Cubs Pitching Problem Is So Bad They Might Trade Two Top Prospects for a 35-Year-Old Royal

The Chicago Cubs hold the top Wild Card spot at 56-43. That record hides a real problem. Their rotation is busted. Ben Brown, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera and Cade Horton are all on the injured list. Even if a few of those guys come back, counting on them for a playoff run feels like a gamble.

So the Cubs are shopping. And one name keeps popping up: Michael Wacha of the Kansas City Royals.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic laid out a specific trade idea. He thinks Chicago should send infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw and outfielder Kevin Alcantara to Kansas City for Wacha. That is two of the Cubs’ better prospects for a pitcher who turns 35 this month.

Why Wacha makes sense for Chicago

Wacha made the AL All-Star team this year. He’s under contract through 2027 with a team option for 2028. That’s not a rental. Bowden pointed out that Wacha has posted sub-4.00 ERAs each of the last five seasons. His changeup still works. He gets a unique downward plane on his pitches that plays well in any park.

Through 19 starts this season, Wacha has a 3.77 ERA and a 96/34 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Over 14 MLB seasons, he’s at 3.88 with more than 1,500 strikeouts. He’s not flashy. But he’s consistent, and the Cubs desperately need healthy arms who can go six innings every fifth day.

Bowden admitted the deal is an overpay. “I think this deal is an overpay by the Cubs, but it should be worth it to land a veteran starter like Wacha, especially given that there are so few starting pitchers on the market right now,” he wrote.

That’s the thing. The starting pitching trade market is thin. Every contender wants an arm. Supply is low. Prices are high. If the Cubs want to add someone who can actually help, they’ll have to give up real value.

Shaw is a versatile infielder/outfielder who can hit. Alcantara is a toolsy outfield prospect with power potential. Losing both hurts the farm system. But Chicago’s window to win is now. Holding the top Wild Card spot means you have to act like a contender, not a rebuilding team.

The Cubs have shown they’re serious about making noise this October. Stacking the roster with depth matters. Wacha won’t carry a rotation by himself. But paired with the guys who are currently healthy and maybe one more addition, he’s a stabilizing piece. You can’t win a playoff series relying on bullpen games.

Trading prospects for a 35-year-old always feels risky. But the Cubs are out of easy answers. Their injured list is too long. The clock is ticking. And Wacha might be the best option they can get without emptying the whole farm.