The Chicago Cubs came into the 2025 MLB season with hopes to contend for a World Series. After a strong start to the year, headlined by elite production from newly acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker, we saw the team get bad news this weekend.
Frontline starter Justin Steele is going to miss the rest of the season with an elbow injury. That leaves a glaring hole in the rotation, which is suddenly thin behind Shota Imanaga. While Matthew Boyd is performing well, Ben Brown has upside, and Jameson Taillon is a dependable innings-eater, it’s clear that this team needs another arm.
The injury to Steele has led MLB analysts to speculate that Chicago will pursue Miami Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara, who could be on the move at the trade deadline.
Will the Chicago Cubs Trade for Sandy Alcantara?
MLB insider Bob Nightengale speculated that the Cubs could target Alcantara. This makes a lot of sense because not only is Steele out for the season, but the Cubs have shown that they’re willing to be aggressive right now.
After all, this is a team that traded for Tucker. It makes sense for them to show him that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to win now, especially since he’s a free agent at the end of the season.
Alcantara has unexpectedly gotten off to a slow start this season since he’s returning from Tommy John surgery. But by the time the MLB trade deadline rolls around, Alcantara could be back to showing the form that helped earn him the 2022 Cy Young Award.
Predicting the NL Central Division Standings
The good news for the Cubs is that they play in the NL Central, which is one of the weakest divisions in MLB. Chicago currently sits in first place in the division with a record of 11-7 heading into play on April 14. They hold a two-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
Looking at the different rosters should give the Cubs hope for sustained excellence. The Reds (8-8) have a weak bullpen and lack depth in the starting rotation. The Brewers (8-8), meanwhile, are riddled with significant injuries to their pitching staff. And behind them, the St. Louis Cardinals (7-8) are now in rebuilding mode while the Pittsburgh Pirates (5-11) continue to have a punch-less offense.
With that in mind, there’s a good chance that the Cubs can hold onto first place — at least until the trade deadline — when they can make a splash for some pitching help. Even if it’s not Alcantara, there should be other options available, such as Sonny Gray of the rival Cardinals.
Don’t fret, Cubs fans — your team is still in good shape.