5 Players Chicago Cubs Need to Target at the Trade Deadline

The Cubs also need to target pitchers on the trade market even though their starting rotation is elite. Even Kyle Hendricks showed a return to form on June 19 against the Giants. The bullpen has been a little bit of a roller coaster. RHP Mark Leitier, Jr. started off the year as unhittable but has been giving up runs as of late. RHP Hayden Wesneski is struggling mightily with keeping the ball inside the park.

However, no position is more vulnerable for the Cubs than the closer role. RHP Hector Neris is trying to hold down the role but his 4.73 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, and four blown saves in 14 opportunities show that he isn't a good fit.

Carlos Estevez, Los Angeles Angels

After a few bad outings, he has really righted the ship. He has not given up a run in June. He has lowered his ERA by almost four runs since the end of April to 3.52. He has 23 strikeouts in 23 innings. He holds a .87 WHIP. This type of power pitching is needed sorely in high leverage situations.

Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals

Finnegan has 33 strikeouts in 31.1 innings, .83 WHIP with a 1.72 ERA. He has 21 saves in 23 opportunities. Since April 3, he has given up three earned runs. He is almost assuredly an All-Star. He isn't even a free agent until the end of the 2025 season. Finnegan is the type of reliability the Cubs need in the ninth inning.

The Cubs lead the league in one run games. They also lead the league in losing one run games. An improved offense could start widening leads, taking pressure off starting and relief pitchers. More reliable late inning pitching could stop giving up the late game leads that have been the Cubs trademark all season.

More Cubs news and rumors: