The Cubs are exploring options to bolster their rotation after Justin Steele’s season-ending Tommy John surgery, and Walker Buehler has emerged as a potential trade target.
Chicago’s recent slide – three straight losses and a 4-6 record over their last 10 games – has let both the Cardinals and Brewers creep back into the NL Central race. While they’re still on top of the division, losing Steele for 2025 creates an immediate need for rotation depth.
That’s where Buehler comes in.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report identified the Cubs as a logical fit for the Red Sox veteran, noting Chicago’s previous interest during the offseason.
“As for Buehler, we know he was on the Cubs’ radar over the winter. He wouldn’t cost them much in a trade besides money, and they can still spend plenty of dollars before they risk running afoul of the luxury tax.”
The Cubs get Shota Imanaga back from the IL on Thursday for their series finale at Busch Stadium, but that doesn’t solve their long-term rotation concerns.
Buehler’s having a rough season in Boston – he’s 5-5 with a 6.29 ERA through 13 starts. But the 30-year-old’s October track record makes him intriguing despite the struggles.
We’re talking about a guy who threw a gem in Game 3 of last year’s World Series and closed out the Yankees in Game 5 to clinch it for the Dodgers. When he’s healthy, Buehler can still pitch like one of the better starters in baseball.
Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to rediscover that form. The Cubs have the payroll flexibility to take on his contract, and they’ve already shown interest in his services.
All things considered, it seems like a fairly realistic match if Boston decides to move him.
