The Chicago Cubs are suddenly in need of a starting pitcher. Justin Steele will miss the rest of the season after undergoing elbow surgery. The Cubs could target a Minnesota Twins starter.
The Twins are 7-15, and Pablo López could become a sought-after player as a result. He is dealing with a hamstring injury right now, but should be back soon. He could fill the void left by Steele in the Cubs' rotation. AthlonSports' Jon Conahan noted that he could be an ideal target for the Cubs.
"The Cubs already have a left-handed ace in Shota Imanaga, and could use a right-hander at the top of the rotation," wrote Conahan. "Bring in somebody like Pablo Lopez, and the Cubs could be working with something. The 29-year-old right-hander has been lights out to start the season, too, posting a 1.62 ERA in 16.2 innings."
López signed a four-year, $73 million deal in 2024. However, with the Twins struggling, they could look to flip him for some young prospects. The Cubs are currently leading the National League Central, but the Milwaukee Brewers are hot on their trail.
López is the type of player who could keep the Cubs rotation strong without Steele. He was an All-Star in 2023 and finished seventh in Cy Young Award voting that season. He had made 32 starts in three straight seasons before this year, so he should be a reliable arm once he returns from his uncharacteristic injury.
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López is under contract through 2027. The Cubs could dip into their deep farm system to convince the Twins to trade him.
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