Cubs face starting rotation challenges ahead of trade deadline
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 9:17 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
As the Cubs pursue a World Series title, they are confronted with significant challenges in their starting rotation. With key pitchers like Cade Horton, Justin Steele, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon injured, the Cubs are struggling with performance and depth. Currently ranked second in need for starting pitching, the Cubs may need to make bold moves before the August 3 trade deadline. Possible trade targets include Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and Joe Ryan, as well as other established pitchers. The urgency is compounded as the Cubs sit at 38-36 with a rotation missing several critical players.
- •Cubs ranked second in MLB for need of starting pitching.
- •Injuries to key pitchers hamper Cubs' rotation depth.
- •Cubs at 38-36 as trade deadline approaches on August 3.
- •Potential trade targets include Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta.
- •Cubs seeking an elite starter to enhance postseason chances.
- 9:17 PMYahoo Sports — Cubs dealt harsh reality with starting rotation amid World Series pursuit
"This is not a good outlook for the Cubs this season as the trade deadline nears.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- MLB•Jun 17, 2026, 9:39 PMMLB Pride Night initiatives met with player resistance and Republican criticism
- MLB•Jun 17, 2026, 9:34 PMBraves hope JR Ritchie can pull team out of downturn vs. Giants
- MLB•Jun 17, 2026, 9:27 PMAtlanta Braves selecting contract of 17-year MLB Player before Giants game
- MLB•Jun 17, 2026, 9:15 PMJeremy Peña homers, Lambert allows 2 hits and Astros beat Tigers 4-2
- MLB•Jun 17, 2026, 9:13 PMHistory says a major summer turnaround could be coming for this Rangers slugger
- MLB•Jun 17, 2026, 9:05 PMDisturbing trend: Tigers toppled by bottom of Astros' batting order
