Chicago Cubs Reportedly Pursue Pitchers MacKenzie Gore, Emmanuel Clase

The Chicago Cubs are actively pursuing significant upgrades to their pitching staff ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, focusing on acquiring top-tier arms to bolster both their rotation and bullpen. They have shown strong interest in starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, a rising ace with a 3.52 ERA and All-Star recognition, whose acquisition would require trading high-value prospects but could transform the Cubs' playoff prospects. Additionally, the Cubs are among the teams most actively monitoring elite closer Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians, whose strong save record and favorable contract make him a strategic target despite the Guardians' reluctance to trade him given their playoff contention. While Clase's recent performance shows some decline in groundball rate, his overall effectiveness and affordable contract options through 2027 make him a coveted asset, though securing him would likely demand a substantial trade package. The Cubs' willingness to pursue these high-impact pitchers reflects an 'all or nothing' approach aimed at immediate postseason success, even at the potential cost of future assets. However, the feasibility of these deals depends on negotiations with Nationals and Guardians, both of whom have reasons to retain their key pitchers during this competitive season.