(670 The Score) The Cubs rotation suffered a big blow when the team announced Sunday that left-hander Justin Steele will undergo season-ending surgery on his left elbow after experiencing tendinitis in it recently.
For now, veteran right-hander Colin Rea has replaced Steele in the rotation, but the Cubs could use another frontline starter if they’re to contend at the level they want to in October. With that in mind, Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network joined the Mully & Haugh Show on Monday morning and shared a handful of starting pitchers who could be options for the Cubs on the trade market later this summer.
Marlins right-hander 2022 National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara headlined Heyman’s list. He missed the entire 2024 season after having Tommy John surgery but has returned in fine form, as he was hitting 100 miles per hour with his fastball in spring training. Alcantara is 2-0 with a 4.70 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in three starts this season.
Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez, Astros left-hander Framber Valdez and Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo are three other quality starters who could end up on the trade market depending on how their teams' seasons go, Heyman said. Listen to his full interview in the audio player above.