Cubs predicted to swing trade for Cy Young Award candidate this month

The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central, but their lead is down to just one game. They could use upgrades in the starting rotation.

The Cubs' starters have a 4.06 ERA this season. That ranks in the bottom half of the league. Justin Steele is out for the season and they could use another reliable starter. Shōta Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have been great, but after them, there are question marks in the starting rotation.

The Cubs could be aggressive at the trade deadline, knowing they could lose Kyle Tucker in free agency after this season. CBS Sports' Mike Axisa predicted they would land Seth Lugo from the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline.

"The underlying numbers aren't as spectacular, though Lugo has been just about as good this year as last year, when he finished second in the AL Cy Young voting," wrote Axisa. "The trade market figures to be short on quality starters. Cashing in Lugo, who has a $15 million player option for 2026, as a trade chip may be the best way for Kansas City to get the offensive help they so desperately need. I will boldly predict Lugo goes to the Cubbies, who need a top starter in the wake of Justin Steele's Tommy John surgery. Outfielder Owen Caissie and lefty Jordan Wicks will headline the return. Caissie is the kind of power hitter the Royals need and Wick can step into the rotation post-Lugo."

Lugo could opt out of his $15 million contract option after putting together back-to-back great seasons. He has a 2.67 ERA in 17 starts this season. The Royals could be sellers at the trade deadline, and if they sense Lugo will opt out, trading him could be on the table.

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Adding Lugo to the rotation would help the Cubs win the NL Central. Imanaga, Boyd and Lugo are a trio that could carry the team into and through October.

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