Let's Find an Optionable Starting Pitcher
Even after signing Kyle Wright to a minor league deal, it feels like the Cubs are still looking for more starting pitching. This can either come in the form of free agents with guaranteed MLB deals, or they could turn to the trade market to find a starting pitcher that may be destined for another team's AAA affiliate. The free agents like Zac Gallen have gotten plenty of attention, but it's hard to think of trade options due to the sheer number of pitchers.
I started by looking at FanGraphs' RosterResource depth charts for each team. This is a large range of names, some exciting and likely unattainable, but none (except for one) are currently in their team's top five starting pitchers according to the depth charts.
To narrow down candidates further, I focused on pitchers who throw a four-seam fastball which cuts more than the average fastball, a trait the Cubs have sought out in the past (if it rises compared to average, even better). Additionally, pitchers earn bonus points for throwing a wide arsenal, something many good pitching development organizations are looking for, and something the Cubs' new VP of Pitching Tyler Zombro has said is valuable.
Before we get to the list, a reminder: it is unlikely that any of these pitchers will be traded to the Cubs. Teams like to hold on to their cost-controlled, optionable pitchers, and the Cubs don't have the deepest farm system. It's still a fun exercise to see which pitchers around the league have traits the Cubs might like and acquire, either now or three seasons from now.
Tigers
Troy Melton
Why would the Cubs want him?
Six pitches and some prospect pedigree with great results last year.
Why would the Tigers trade him?
For a very good return, but this may be the guy on the list least likely to be available. He graduated as a top 100 prospect and would require something similar in return.
Keider Montero
Why would the Cubs want him?
Fastball with cut and four other pitches, has MLB swing-man and playoff experience.
Why would the Tigers trade him?
They keep signing starters, so it doesn't seem like they trust him. He only has one option left, and has been around replacement level in the majors.
Sawyer Gipson-Long
Why would the Cubs want him?
Five-pitch mix with some AAA and MLB success.
Why would the Tigers trade him?
He lost 2024 to injury and didn't re-establish himself in the majors in 2025.
Marlins
Adam Mazur
Why would the Cubs want him?
Cut-ride fastball with five other pitches and a unique arm slot.
Why would the Marlins trade him?
He was part of a big trade (Tanner Scott), but has been passed by other pitching prospects in the organization.
Bradley Blalock
Why would the Cubs want him?
Cut fastball with four other pitches and some potential development after getting out of Colorado.
Why would the Marlins trade him?
They saw enough to trade for him in January, but he was one of the worst pitchers in baseball last year.
Ryan Gusto
Why would the Cubs want him?
Cut-ride fastball with five other pitches and some MLB success before being traded this season.
Why would the Marlins trade him?
They probably wouldn't after just trading for him in June, but they have a few pitching prospects with more upside. He ended the season with a shoulder injury (which didn't require surgery).
Janson Junk
Why would the Cubs want him?
Cut-ride fastball with four other pitches, and threw 160 innings across AAA and MLB last year with success in both.
Why would the Marlins trade him?
They probably wouldn't, but they could see a chance to maximize value on a guy who may not be in their long-term plans who they got a good season out of. The contact quality data is not good.
Royals
Stephen Kolek
Why would the Cubs want him?
Funky six-pitch mix designed to get ground balls.
Why would the Royals trade him?
They probably wouldn't, having just acquired him (and the next pitcher) for Freddy Fermin, but they desperately need offense, and his underlying numbers weren't great.
Ryan Bergert
Why would the Cubs want him?
5-pitch mix with a lot of ride on his fastball.
Why would the Royals trade him?
They probably wouldn't, having just acquired him (and the previous pitcher) for Freddy Fermin, but they desperately need offense, and his underlying numbers weren't great. He also ended the season with forearm tightness.
Giants
Keaton Winn
Why would the Cubs want him?
Unique splitter-dominant arsenal, some relief success
Why would the Giants trade him?
Limited pitch mix, great MLB numbers only in relief
Carson Seymour
Why would the Cubs want him?
Big righty with a great slider.
Why would the Giants trade him?
A lot of relief risk, and he was rough in 36 MLB innings last year.
The Rest
Mitchell Parker
Why would the Cubs want him?
Lefty with a cut-ride fastball and four pitches, has thrown over 150 innings each of the last two years.
Why would the Nationals trade him?
The current regime didn't bring him in, and he was one of the worst starters in baseball laster year.
David Festa
Why would the Cubs want him?
Heavy cut-ride fastball, what should be a relatively platoon-neutral arsenal
Why would the Twins trade him?
They could look to shake things up and prefer Matthews/Abel. It seems unlikely they'd give him up, though.
Doug Nikhazy (5 pitches)
Why would the Cubs want him?
Throws 5 pitches, drafted while Carter Hawkins was there.
Why would the Guardians trade him?
They have a lot of depth arms, command is enough of an issue that he may not be a starter.
Ryan Feltner
Why would the Cubs want him?
Throws 6 pitches with a lot of cut on his fastball, has only been exposed to previous Rockies pitching development.
Why would the Rockies trade him?
He hurt his back, got lit up in AAA during his rehab assignment, then got shut down with a shoulder injury. They'll probably keep him to see if new coaching or health can bring out more.
Ian Seymour
Why would the Cubs want him?
Lefty with a cut-ride fastball and success in a swing-man role last year.
Why would the Rays trade him?
They probably wouldn't. If they did, it's because they think they can create similar arms in the minors, there's some relief risk, and he doesn't throw especially hard.
If I had to pick favorites when considering talent and likely acquisition cost, I'd single out Mazur, Junk, and Feltner, but I think any would be fun additions who could help the Cubs this season.