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Cubs manager Craig Counsell

The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball so far this season. Despite major injury issues, the team has continued winning at a high level.

Heading into Friday night’s matchup with the Texas Ranger, the Cubs held a 26-12 record. That has them in first place in the National League Central division race and tied for first place in the National League overall.

Craig Counsell has gotten the most out of his team. Even though Chicago has seen multiple key starting pitchers go down, it hasn’t faltered.

Among the notable starting pitching injuries have been Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and now Matthew Boyd. The Cubs simply haven’t been able to catch a break.

Chicago Cubs Could Look to Make Major Trade

Those injuries have led to a major new trade rumor. Chicago has reportedly shown interest in acquiring Freddy Peralta from the New York Mets.

Peralta would be the kind of piece that would help ease the pain of the injury bug. When he’s pitching to his full ability, he is one of the best starting pitchers in baseball.

Other names have also been suggested for the Cubs. They have been connected to pitchers like Joe Ryan, Robbie Ray, and Sandy Alcantara.

All of those pitchers would be quality additions for Chicago, but none would have the kind of upside that Peralta would bring to the Cubs.

Freddy Peralta Could Be Final Piece to Chicago’s World Series Push

So far this season with the Mets, the 29-year-old starter has made eight starts. He has compiled a 2-3 record to go along with a 3.12 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, a 2.4 K/BB ratio, and 43.1 innings pitched.

Last season in the National League Central with the Milwaukee Brewers, Peralta made 33 starts. He went 17-6 in those appearances and produced a 2.70 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, a 3.1 K/BB ratio, and completed 176.2 innings of work.

Peralta would likely not come cheap. Jed Hoyer and the Chicago front office would have to pay a price to bring him onboard. However, it’s clear that the Cubs are ready to win now.

There is no telling whether or not Chicago will actually pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade for a new starting pitcher. If the team does decide to go that route, Peralta seems to be a very possible option.

Expect to continue hearing more rumors about the Cubs as the season moves forward. For now, Peralta is a name worth keeping a very close eye on in the hot stove.