With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the clock is ticking for the Chicago Cubs to improve their starting rotation. While Shota Imanaga and veteran Matthew Boyd deserve praise for their excellent seasons, Chicago cannot expect to contend for a playoff spot, let alone a World Series, with the inconsistencies plaguing their pitching staff. The Cubs have watched their lead in the NL Central vanish, overtaken by the Milwaukee Brewers, and now find themselves playing catch-up.
Cubs Trade Proposal Lands Pirates' Mitch Keller in Exchange for Top Prospect originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, the clock is ticking for the Chicago Cubs to improve their starting rotation. While Shota Imanaga and veteran Matthew Boyd deserve praise for their excellent seasons, Chicago cannot expect to contend for a playoff spot, let alone a World Series, with the inconsistencies plaguing their pitching staff.
The Cubs have watched their lead in the NL Central vanish, overtaken by the Milwaukee Brewers, and now find themselves playing catch-up. One name consistently linked to Chicago is Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller.
Former MLB GM and current MLB insider for The Athletic, Jim Bowden, proposed a potential deal that would send Keller to Chicago in exchange for outfielder Owen Caissie (Cubs’ No. 1 prospect) and infielder Cristian Hernandez (No. 11).
Keller has been one of the few bright spots on a last-place Pirates team. In 125 innings, the former All-Star has a 3.53 ERA, strikeouts, and a 1.16 WHIP over 21 starts. He is also under contract through 2028, making him an excellent long-term solution to fix the Cubs' rotational needs.
Despite the 29-year-old’s success, parting ways with top prospect Owen Caissie is a steep asking price. However, Bowden does his best to justify the second half of his proposal.
"The Pirates need to add offense, especially power, to their lineup," wrote Bowden. "They rank last in the majors in runs scored and home runs. Caissie, whom major-league executives identified in our early July survey as the most-likely prospect to be traded at the deadline, appears to be major-league-ready. The 23-year-old has slashed .278/.379/.569 this season in Triple A with 23 doubles and 20 home runs, and he could go right into the Pirates’ lineup."
Trading Caissie is something the Cubs may not want to do, but if caught in a bidding war, it might be their only option to improve their rotation.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
