The Cubs’ pitching search at the 2026 MLB trade deadline could end up pointing them straight back to one familiar place: the Mets.
Chicago has obvious work to do on both the bullpen and the starting rotation, and injuries have only made the need more urgent. The current options haven’t been enough, which is why adding arms at the deadline looks less like a luxury and more like a requirement if the Cubs want to stay in the contender conversation.
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa sees a bold path: instead of shopping around for help from a bunch of different clubs, the Cubs could treat New York as a one-stop shop and come away with three pitchers in one deal.
“Peralta is an obvious one, given his connection to manager Craig Counsell from their days with the Brewers,” Axisa writes. “Let's add Brazoban and either Minter or Raley to the mix, too, so three Mets pitchers to the Cubs for a package of however many young players/prospects they can get.”
The biggest name in that prediction is Freddy Peralta. His 5.01 ERA is enough to give any team pause, but Axisa’s logic is that a change of scenery could help him settle in. The appeal for Chicago is obvious: Peralta posted a 2.70 ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025, and that kind of track record makes him a buy-low target worth discussing.
Huascar Brazoban is the next piece in the projected haul. He’s under control beyond 2026 for a few more seasons, but he’s also 36 years old. Even so, his numbers this year have been useful, with a 2.76 ERA in 42 outings for the Mets.
Then there’s the bullpen addition from the rental market, with Axisa naming either A.J. Minter or Brooks Raley as the third player in the deal. Both have been effective this season, and both would give Chicago another late-game option.
Minter is 32 and has a 2.45 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 22 outings. Raley is 38 and has a 2.15 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 42 appearances. Either one would fit the Cubs’ need for relief help.
Chicago already made one Mets-to-Cubs pitching move this summer by acquiring David Peterson, and Axisa’s prediction would push that connection even further. If it plays out, the Cubs would leave the deadline with Peralta, Brazoban and one of Minter or Raley - all from the same team, and all aimed at strengthening the pitching staff in one shot.
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