The Chicago Cubs lost right-hander Cade Horton for the year after he required elbow surgery.
Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Jordan Wicks are on the injured list as well. For the Cubs to contend in the National League, they need an insurance arm.
According to a report from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Chicago is one of two clubs showing interest in a starter who’s still available on the free agent market.
“Lucas Giolito, a 2012 first-round Draft pick and an All-Star in 2019, is drawing interest from both the Cubs and Padres, per sources, though it’s unclear whether either club is prepared to make a move at this point,” Feinsand wrote Tuesday.
Giolito, 31, made 26 starts last season with the Boston Red Sox, posting a 3.41 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 145 innings. He made his Major League debut in 2016 with the Washington Nationals and spent seven years as a frontline starter with the Chicago White Sox from 2017-23.
After signing a two-year, $38.5 million deal with the Red Sox, he may have been searching for a similar figure when he hit the market again.
The Cubs have options, but they’re being cautious about pulling the trigger.
“There’s still guys available, so you certainly have those conversations,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told Feinsand.
“But I do feel like we went into the season with some depth in the rotation. That was a goal. And some of those guys have pitched really well. So, I think you always have to look at external things. … We never stop that, but it’s also not something that is top of mind. But, certainly, we’re constantly looking for upgrades. I think you have to do that.”
What makes this interesting is the Cubs’ injury situation. With multiple starters sidelined, Giolito represents proven experience who could slot in immediately. The question is whether they’re willing to make the financial commitment for what might be a short-term fix.
The San Diego Padres being in the mix adds another layer. Both teams are looking at rotation depth, but from different perspectives – the Cubs need injury insurance while the Padres might be looking for playoff push help.
