The Chicago Cubs are finally back in playoff contention. They have won just one postseason series since their 2016 World Series title and have not been spending in free agency. But last winter, they traded for Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, signaling a desire to be competitive. With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Cubs will be buyers, and the struggling Diamondbacks could be sellers. If that is the case, ESPN's Buster Olney says they could be perfect trade partners.

“Pitching is needed, with Justin Steele out for the season. The talented-but-young Ben Brown has an ERA over 6.00, and Colin Rea has been inconsistent,” Olney reported. “The Diamondbacks' [Merrill] Kelly or [Zac] Gallen might be a perfect fit, while the Orioles' Zach Eflin would be an upgrade.”

While the Diamondbacks did string together five wins this past week, they still have a long way to go to compete in the National League. And with Corbin Burnes recovering from Tommy John surgery, this season could get off the rails fast. Both Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen will be free agents at the end of the year, which makes them prime trade candidates.

Article Continues Below
More Chicago Cubs News
image thumbnail
Shota Imanaga’s injury return imminent after latest update for CubsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Featured image Shota Imanaga
Cubs’ Shota Imanaga takes big step towards injury return for ChicagoDylan Fine ·
Jun 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) gestures after hitting a one run single against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts to unlikeliest home runZachary Draves ·
Jun 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) gestures after hitting a one run single against the Cincinnati Reds during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Pete Crow-Armstrong on pace for mesmerizing historic 2025 seasonMike Gianakos ·
Kevin Alcantara, Cubs, cubs call up, Cubs prospect, MLB
The next star prospect Cubs must call up in 2025 MLB seasonBryan Logan ·
Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer (right) shakes hands with newly signed pitcher Shota Imanaga during a press conference.
Cubs’ Jed Hoyer ‘monitoring everything’ as Chicago seeks pitching helpJosh Davis ·

Olney also mentions the best option for the Cubs if the Diamondbacks get hot and hold onto their pieces. Even a massive winning streak wouldn't be enough for the Orioles to jump back into AL Wild Card contention. Eflin is a pending free agent and should move before the deadline. While the Diamondbacks pitchers are better, Eflin is a solid option.

The Cubs need to add a pitcher after losing Justin Steele for the year. Matthew Boyd has had a solid season so far, and Shota Imanaga is great. But a true top-end starter could be the difference in a deep run and a quick exit in Chicago.