Jeff Passan Questions Cubs’ Chances of Landing Tarik Skubal or Joe Ryan
The Chicago Cubs face a critical stretch ahead of the MLB trade deadline as they look to strengthen a pitching staff that has been plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and heavy bullpen usage.
Among the most coveted starters who have been linked to Chicago are Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers and Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins. However, with both clubs firmly in the playoff race, acquiring either ace would likely require a substantial trade package.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Cubs would need to make a significant sacrifice to land one of the two starters, potentially stripping much of their farm system in the process.
Passan believes a deal could become more realistic if Chicago is willing to include young third baseman Matt Shaw in the package. However, he noted that keeping top pitching prospect Josiah Hartshorn off the table would likely force the Cubs to include additional high-end prospects to meet the asking price.
Passan also pointed out that it’s still unclear whether the Tigers and Twins would prefer a smaller package centered around elite prospects or a larger deal featuring multiple promising young players.
Cubs Prepared to Deal From Prospect Pool
While Hartshorn is viewed as a player the Cubs are reluctant to move, Passan suggested the organization appears open to trading several other prospects if it means upgrading the rotation.
Players such as Jaxon Wiggins, Pedro Ramirez, Jefferson Rojas, Kane Kepley, and Owen Ayers could all be available in negotiations as Chicago searches for starting pitching.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Skubal and Ryan, Passan remains confident the Cubs will add at least one starter before the deadline, noting that the pitching market offers several viable options.
With the August 3 trade deadline approaching, Chicago’s front office must now decide whether pursuing a frontline ace is worth the long-term cost of parting with some of the organization’s top young talent.
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