Cubs Acquire Pitchers Soroka, Kittredge For Playoff Push

The Chicago Cubs made significant moves to strengthen their pitching staff ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline by acquiring right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals and reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Baltimore Orioles. Soroka, who has a 4.87 ERA this season but better underlying metrics, offers versatility as both a starter and reliever, and the Cubs traded two top prospects, Ronny Cruz and Christian Franklin, to secure him. Soroka's advanced pitching, including a highly effective slurve, and past All-Star credentials make him a valuable depth addition behind the Cubs' front-line starters Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. Kittredge, a 2021 All-Star with a 3.45 ERA this season, further bolsters Chicago's bullpen. These acquisitions come as the Cubs, currently trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by one game in the NL Central, look to contend for the division title and make a postseason push. The moves reflect the Cubs' commitment under president Jed Hoyer to improve the roster while balancing the team's present competitiveness with future prospects.