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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 06: Manager Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs looks on before game two of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 06, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

By now, most MLB fans understand that the Chicago Cubs have been plagued by several injuries to their starting rotation. Despite the injury situation, the Cubs still hold a lead in the National League Central and are regarded as one of the top teams in the National League.

However, Cubs fans should know how this story goes, and with the Milwaukee Brewers starting to surge, Chicago must keep its foot on the gas pedal, and one way to do that off the field is by making a meaningful trade.

Trade rumors and speculation are starting to formulate across MLB, and one potential option the Cubs could look into is Kansas City Royals‘ starter, Michael Wacha.

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Should the Cubs Pursue Michael Wacha via Trade?

GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Michael Wacha #52 of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Athletics in the first inning at Sutter Health Park on April 29, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Per FanSided.com MLB insider Robert Murray, Michael Wacha stands out as a top trade candidate:

“Wacha, 34, is signed through 2027 on a three-year, $51 million contract. He’s not the flashiest pitcher, but he’s dependable, and he’s posted four consecutive seasons with an ERA in the 3s. This year is no different, with the right-hander recording a 3.05 ERA in seven starts. His numbers, and his controllability, should make him highly sought after in July and August.”

In this trade idea proposed by Heavy Sports, the Chicago Cubs acquire Michael Wacha from the Royals in exchange for prospects Kevin Alcantara and Owen Ayers.

Unless the Cubs plan to call up one of their top farm system arms before August, it’s almost imperative that they pull off a trade to ensure a strong finish to the season, or it will be like Deja Vu of last season, when Chicago had a lead in the NL Central before the Milwaukee Brewers completely overtook them in the summer months.

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Michael Wacha as a Starter

GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 04: Michael Wacha #52 of the Kansas City Royals throws against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 04, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Michael Wacha, as Murray outlines, is a very durable starter. He’s attached to a $51 million contract, which shouldn’t be a crazy burden for Chicago to pay.

In 2026, Wacha has made seven starts, and holds a 3.05 ERA over 44+ innings and 36 strikeouts.

He spent seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, and has also pitched for the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox over a 14-year MLB career.

Wacha holds a career record of 114-77 as a starter with a lifetime 3.87 ERA over 295 total starts. He’s also sort of reinvented himself with the Royals after bouncing from team to team for a few seasons.

Any starter that is featured in trade rumors and speculation is likely going to be rumored for the Cubs to acquire, given their starting pitcher need, but Cubs fans, would you be okay with acquiring Michael Wacha in a notable trade?

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