The Chicago Cubs are positioning themselves as buyers rather than sellers as the trade deadline approaches. With a 25-20 record, they trail the Milwaukee Brewers by just one game in the National League Central. The Cubs’ rotation, featuring Shōta Imanaga and Justin Steele, has been a strong point this season. However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs are on a shortlist of teams that Justin Verlander might approve a trade to.
“Confidants suggest Verlander might be amenable to Detroit. The Dodgers, Orioles (he’s from Virginia), and Cubs are thought to be three more teams Verlander might approve,” wrote Heyman.
Verlander, now in his 19th season, could be on the move if the Houston Astros, who are known for their resilience, don’t see improvement soon.
Cubs Rotation
The Cubs signed Shōta Imanaga from Japan to a four-year, $53 million deal in free agency. The 30-year-old has been impressive, posting a 5-0 record with a 0.96 ERA in eight starts and striking out 51 batters over 46 2/3 innings.
Justin Steele, named the Cubs’ opening-day starter, unfortunately left the game with a “Grade 1 strain” in his left hamstring, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian. Although Steele returned on May 6 and initially pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings, he has since struggled, allowing 11 earned runs in his next two starts.
Despite having the third-worst bullpen ERA, the Cubs hold the No. 12 team ERA. Javier Assad and Jameson Taillon stepped up in Steele’s absence, with Assad recording a 1.49 ERA in nine starts and Taillon posting a 1.61 ERA in five starts.
Acquiring Justin Verlander would greatly strengthen the Cubs’ rotation and allow them to move the struggling Kyle Hendricks, who has a 10.04 ERA this season and was placed on the injured list after his first five starts, to the bullpen.
Verlander Could Bolster the Cubs’ Rotation
Verlander started the season on the injured list due to a shoulder injury that interrupted his offseason throwing program.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 American League MVP could add valuable experience to the young Cubs rotation. Verlander has a 3.38 ERA in five starts, although one outing against the New York Yankees, where he allowed seven earned runs, has slightly inflated his ERA. He has delivered quality starts in three of his five appearances.
Jon Heyman mentioned the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers as other teams Verlander might consider waiving his no-trade clause for. While the Astros haven’t shown an intention to sell at the deadline, Heyman noted that Verlander would be “a prime candidate for trade” if they do.
Verlander signed a two-year, $86 million contract with the New York Mets in 2023 before being traded back to the Astros mid-season. His contract includes a $35 million option for 2025, which vests if he pitches 140 innings this season.
As a nine-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Verlander could be a significant addition to any team aiming for a deep postseason run.
