The Chicago Cubs have had an especially profitable season to this point. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s emergence as a star has led the way in which in Chicago. The Cubs not lead the Nationwide League Central, however Ian Happ and Co. are one pitcher away from critical competition. Fortunately for them, starters like Kansas Metropolis Royals pitcher Seth Lugo can be found on the MLB commerce deadline.
Lugo is one in every of many high-level starters that would play on a brand new group. In keeping with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan, the Royals pitcher is without doubt one of the greatest commerce candidates. Shifting from Kansas Metropolis to Chicago can be a giant transfer for Lugo, however his manufacturing assist loads. Cubs basic supervisor Carter Hawkins might stroll away as a giant winner if he could make a deal occur.
Whether or not it’s Lugo or one other starter, Chicago will likely be one of many extra aggressive groups earlier than the commerce deadline. The Cubs have an opportunity to make the playoffs for the primary time since 2020. The arrival of Kyle Tucker to Chicago raised the group’s expectations for this season. Nonetheless, his pending free company dangle over the Cubs like a darkish cloud. Successful would assist him keep long-term.
Contract negotiations between Chicago, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker are ongoing. To their credit score, the extension talks haven’t distracted both All-Star outfielder from dominating this season. No matter what occurs, Hawkins and the Cubs must take advantage of the 2025 season. Bringing in the fitting participant on the commerce deadline might push them excessive.
Here’s a commerce bundle that the Cubs might supply the Royals for Lugo.
Cubs obtain: SP Seth Lugo
Royals obtain: OF Ian Happ, SP Drew Grey
Why ought to the Cubs commerce for Lugo?
The Cubs have made their justifiable share of blockbuster trades during the last couple of seasons. Chicago has their eyes on gamers like Emmanuel Clase and Eugenio Suarez earlier than the July 31 deadline. Nonetheless, beginning pitching stays their greatest space of want this season. Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have carried out properly, however Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell is in want of depth.
Lugo would function a “get out of jail free” card for Chicago after Justin Steele’s season was lower brief. Regardless of the Royals’ struggles this season, Lugo has been arguably their greatest participant. Cole Ragans has missed begins all through the season, however Kansas Metropolis has leaned on the righty to regular the ship. Sadly for them, they’re nonetheless beneath .500 as July involves an in depth.
Lugo’s 7-5 report doesn’t inform the total story when taking a look at how good he has been. A 1.09 WHIP and a 2.95 ERA has him within the prime 20 in Main League Baseball. Nonetheless, his group’s report held him again from what was a well-deserved All-Star nod in 2025. As a substitute, Lugo continues to go about his enterprise regardless of the fixed commerce rumors.
Whereas the Cubs’ offense has been electrical all through the season, their stability is regarding. When the playoffs roll round, the standard of Counsell’s beginning rotation must be as much as the duty in opposition to groups just like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. As at present constructed, Imanaga and Boyd are the one two pitchers that he can depend on when it issues most.
Including somebody like Lugo would go a good distance in direction of the playoff pitching in Chicago.
Why ought to the Royals commerce for Happ?
When the Royals referred to as up Jac Caglianone, they hoped that the rookie would kickstart their offense. Nonetheless, he and the remainder of Kansas Metropolis’s lineup usually are not on the identical stage as they had been in 2024. Due to that, a lot has been fabricated from what the Royals might do on the deadline. Bringing in offense is their prime precedence, and Happ offers greater than sufficient pop of their outfield.
Happ’s age makes including him a dedication to critical competition over the subsequent two seasons. Nonetheless, gamers throughout the league have confirmed this season that they will produce properly into their 30s. The Royals’ lineup might use a lift within the outfield outdoors of Caglianone, and Happ matches proper in at left or middle discipline. An offensive enhance might be all of the group must get heading in the right direction.
Happ is one in every of many veterans that the Cubs might afford to lose on the deadline. Seiya Suzuki would slid again into left discipline, opening the DH spot for Chicago to pursue one other huge bat on the commerce deadline, like Marcell Ozuna. Happ additionally boosts the morale of no matter group he’s on. The Cubs outfielder has supported his teammates by way of harm and is beloved amongst Chicago followers.
A straight-up swap has grow to be uncommon in MLB. Nonetheless, it’s not out of the query. The Cubs are rumored to be in such talks with the Diamondbacks. Including Lugo would possible price them a minimum of one prospect, however the Royals might worth Happ’s contributions and the necessity that he fills. On the finish of the day, the commerce brings Lugo onto a group that has their sights set on a championship.