As Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaches with just 11 days remaining, the Chicago Cubs are actively evaluating top-tier starting pitching and bullpen reinforcements, while teams like the Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals weigh significant roster decisions regarding controllable players and standout rentals, according to reports from The Athletic and ESPN.
Cubs Weigh Pitching Targets as Deadline Nears
Few contenders face a more urgent need for a top-of-the-rotation arm than the Chicago Cubs. However, club leadership must balance that ambition against a reluctance to surrender major assets for short-term rentals.
While the Cubs have been linked to Tarik Skubal, parting with premium prospect capital for a pending free agent runs counter to organizational strategy. According to The Athletic, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is targeting starting pitchers who remain under club control beyond the current season. Alternatively, the team could pursue a rental starter at a lower prospect cost.
Chicago also seeks back-end bullpen help. According to The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney, the Cubs pursued relief pitcher Luke Weaver in free agency over the winter before he secured a two-year, $22 million deal with the Mets.
Angels Open to Trading Controllable Talent
In Anaheim, the front office is signaling a willingness to field offers for controllable assets. According to ESPN, individuals who have spoken with interim general manager John Mozeliak report that he is very open to trading controllable players if the right offers materialize, a group that includes Detmers and Soriano alongside shortstop Neto.
Neto presents an intriguing profile for prospective buyers. Per Baseball-Reference, the 25-year-old ranks fifth in WAR (13.4) among players logging at least 50% of their games at shortstop since the beginning of 2024. He has also hit 19 home runs this season, trailing only CJ Abrams and Colson Montgomery, who have 24 apiece.
While Neto’s defensive range remains a noted drawback, his offensive production and three-plus years of remaining control could net the Angels an impressive haul.
Mets Reliever Clay Holmes Eyes Return via Trade Market
Relief pitcher Clay Holmes took a significant step toward returning from a fractured right fibula sustained on a comebacker in May. Holmes made his first rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Syracuse, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two batters over 2 1/3 innings.
Multiple rival clubs sent scouts to monitor Holmes’ subsequent rehab start on Saturday before rain forced a postponement. Among the interested parties, the White Sox are keeping close tabs on the right-hander.
Although Holmes stated earlier this month that he was definitely open to a contract extension with the Mets, sources familiar with the situation informed The Athletic that a trade is significantly more likely than a new deal.
Nationals Evaluate All-Star Pitcher Foster Griffin
As the Washington Nationals navigate whether to buy, sell, or stand pat ahead of the deadline, pending free agent Foster Griffin has surfaced as an attractive trade candidate for postseason contenders.
Washington’s acquisition of the 30-year-old left-hander on a one-year, $5.5 million deal following stints in Japan has yielded strong dividends. Griffin earned an All-Star nod in the National League and has posted a 2.68 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and a 4.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 117 1/3 innings this season.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with 11 days remaining until the cutoff for deals.
What are the Cubs looking for at the deadline?
According to The Athletic, the Cubs are targeting starting pitchers who remain under club control beyond this season, along with potential bullpen upgrades like Luke Weaver.
Why is Angels shortstop Neto generating trade interest?
Neto offers three-plus years of club control and potent right-handed power, ranking high in WAR among shortstops since 2024 and hitting 19 home runs this season.
What is the status of Mets reliever Clay Holmes?
Holmes is currently on a minor league rehab assignment after suffering a fractured right fibula in May. Sources indicate a trade is more likely than a contract extension with the Mets.
Join the Conversation
Which team do you think will make the biggest splash before the clock runs out? Share your thoughts in the comments below, explore our latest baseball analyses, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily deadline updates.