Cubs Reportedly Discussing Trade With Royals to Bolster Rotation

Cubs Reportedly Discussing Trade With Royals to Bolster Rotation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Cubs are no longer sitting comfortably atop the National League Central. After Chicago held the lead since April 4, an 11-game winning streak by the Milwaukee Brewers has placed the two teams in a tie for first place.

One key factor in the Cubs losing first place is the team’s lack of viable starting pitching. Ace Shota Imanaga continues to prove he is worthy of headlining a playoff rotation, and Matthew Boyd is enjoying the second year of a career renaissance. Outside of them, the Cubs do not have much to offer.

Jameson Taillon was pitching well to begin the season, but his recent performance has taken a nosedive, and he is now on the injured list for an unknown length of time. Veteran Collin Rea has been more bad than good, and Chicago has yet to find a consistent fifth starter, leaving the club scouring the trade market for answers.

According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, Chicago may have its sights set on the Kansas City Royals for its rotational needs.

“The Cubs have checked in with the Royals ahead of the trade deadline, sources say,” Morosi reported. “This is not a surprise. The Cubs need pitching; KC is more likely to move Seth Lugo … than All-Star LHP Kris Bubic.”

Lugo, 35, is in the midst of another strong season, posting a 6-5 record with a 2.94 ERA and 1.09 WHIP across 18 starts. The veteran right-hander is coming off a 2024 season in which he was an All-Star and finished second in the Cy Young Award voting. He has a $15 million player option for 2026 — though he's expected to opt out this winter.

Acquiring Lugo would give Chicago a much-needed frontline starter and a playoff-caliber trio alongside Boyd and Imanaga. With the Brewers surging and the pressure mounting, the Cubs may have no choice but to strike a deal.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.