The Chicago Cubs sit at 27-15 and remain atop the National League Central, even after dropping three straight games. Although their recent slump has mostly stemmed from offensive struggles — managing just two runs across those three losses — the bigger long-term concern is the starting rotation.
Shota Imanaga has been outstanding, but the Cubs are currently dealing with injuries to three key starters: Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd. As the season progresses, the team will likely need additional pitching depth, which could push them toward the trade market in search of reinforcements.
The Chicago Cubs have been urged to trade Kevin Alcántara for Sonny Gray
One pitcher that is expected to be on the market is current Boston Red Sox right-handed starter Sonny Gray. Formerly of the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, Gray is 3-1 with a 3.54 ERA. Since the Red Sox are under-performing as a team this year, many believe Gray could be on the move at the deadline.
And if made available, The Athletic believes Gray could go to Chicago, but that such a trade may cost them Kevin Alcantara:
“The Red Sox are off to a terrible start and could use a reset. Gray is an obvious candidate to be moved as a pending free agent. But would Boston’s chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, make a challenge trade involving a young starter such as Payton Tolle or Connelly Early?
“This past offseason, the Red Sox were eyeing both Nico Hoerner (who is no longer available) and Matt Shaw. Maybe a top prospect such as Kevin Alcántara would be enticing? The Cubs could improve this year’s club while also building out their rotation for the future.”
Gray has a mutual option for 2027, which means that the Cubs could get him for more than just the rest of the 2026 season.
Alcántara is currently hitting .246/.342/.592 with 13 home runs and 27 RBI in Triple-A Iowa.
