Cubs Pursue Starting Pitcher Amid Trade Deadline Bullpen Market Heating

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Cubs are intensely focused on bolstering their pitching staff, particularly seeking a dependable starting pitcher and a reliable late-inning reliever. Despite recent success moving to one game out of first place in the NL Central, the Cubs face challenges in the bullpen market after losing out on relief pitcher Seranthony Dominguez to the Toronto Blue Jays. Rumors persist around the Cubs' pursuit of Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates, with outfield prospect Owen Caissie potentially involved, though the Cubs appear to prioritize higher-tier starters like MacKenzie Gore and Joe Ryan. The Milwaukee Brewers, leading the NL Central, are also active buyers with a surplus of starters, including Nestor Cortes, who may return to the New York Yankees in a trade. Speculative and fan-proposed trades, including some involving Keller, have been deemed unrealistic, indicating the Cubs' management is carefully weighing long-term sustainability against immediate World Series aspirations. Overall, the trade deadline could significantly reshape the NL Central race, with the Cubs balancing present competitiveness with future team building.