team in MLB has a bullpen more beat up than the Chicago Cubs,” Wilcox wrote. “They have nine pitchers on the injured list yet, they’ve found a way to stay afloat. Now obviously getting healthy will be the most important thing for them. But in the interim, Duran can help patch their bullpen together.
“Despite being banged up, the Cubs’ bullpen hasn’t been horrible this year. Caleb Thielbar, Ben Brown and Hoby Milner have all been solid this year. Adding Duran would make the NL Central division leaders even more dangerous.”
Duran is earning $7.5 million this season and has one more year of control before being a free agent after the 2027 MLB season. So, the price to acquire him likely would be high, but he would solidify the Cubs’ bullpen and potentially slide into the closer’s role.
Duran is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA with 5 saves this season. Last season, between the Phillies and Minnesota Twins, he went 7-6 with a 2.06 ERA and went 32-for-37 in save opportunities.
Duran Could be Trade Candidate
Although the Phillies have started to play better, Philadelphia could still look to make some trades and get assets back.
The Phillies acquired Duran at the trade deadline, and now Philadelphia could flip him again. Wilcox believes trading Duran makes a lot of sense, as the Phillies would be able to get a ton for him, as the acquiring team would have him for two playoff runs.
“The Phillies should consider trading Duran for one simple reason,” Wilcox added. “They can get a good return and deal a player that would be in high demand. This is the season from hell for Philly and trading Duran might be the only good thing that could come from the 2026 season so far.
“Because he’s been playing at such a good level, it would be wise for Philly to capitalize on that rather than retain him. If they do turn things around, Duran would probably be better off with a new team.”
The Phillies are 17-21.
Cubs Dealing With Pitching Injuries
Chicago has been handed plenty of pitching injuries, which is a concern.
Matthew Boyd is out for multiple weeks after suffering a left meniscus injury while on the ground with his kids. Along with Boyd, left-hander Justin Steele had a setback from his elbow surgery and is not a potential option until the second half. Cade Horton, meanwhile, underwent season-ending surgery. Jordan Wicks, meanwhile, is on the IL due to a left forearm issue and has struggled in his rehab outing.
Ultimately, the Cubs are still getting by despite all the injuries, and Chicago acquired Tyler Ferguson from the Athletics on Thursday.
Chicago is 26-12 and atop the NL Central.
Cubs Urged to Acquire $7.5M Star Closer Amid Pitching Injuries