Cubs explore trade options for Soriano, Weaver and Hoffman ahead of deadline

Chicago is actively scouting for pitching help as the trade deadline nears, focusing on a mix of starters and relievers. Recent reports indicate the Cubs have added Los Angeles Angels right-hander José Soriano, New York Mets left-hander Luke Weaver and Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman to their list of controllable arms. The club has also been linked to several high-profile rental pitchers such as Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, Casey Mize, Robbie Ray, Clay Holmes and Adrian Morejon, as well as other controllable options like Reid Detmers and Emerson Hancock.

According to sources, the Cubs dropped out of the race for Skubal early, likely due to cost considerations, but remain willing to trade prospects for a pitcher with multiple years of team control. Soriano, who is earning $2.9 million this season and is arbitration-eligible through 2028, posted a 3.29 ERA and a 4.06 SIERA over 123 innings. Since becoming a starter in 2024, he has recorded the highest ground-ball rate among pitchers with at least 200 innings, contributing to a 3.73 ERA and 4.03 SIERA. He has recently adjusted his pitch mix, using fewer sinkers and more four-seam fastballs and splitters, which has increased strikeouts and reduced hard contact.

"With the trade deadline on Monday and the uncertainty of the next 48 hours, we decided to take a prudent approach and see where these next few days lead us," said interim Angels GM John Mozeliak, referring to Soriano's recent scratch from a scheduled start.

The Angels are not under immediate pressure to move Soriano, but the market conditions may prompt a sale. The Cubs appear prepared to be aggressive in pursuing additional pitching talent before the deadline.