Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer said the team would be active in the market for pitching help before the trade deadline on July 31. The Cubs held a four-game lead on the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central before their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.
Chicago has one of the league’s most potent offenses, scoring the second-most runs. However, injuries to starting pitcher Justin Steele in some injuries and inconsistency in the bullpen have the Cubs thinking that a trade could help the team make a deep playoff push.
Per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Cubs are expected to be among the most aggressive clubs at the trade deadline.
The Chicago Cubs are interested in two pitchers
Per Cubs’ insider George Ofman, the team has two players on their radar this week. Chicago is looking at Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long and Baltimore Orioles right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin on Wednesday.
“Told Cubs looking at young Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long tonight,” Ofman posted on X. “Zack Eflin tomorrow.”
Told Cubs looking at young Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long tonight. Zack Eflin tomorrow.
— George Ofman (@georgeofman) June 11, 2025
Zach Eflin and Sawyer Gipson-Long would help with the rotation
Gipson-Long, 27, was activated by the Tigers on June 4 following successful Tommy John surgery in 2024. He also had surgery to repair a left hip labral tear last July. Gipson-Long, a sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Twins, has a career ERA of 2.70 with 26 strikeouts.
Eflin, 31, has a career ERA of 4.21 with 890 strikeouts. The No. 33 pick by the San Diego Padres in the 2012 draft was the AL wins leader in 2023 for the Tampa Bay Rays when he went 16-8 as a starter. Eflin is 5-2 in 2025 with an ERA of 4.47 through 46.1 innings pitched in eight starts. He has 31 strikeouts.
For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Cubs: One aspect of the team has had a strong showing since May 14
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
