In what has been a renaissance season on the North Side, the Chicago Cubs are solidly establishing themselves as contenders and prospective buyers as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31.
The Cubs, who have a 38-22 record and are atop the National League Central, have drawn attention with one of the league’s most impressive offenses, scoring 349 runs, which is the second-highest in MLB. The general staff is aware that bolstering the starting rotation is crucial for a deep postseason run, even though their bats have carried them.
Miami Obvious Sellers, Cubs Look to Jump
The Miami Marlins are one notable possible trade partner, and President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is anticipated to be assertive before the deadline. Miami is likely to consider offers for its more important assets, particularly pitchers, as the team is projected to lose out on postseason contention early in the season. There is growing interest in a more realistic target, 25-year-old left-hander Ryan Weathers, even though a blockbuster transfer for former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara looks improbable.
Poll: Should The Marlins Trade Ryan Weathers? https://t.co/mC8SQban8K pic.twitter.com/I7bL7cKNeq
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 4, 2025
After being selected in the first round by the Padres in 2018, Weathers has quietly grown into a dependable arm for the Marlins. His comeback has been encouraging, even though he started the season on the injured list because of a left flexor injury. He’s pitched 15.2 innings in his first three starts, giving up just two earned runs, and opponents have only mustered a pitiful .185 average against his four-seam fastball, which currently averages a scorching 97.5 mph.
Weathers would be a huge asset to the Cubs’ overworked rotation, according to manager Craig Counsell. There is an immediate need for depth and consistency because star Justin Steele is out for the season, and injuries are preventing Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad from playing. Ben Brown, a promising rookie, would also be able to return to the bullpen with a deal for Weathers, where his power pitching may be better utilized in shorter stints.
Buyers in July, Aspirations for the World Series
Though the Marlins could opt to retain Weathers as a key piece of their rebuild, history suggests they may be willing to trade him for the right package of young talent.
Although the Cubs’ 3.83 team ERA indicates that they are already doing well on the mound, it is obvious that they must preserve and improve that stability if they hope to make an impact in October. Don’t be shocked if the Cubs decide to trade with Miami to improve their pitching staff and establish themselves as legitimate World Series contenders, especially because their offense is blazing and they are within striking distance of a postseason berth.