The Chicago Cubs are expected to be among the most aggressive buyers before the MLB trade deadline, but some of their most attractive potential additions may ultimately remain out of reach because they play for the franchise’s biggest rivals.
Despite overcoming an injury-plagued first half, Chicago enters the second half of the 2026 season firmly in the National League playoff picture. The Cubs finished the opening half of the campaign 12 games above .500 while holding the top National League Wild Card position, an impressive accomplishment considering the constant turnover within their pitching staff.
The road ahead, however, remains challenging. Chicago has experienced one of baseball’s most unpredictable seasons, producing multiple 10-game winning streaks while also enduring a 10-game losing streak, highlighting both the club’s potential and inconsistency.
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer now faces mounting pressure to strengthen the roster before the deadline. After taking a conservative approach at last year’s trade deadline, many believe the Cubs must pursue impact additions particularly on the pitching side to maximize their postseason chances.
The complication is that several of the pitchers who would fit Chicago’s biggest needs currently play for division rivals or long-time rivals who are unlikely to help the Cubs strengthen their playoff push.
Andrew Abbott Would Be an Ideal Rotation Addition
One of the most intriguing names connected to the trade market is Cincinnati Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott.
Although Cincinnati has struggled to remain competitive this season, Abbott is not an obvious trade candidate because he remains under team control and is not yet eligible for arbitration until next year.
Still, several MLB insiders believe the Reds could explore moving the talented southpaw if they receive a substantial return.
Abbott would immediately address one of Chicago’s biggest needs. The 27-year-old earned All-Star honors last season and continues to possess the upside of a frontline starter despite experiencing a somewhat less dominant 2026 campaign.
For a Cubs rotation that has battled injuries throughout the year and could undergo significant changes after the season, Abbott would represent both an immediate contributor and a valuable long-term piece.
Unfortunately for Chicago, convincing Cincinnati to trade one of its most talented young starters to a direct National League Central rival would likely require an overwhelming offer that the Cubs may be unwilling to make.
Trevor Megill Reunion Appears Virtually Impossible
If there is one player who perfectly fits the Cubs’ bullpen needs, it may be Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Megill.
The hard-throwing right-hander has developed into one of baseball’s most dependable late-inning relievers, entering the second half with an outstanding 1.46 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) while anchoring Milwaukee’s bullpen.
Megill also has several connections to Chicago.
He made his Major League debut with the Cubs in 2021 and previously worked under current Cubs manager Craig Counsell during their time together in Milwaukee.
Those relationships make the pairing appear logical on paper, especially considering Chicago’s urgent need for another high-leverage bullpen arm.
However, the reality is far different.
The Brewers continue to battle the Cubs for supremacy in the National League Central, making it almost unimaginable that Milwaukee would strengthen one of its biggest rivals by trading away one of its most valuable relievers.
Even if the Brewers were willing to listen to offers, dealing Megill within the division would almost certainly be viewed as unacceptable unless Chicago presented an extraordinary package.
Sean Newcomb Could Be Slightly More Realistic
Among the rival pitchers linked to the Cubs, Sean Newcomb of the Chicago White Sox may represent the only option with even a remote possibility of becoming available.
The veteran left-hander signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract before the season and has enjoyed an impressive campaign, posting a 2.52 ERA and 2.69 FIP across more than 53 innings.
Newcomb has quietly become one of the league’s more effective pitchers by limiting hard contact, generating ground balls, and consistently avoiding damaging barrels.
His strong performance follows an encouraging 2025 season split between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics, suggesting his recent success is far from a fluke.
The White Sox could theoretically consider moving players on expiring contracts to strengthen their long-term future.
However, that possibility has become increasingly unlikely because Chicago has emerged as one of baseball’s biggest surprises, entering the second half tied for first place in the American League Central.
As long as the White Sox remain legitimate playoff contenders, there is little incentive to trade away productive veterans especially to their cross-town rivals.
Cubs Must Look Beyond Their Biggest Rivals
While Abbott, Megill, and Newcomb each address areas of need for Chicago, completing any of those deals appears highly improbable given the competitive relationships between the organizations involved.
With the Cubs determined to strengthen both their starting rotation and bullpen before the deadline, Hoyer will likely need to search outside the division and beyond traditional rivals to acquire the impact pitching necessary for a deep postseason run.
As the trade deadline draws closer, Chicago’s front office faces one of its most important stretches in recent years, knowing that the moves made over the next few weeks could ultimately determine whether the Cubs simply reach October or emerge as a legitimate World Series contender.
Leave a Reply