Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Chicago Cubs trade for before the deadline?
The Chicago Cubs traded for starting pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays. Gausman is under contract through the 2026 season, making him a free agent after that.
Who will get bumped from the Cubs rotation when Kevin Gausman joins?
Once Gausman joins the rotation, it's likely that Colin Rea or Javier Assad will move to the bullpen. Edward Cabrera is also expected to return from rehab by mid-August.
Are the Chicago Cubs still looking to add another starting pitcher at the trade deadline?
Yes, the Cubs are not done adding to their rotation despite landing Gausman. They came into the final hours of the deadline hoping to acquire multiple arms and don't believe their work is finished.
Which starting pitcher are the Cubs most interested in among their controllable targets?
Between Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels, the Cubs are reportedly far more intrigued by Detmers, a left-handed pitcher with big strikeout numbers and strong metrics in 2026. The Mariners' Emerson Hancock and George Kirby are considered less realistic options.
Who is Clay Holmes and why are the Cubs interested in him?
Clay Holmes is a 33-year-old right-handed starter from the New York Mets who posted a 2.39 ERA in 2026 before missing two months with a fractured right fibula caused by a line drive. He is an elite ground ball pitcher who would fit well with the Cubs' defense.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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