{"id":504784,"date":"2026-01-04T01:49:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T01:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/504784\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T01:49:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T01:49:14","slug":"cubs-linked-to-73-5-million-trade-that-doesnt-make-much-sense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/504784\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs linked to $73.5 million trade that doesn’t make much sense"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs<\/a> still need to add another pitcher this offseason, and after whiffing on Tatsuya Imai, their options are now even slimmer.<\/p>\n

Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez and Zac Gallen are the top pitchers remaining in free agency, and while Gallen seems like a prime bounce-back candidate, none of the options are overly appealing due to the price point.<\/p>\n

Of course, the Cubs could always explore the trade market, as they are armed with a bevy of top position players in their farm system that they could swap out for an extra arm. There may also be some rather intriguing pitchers available via trade.<\/p>\n

But Jake Misener of Cubbies Crib offered up a suggestion<\/a> that doesn\u2019t make a ton of sense: Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez.<\/p>\n

Could the Chicago Cubs swing a trade for Pablo Lopez?
\n\"PabloSep 5, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (49) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Let me preface this by saying that Lopez is definitely a good pitcher. Since entering the big leagues with the Miami Marlins in 2018, he owns a lifetime 3.81 ERA, 3.61 FIP and 1.175 WHIP. He has also averaged a very solid 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.<\/p>\n

But Lopez isn\u2019t exactly the frontline ace the Cubs need, and he may also be a bit too expensive for their taste.<\/p>\n

Lopez has two years remaining on the four-year, $73.5 million extension he signed with the Twins and is slated to earn $21.75 million in both 2026 and 2027. Considering Chicago wouldn\u2019t surpass the Houston Astros\u2019 three-year, $63 million offer for Imai, it seems hard to imagine he Cubs would feel comfortable paying Lopez even more while also surrendering some top trade chips in the process.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Lopez \u2014 who has historically been very durable \u2014 dealt with a couple of concerning injuries last season, suffering shoulder strain in June and then sustaining a forearm strain upon returning in September. He logged an impressive 2.74 ERA across 14 starts, but there is no doubt that the health issues are a bit worrisome.<\/p>\n

Given how conservative Chicago\u2019s front office has been in recent years, Lopez does not seem like the type of player it would target, even if the 29-year-old would absolutely help its rotation.<\/p>\n

Now, Joe Ryan would be another story, but Minnesota does not appear open to moving him.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

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