The Chicago Cubs are likely to make a significant trade at some point this summer. This is, of course, assuming that they remain in contention for a playoff spot down the stretch. After a slow start to the 2026 season, Chicago has won seven of its last 10 games. As a result, they are within reach of the top spot in the National League Central division.
The Cubs entered the current campaign with relatively high hopes. In fact, they were overwhelming favorites to win their division according to ESPN contributors. Injuries, however, have already hampered the club within the first few weeks of the season. Star pitchers Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton both went down after two appearances. Boyd’s setback was minor, as he is expected to return to the mound on April 22. Horton, on the other hand, is out for the remainder of the year due to elbow surgery.
Losing Horton is a major blow to the team. The Cubs have since been linked with free agent Lucas Giolito to help fill the void by the injured starter. Nevertheless, the veteran pitcher has not yet signed a deal with an MLB team. If Giolito opts to join another club, Chicago could very well make a significant trade to bolster their rotation.
According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the Cubs may dangle highly rated prospect Jefferson Rojas to help bring in a new pitcher. The reporter specifically points to the loss of Horton as to why the team would be willing to offload the youngster. Chicago initially signed Rojas as a 16-year-old international prospect from the Dominican Republic.
Chicago Cubs May Not Have Room for Jefferson Rojas
GettyJefferson Rojas led the Cubs in total bases (28) during spring training.
Rojas is currently ranked as the fourth-best prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization. While he is coveted by the club, Chicago may not be able to find room for the youngster in the near future. Rojas has typically been deployed as a shortstop during his minor league career. He, however, has also filled in at second and third base.
As Schoenfield writes, the Cubs gave shortstop Dansby Swanson a seven-year, $177 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. Chicago execs also recently rewarded second baseman Nico Hoerner with a significant extension and signed veteran third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency. As a result, the team’s infield (outside of first base) is fairly set.
Rojas is currently hitting .294 with an OPS of .969 and 11 RBIs in just 10 games with AA Knoxville. Half of his hits so far in 2026 have been for extra bases.
Chicago Expected to be Patient in Making a Trade
One pitcher whom the Chicago Cubs could eventually target is San Francisco Giants ace Robbie Ray. It was recently revealed that the veteran lefty may become a trade candidate for Chicago. The Giants have gotten off to a slow start in the season and are in last place in the N.L. West.
Although the Cubs are likely to target a trade, it may not come in the month of April. Team general manager Carter Hawkins recently claimed that it was essentially too early in the campaign to make a major deal. At the moment, Chicago is managing Horton’s loss fairly well. The club’s overall ERA of 3.59 ranks 10th-best in all of baseball.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Prominent Cubs Prospect Named Top Trade Candidate appeared first on Heavy Sports.