MLB Insider Jon Heyman Believes Cubs Will Have to Overpay for Starting Pitcher

MLB Insider Jon Heyman Believes Cubs Will Have to Overpay for Starting Pitcher originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

It's no secret the Chicago Cubs will be one of many teams in the market for a starting pitcher throughout this month, as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 31. However, the Cubs may be the team with the largest need.

However, as supply and demand works, with the number of teams that need starting pitching and the quality and quantity of arms available, the Cubs may have to overpay to get the pitching addition they want.

MLB Insider Jon Heyman joined the Mully & Haugh Show on 670 The Score Monday morning to discuss the Cubs' competition for starting pitching this trade season.

Co-host of the Mully & Haugh Show, Mike Mulligan, first asked Heyman how the New York Mets being in on a top-of-the-line pitcher like Mitch Keller would affect the Cubs with New York's deep pockets.

But, Heyman doesn't think money will be the main factor. It's the prospects from each team that will get a deal done.

"This isn't going to be the kind of money that say a (Kyle) Tucker extension is, you know. This is about giving up prospects, and I do think (Mets' general manager) David Sterns - as great a GM as he is - he has been shown to be fairly cautious about giving up prospects in the past," Heyman said. "I do think (Cubs' general manager) Jed Hoyer has done a terrific job. He is in the last year of his contract, he does want to win. I wouldn't give the Mets the edge in any kind of pursuit there.

"Both teams have good prospects. Maybe the Cubs are ranked slightly higher than the Mets' prospects, but both teams have good prospects."

“Mitch Keller may end up being the best starter out there. You’re going to have to overpay to get him.” -@JonHeyman

Many teams may be going after Keller this deadline.

They will have to overpay big time to get him because of a potential bidding war and limited SP available.

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) July 7, 2025

Heyman's main point is that there are simply not a lot of top-level arms available.

The team, or teams, that end up with the best-starting pitchers available will likely have to overpay because of the limited supply, yet high demand.

"The problem really is, the number of good starting pitchers who are going to be available is very, very limited, and the teams that need starting pitching is very, very high," Heyman said. "The Yankees certainly with Clark Schmidt, presumably being out for the year now - they need to get a starting pitcher. I think that almost every contending team is going to need to go for a starting pitcher.

"Maybe not the Phillies - they have pretty good starting pitching depth - and they're hoping Nola is back. I think the competition is keen and you're going to have to overpay to get a Mitch Keller. He may end up being the best starter out there."

Heyman also threw out Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta as a potential top trade candidate, but believes he won't be on the move - especially not to the Cubs.

Peralta has a one-year, $8 million option with the Brewers for 2026, and Milwaukee is just four games back in their division and in the middle of the wild card race.

The other two names Heyman mentioned were Kansas City Royals' pitcher Seth Lugo and Chicago White Sox's pitcher Adrian Houser. Both pitchers have had strong seasons with a 2.65 ERA for Lugo and a 1.60 ERA for Houser.

Heyman seemed less confident in the Royals selling Lugo at the deadline but thinks Houser could be a trade asset for the White Sox, who currently hold the worst record in the American League.

"Seth Lugo, I think is a possibility. He's got an opt-out, underperformed in Kansas City, although I think they're reluctant to sell, they're fairly committed," Heyman said. "So, Keller might be the best guy out there. I actually think Houser should bring a pretty good price for the White Sox. He's been terrific."

Regardless of who the Cubs and the rest of the contenders go after in the starting pitching market, it looks like the price will be high. But, if the return is enough to win a World Series then the price could be just right.

Related: Cubs Predicted to Pair Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong With 68 Home Run Youngster

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.