The Chicago Cubs are actively seeking to bolster their struggling starting rotation as the MLB trade deadline approaches. With an underwhelming performance from their pitchers, the Cubs are now linked to a variety of potential trade targets, including Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Rockies. Despite Freeland's disappointing 1-8 record this season and his below-average 5.19 ERA, he could thrive in a new environment, especially given his off-speed pitching capabilities, which align with what the Cubs desire from their starters.

The Rockies are facing a long season, with a 12-54 record, marking a potential seventh consecutive losing season. Freeland's best year was in 2018 when he posted a 2.85 ERA, significantly outperforming his current metrics. If traded to the Cubs, Freeland might find new life and better performance levels, helping resuscitate his baseball career amidst the Cubs' playoff aspirations.

The Colorado Rockies have set a modern record with only eight wins in their first 50 games, leading to an astounding 22 consecutive series losses before recently sweeping the Miami Marlins. Despite this poor performance, the roster is filled with players who contributed during the franchise's last successful seasons in 2017 and 2018. Pitchers German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela, Kyle Freeland, and infielder Ryan McMahon were key components of those playoff teams.

Currently, the Rockies are on track to potentially break the modern record for losses in a season, aiming to avoid the self-fulfilling prophecy of focusing on their record. Recent changes in management, with interim manager Warren Schaeffer taking over, have injected new energy into the team, fostering a more competitive atmosphere in the clubhouse. While the Rockies are struggling offensively and defensively, players emphasize the importance of focusing on improvement and maintaining a positive mindset.

Hunter Goodman shone in the Colorado Rockies' 3-2 victory over the Miami Marlins, capturing their first series win of the season with a dominant performance. Goodman tripled and doubled, solidifying his role as a key player as he ended the series with a stellar 7-for-13, including three homers and five RBIs. Rockies' starter Kyle Freeland earned his first win of the season, allowing only two unearned runs in 6⅓ innings.

The Rockies took an early lead from Goodman's first-inning triple and extended it with doubles from Tyler Freeman and Jordan Beck in the fifth. Goodman added a leadoff double against Janson Junk, leading to another run. Meanwhile, the Marlins struggled, marking their fourth consecutive loss, even as Heriberto Hernandez and Jesus Sanchez managed to get runs on the board.

On May 19, 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies (28-18) head to Coors Field to face off against the struggling Colorado Rockies (8-38). The Phillies are riding a wave of momentum after a three-game sweep of the Pirates and winning four of their last five games, while the Rockies are reeling from a recent series loss to the Diamondbacks, including a 1-0 defeat. The pitching matchup features Cristopher Sánchez for the Phillies, boasting a solid 2.91 ERA, against Kyle Freeland, who is still seeking his first win of the season with a troublesome 6.15 ERA.

In terms of betting odds, the Phillies are heavily favored at -271, reflecting their current form, while the Rockies are underdogs at +220. The total runs are set at 10.0. Notably, players like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper are positioned as potential home run threats in this matchup, with Schwarber looking to break his homer drought at Coors Field. Expert opinions suggest backing the Phillies on the moneyline and hint at the total going over 10 runs due to historical trends and current player performances.