With Cubs starter Justin Steele sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Chicago might be on the lookout for rotation help. One name that’s beginning to surface in trade speculation is Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López, who signed a $73.5 million extension last year. The Twins haven’t had the strongest start to the season, and if they keep sliding, they could consider parting ways with a high-value asset.
López, despite his talent, hasn’t exactly been lights-out this season, but his upside is clear. The 28-year-old righty has top-tier stuff and is under team control through 2027, which makes him especially appealing for teams seeking more than just a rental. The Cubs, sitting in a competitive NL Central, could benefit greatly from another front-line starter—especially given Steele’s uncertain timeline.
The Cubs have the farm system to pull off a big trade. With names like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cade Horton, and Kevin Alcántara, Chicago could put together an attractive package without gutting their long-term future. A deal would likely hinge on how desperate the Twins get if they fall further out of playoff contention.
From the Twins’ side, dealing López would be tough, especially given how much they invested in him both financially and as a centerpiece of their rotation. But if they decide to pivot toward a mini-rebuild or retooling, getting high-upside prospects from a team like the Cubs could be a smart long-term move.
Timing could be key. If the Cubs want to stay in the playoff race and not lose momentum while Steele recovers, they may want to act sooner rather than later. Waiting until the trade deadline might be risky, especially if other teams jump into the bidding war for starters.
There’s also the question of how much Chicago is willing to give up. They’ve been cautious about trading top prospects in recent years, preferring to build a sustainable contender. But with their window starting to open, they might be ready to pull the trigger on a bold move.
López wouldn’t just help this year—he could anchor the rotation for years to come alongside Steele once he’s healthy. That long-term value is what makes a deal like this so intriguing, even if it costs the Cubs some premium young talent.
In the end, everything depends on performance—both of the Twins and the Cubs over the next few weeks. But with Steele on the shelf and a clear need in the rotation, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Cubs kick the tires on a blockbuster deal involving Minnesota’s $73.5 million aceman.
