The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for an active trade deadline, primarily targeting starting pitching to bolster their rotation. Following the loss of their ace, Justin Steele, early in the season and ongoing struggles from their pitching staff, the Cubs are considering several high-profile pitchers, including Sandy Alcantara and Chris Sale. However, financial constraints may lead them to explore less expensive options like Spencer Turnbull, who has recently become a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays.

While Turnbull's recent performance has been concerning, with declining fastball velocity and limited innings pitched this season, his previous success—including a 2.65 ERA in 2024—makes him a potentially valuable addition at a low cost. If the Cubs can manage to get positive innings from him, he could provide a much-needed boost without significantly impacting their budget.