The Chicago Cubs have spent the last few years rebuilding their foundation — and now, as the 2025 trade deadline approaches, it’s clear they’re ready to take the next big step. Hovering just behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, the Cubs are in striking distance of both a division title and a return to October baseball. And according to insiders, they’re not planning to sit on their hands.
Sources around the league say the Cubs are exploring a blockbuster series of moves that could transform their season — and their future. On their radar: Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins, Luis Robert Jr. from the crosstown White Sox, and Josh Bell of the Washington Nationals. If they pull it off, the Cubs won’t just be contenders in 2025 — they’ll be setting up a window for years to come.
Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins): The Ace Chicago Has Been Waiting For
The Cubs have built a surprisingly solid rotation this year, with Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Javier Assad keeping them afloat. But to compete deep into the postseason, they need a true No. 1 — and Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, fits the bill.
Still just 29, Alcantara brings durability and dominance to any staff. Though his 2025 numbers with the Miami Marlins have dipped slightly, that’s more a reflection of the team’s struggles than his talent. He’s still among the league’s leaders in innings pitched and has the stuff to overpower any lineup.
If the Cubs were to land Alcantara, he’d instantly become the ace at Wrigley and pair with Steele to give Chicago a postseason-caliber duo at the top of the rotation.
Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox): A Windy City Superstar Switch
A rare opportunity is on the table: a crosstown blockbuster that would send Luis Robert Jr., the dynamic center fielder for the Chicago White Sox, to Wrigley Field. With the Sox in the early stages of another rebuild, Robert’s name has come up in trade talks — and the Cubs may be ready to make the bold move.
Robert, a 2020 Gold Glove winner and 2023 Silver Slugger, is one of the most complete outfielders in baseball. His combination of power, speed, and elite defense could be the spark the Cubs need to elevate their offense and sharpen their outfield defense.
Sliding Robert into center would allow the Cubs to shift Cody Bellinger back to first base or left field full-time, further stabilizing the lineup and opening up more flexibility for manager Craig Counsell.
Josh Bell (Washington Nationals): Veteran Power to Anchor the Middle of the Lineup
Josh Bell isn’t the flashiest name on the board, but he could be the most practical fit. With Michael Busch and Patrick Wisdom providing streaky production at first and DH, Bell would bring a steady bat and much-needed switch-hitting power.
The Washington Nationals slugger has been through his share of trade rumors in recent years, and with the Nats falling out of contention again, he’s widely expected to be moved. The Cubs could be the perfect fit — giving Bell a playoff-ready environment and giving the Cubs a veteran hitter who’s comfortable under pressure.
Bell’s addition would also allow the Cubs to shift players around more freely, giving their lineup depth and a new layer of consistency.
