Cubs Near Trade Talks for Marlins Starters Alcantara, Cabrera

The Chicago Cubs are actively seeking starting pitching help ahead of the MLB trade deadline, with the Miami Marlins' Edward Cabrera being a prime but costly target, as Miami demands top prospects Owen Caissie and Jaxon Wiggins, which the Cubs are hesitant to give up. Meanwhile, the Cubs are considering trading closer Ryan Pressly, who has underperformed this season and will be a free agent after the year, to both clear salary and potentially acquire prospects. Another potential target is Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians, who is coming off Tommy John surgery and showing promising rehab performances; his availability could offer a more affordable option for the Cubs. However, the Cubs lost out on veteran starter Seth Lugo, who signed a multi-year extension with the Kansas City Royals, removing himself from trade consideration despite his strong track record. With other pitchers like Erick Fedde also moving off the market, the Cubs face pressure to secure at least one impactful starter to bolster their rotation in a tight NL Central race. The team's front office remains engaged in evaluating options to improve the pitching staff while balancing cost and prospect assets.