The Chicago Cubs are expected to aggressively pursue starting pitching help ahead of the trade deadline, and one name is already emerging as a potential top target Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets.
Chicago entered the 2026 season believing its rotation had the talent to compete at a high level in the National League. The offseason acquisition of Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins was viewed as a major addition capable of stabilizing the pitching staff and elevating the Cubs into serious postseason contention.
However, injuries have quickly disrupted those plans.
The Cubs’ rotation has been hit hard throughout the season, forcing the organization to explore possible reinforcements much earlier than expected. As a result, Chicago is now reportedly monitoring the trade market closely in hopes of landing a frontline starter capable of transforming the rotation for the second half of the year.
According to 104.3 The Score’s David Haugh, Peralta has become the Cubs’ “dream” target.
The hard-throwing right-hander only joined the Mets during the offseason, but his long-term future in Queens remains uncertain because he is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. That situation has naturally created speculation around whether New York could eventually consider moving him if the team struggles to stay competitive in the playoff race.
At the moment, the Mets are still evaluating where they stand.
Teams rarely make major decisions involving star pitchers early in the season, especially when playoff hopes remain alive. New York will likely wait several more weeks before determining whether they should operate as buyers or sellers at the deadline.
Still, rival executives are already preparing for the possibility that Peralta could become available.
And if that happens, the Cubs are expected to be among the most aggressive suitors.
Peralta would instantly give Chicago the type of frontline arm the organization currently lacks due to injuries. Known for his electric fastball and strikeout ability, the veteran starter has developed into one of baseball’s more reliable high-end pitchers over recent seasons.
His ability to miss bats and dominate opposing lineups would make him an ideal fit at the top of Chicago’s rotation.
What makes the situation especially intriguing is the potential trade cost.
Normally, acquiring a pitcher of Peralta’s caliber would require an enormous package filled with elite prospects. But according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, the Mets ace may not command that type of blockbuster return because he is currently viewed around the league as a short-term rental.
Sharma reported that acquiring Peralta could potentially cost “a good prospect, but perhaps not an obviously great one.”
That distinction is important for Chicago.
The Cubs possess a strong farm system and may prefer avoiding trades involving their very best young talent. If the asking price remains reasonable, Chicago could realistically build a package around middle-tier prospects or younger developmental players with upside rather than sacrificing cornerstone pieces of the future.
For a team trying to balance long-term sustainability with immediate playoff ambitions, that scenario would be extremely attractive.
Still, patience may be necessary.
Sharma also noted that acquiring a quality starting pitcher this early in the season remains somewhat uncommon. Teams generally wait until closer to the trade deadline before seriously entertaining offers for top pitchers, particularly when postseason positioning remains unclear.
That means the Cubs may need to endure their current rotation uncertainty for several more weeks before the market fully develops.
The timing could ultimately depend on the Mets.
If New York manages to stay competitive in the National League playoff race, moving Peralta would become far less likely. Teams rarely trade away frontline starters while actively competing for postseason spots.
But if the Mets continue struggling and begin falling behind in the standings, the organization could decide that maximizing value before Peralta reaches free agency is the smarter long-term move.
That possibility is exactly why Chicago continues monitoring the situation closely.
The Cubs remain one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the season progresses because the front office appears motivated to capitalize on its competitive window. Injuries may have exposed weaknesses in the rotation, but they have also increased the urgency to improve the roster before the second half of the season begins.
Landing a pitcher like Peralta would dramatically reshape Chicago’s outlook.
Not only would he strengthen the rotation immediately, but he would also provide postseason-caliber experience and swing-and-miss stuff that becomes invaluable during October baseball.
For now, though, the Cubs can only wait and evaluate.
The trade market is still developing, and much will depend on where the Mets stand in the coming months. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear around baseball — if Freddy
