The Cubs are eyeing starting pitching as their primary target heading into the 2025 trade deadline, and there’s good reason for that focus.
Chicago’s sitting pretty at 37-22 thanks to an offense that’s been clicking on all cylinders. They’re tied with the New York Mets for the National League’s best record entering Monday’s games. But when you look at the rotation, that’s where things get interesting.
Shota Imanaga’s return should happen within the next couple weeks, and that’ll go a long way if the lefty picks up where he left off. The real issue? Ever since Justin Steele went down for the year, the Cubs have been at least one arm short of what you’d call a formidable playoff rotation.
One Cubs writer thinks he’s found the solution – and it involves going back to the NPB well.
On Monday, Kyle Morton of Cubs on SI named Baltimore Orioles starter Tomoyuki Sugano as an ideal trade target. The 35-year-old is technically a Major League rookie, but he’s got 12 years of NPB experience under his belt.
“Sugano would fit like a glove with the Cubs, slotting in behind Imanaga upon his return and adding another veteran Japanese star to a group that already includes not just Imanaga, but also outfielder Seiya Suzuki,” Morton wrote.
The numbers tell an interesting story. Sugano owns a 3.23 ERA and 1.06 WHIP this season, but here’s what makes him different – he’s a master of limiting hard contact. The guy’s earned just 35 strikeouts in 64 innings of work but found success anyway.
That strikeout rate is preposterously low by today’s standards, but if it works, it works.
The Financial Picture
What makes this particularly intriguing is Sugano’s on a one-year, $13 million contract. That makes him a rental option, which could keep the trade cost manageable for Chicago.
From where I’m sitting, the Cubs connection to Japanese players makes this more than just speculation. They’ve already got Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki in the clubhouse, so adding another veteran Japanese star wouldn’t be starting from scratch culturally.
All things considered, you can expect Sugano to be on a long list of starters the Cubs inquire about at this year’s deadline. If the price is right, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to bring him into the picture.
The question becomes whether Baltimore’s willing to deal, especially if they’re still in contention come July. But for a Cubs team that’s got the offense to make noise in October, adding a steady veteran arm like Sugano could be exactly what pushes them over the edge.
