Cubs linked to 4.05 ERA Angels starter as good trade deadline fit

Cubs linked to 4.05 ERA Angels starter as good trade deadline fit originally appeared on The Sporting News .

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As the Chicago Cubs approach the August 3 MLB trade deadline, they're expected to seriously pursue adding pitching help to the roster.

Bullpen upgrades are needed with Daniel Palencia's injury, but the starting rotation is in dire need of some help. But, said rotation help would ideally not be for just the 2026 MLB season, and instead, beyond that.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers named one starter who'd be a good fit for the Cubs, zeroing in on Los Angeles left-handed starter Reid Detmers as a trade deadline fit for the Cubs thanks to his club control and high-upside.

Cubs linked to Reid Detmers as good fit due to control

"The Cubs also have some expiring contracts on the mound, so trading for a controllable pitcher works for their future as well as their present," Rogers writes. "Los Angeles starter Reid Detmers would fit that need."

Looking over the Cubs' rotation, it's clear why a controllable starter, and not someone like Freddy Peralta, Tarik Skubal, Kevin Gausman, or Robbie Ray, would make the most sense.

Shota Imanaga can hit the open market after 2026. Jameson Taillon is a free agent due to his $68 million contract ending after this year. Matthew Boyd has a mutual option that has a high chance of being declined by one party.

Edward Cabrera is under control through 2028, while Ben Brown and Javier Assad are also under control beyond the 2026 season.

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Adding a controllable starter would be a great move, and Detmers might be on the best controllable starting pitchers available for trade this summer.

He is 27 years old and under control through the 2028 season. He has a 4.05 ERA this year with 1.7 bWAR, and 136 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched. His 102 ERA+ is a hair above average, but his 3.28 FIP indicates he could be a lot better with better defense.

Fortunately, the Cubs' defense is one of, if not the best in MLB. Adding Detmers to this rotation would give the Cubs a starter for the next 2.5 seasons who'd be a perfect fit with the elite Cubs defense behind him.

Detmers would be an incredible pickup for the Cubs this season if they could pull it off. While it'd cost a lot to pry him from the Angels, there might not be many other pitchers who are as good a fit in Chicago as the 4.05 ERA Angels lefty this summer.

More MLB news:

Yankees are ‘ leading candidate ’ to trade for Twins ’ Ryan Jeffers

Red Sox ‘ would love ’ to trade for Angels ’ Zach Neto or Astros ’ Jeremy Pena

Giants willing to trade Heliot Ramos in big news for many MLB clubs

Padres likely not to trade Mason Miller amid latest update

Mets ‘ desperate ’ to trade Luis Robert Jr. after trade failure

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →