{"id":602736,"date":"2026-03-03T02:00:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/602736\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T02:00:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T02:00:24","slug":"cubs-phillies-linked-to-intriguing-trade-involving-3-43-era-pitcher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/602736\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs, Phillies linked to intriguing trade involving 3.43 ERA pitcher"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs<\/a> made some very notable additions this offseason, acquiring pitcher Edward Cabrera via trade and signing third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.<\/p>\n

The Cubs are expected to contend for a World Series this year, and while the Los Angeles Dodgers are the obvious favorites, Chicago is talented enough to make a run, especially considering the depth of its starting rotation.<\/p>\n

Because the Cubs\u2019 pitching staff is so deep, Chicago could ultimately move one of its pitchers in a trade, and Javier Assad has been tabbed as someone who could get dealt.<\/p>\n

Assad has been solid for the Cubs since entering the big leagues in 2022, but because his stuff isn\u2019t too overpowering, it looks like he\u2019ll be on the outside looking in when it comes to Chicago\u2019s five-man rotation heading into 2026.<\/p>\n

In fact, Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors feels that Assad could be a trade target for the Philadelphia Phillies.<\/p>\n

Could the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies match up on a trade?
\n\"JavierAug 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad (72) celebrates after a strikeout to end the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Phillies are looking to add some pitching depth of their own after losing Ranger Suarez to free agency and with Zack Wheeler still recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, and Deeds feels they could comprise a good match for Assad.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking around the league, there\u2019s certainly a handful of teams with an excess of optionable starters who could fit the Phillies needs,\u201d Deeds wrote<\/a>. \u201cThe Cubs (Javier Assad), Dodgers (Landon Knack), Tigers (Keider Montero) and Giants (Hayden Birdsong) are among the teams with optionable starters who have notable big league experience but are likely to be squeezed out of the club\u2019s rotation entering the year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Assad owns a lifetime 3.43 ERA over 78 career outings and 54 starts, allowing 3o4 hits while registering 271 strikeouts over 331 innings of work.<\/p>\n

Again, the right-hander\u2019s stuff is not going to wow anyone, but he has been very reliable due much in part to his ability to keep the ball int he yard. Assad owns a career 1.1 HR\/9, and his knack for inducing ground balls makes up for his rather ugly 1.99 K\/BB.<\/p>\n

The 28-year-old probably wouldn\u2019t fetch much in a trade, but if the Cubs can squeeze a decent prospect out of the Phillies for Assad, it\u2019s something they may want to consider.<\/p>\n

\"Bleacher<\/p>\n

Bleacher Report ranks this prospect the top power hitter for the Chicago Cubs
\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\tFor More Great Chicago Sports Content<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a>, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.<\/p>\n

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23<\/a> 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 <\/a><\/p>\n