The Chicago Cubs aggressively overhauled their pitching staff before Monday's MLB trade deadline. By acquiring veterans like Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, the organization shifted its focus toward a deep postseason run.
The Gausman and Holmes shift to a playoff-caliber rotation
The Chicago Cubs have fundamentally altered their starting rotation, moving away from a group consisting of Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, David Peterson, Colin Rea, and Javier Assad. According to the report, the new projected rotation features Clay Holmes and Kevin Gausman alongside Boyd, Imanaga, and Peterson, with Edwin Cabrera and Ben Brown remaining as flexible options. This restructuring allows manager Craig Counsell to optimize his roster based on specific opponent matchups.
The addition of Clay Holmes is particularly strategic due to his ability to induce ground balls. This skill set complements the Chicago Cubs' strong defensive infieeld, a combination that could prove decisive in the playoffs. The report suggests this approach will be especially effective against teams lacking significant power, specifically highlighting the Milwaukee Brewers as a primary target for this tactical advantage.
This aggressive acquisition strategy reflects a broader trend of contenders prioritizing immediate impact over long-term potential.. By flipping prospects for established arms, the Chicago Cubs are signaling that their current window of contention is open, mirroring the behavior of teams that prioritize a "win-now" philosophy over the slow build of a farm system.
Why Kevin Gausman's 36-year-old experience is a "steal"
The acquisition of Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays provides the Chicago Cubs with a seasoned veteran capable of anchoring a postseason series. Although Gausman is 36 years old and entering the final year of his contract, his history of stability in high-pressure environments makes him a prime candidate to start Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS). His performance during Toronto's previous World Series run serves as the benchmark for the reliability the Cubs are seeking.
From a value perspective, the report describes the trade as a "steal," as the Chicago Cubs surrendered only two prospects who were not considered "must-keeps" by the front office. While Gausman is essentially a rental, the addition of a dominant fastball and playoff composure addresses a critical void in the Chicago Cubs' rotation that internal development had not yet filled.
Zeferjahn's 34 .6 percent whiff rate and the bullpen reshuffle
Beyond the starting rotation, the Chicago Cubs have targeted the bullpen with the acquisition of Zeferjahn. As reported, Zeferjahn brings an impressive 3.66 ERA and 75 strikeouts to the team, backed by advanced metrics including a 33.6 percent strikeout rate and a 34.6 percent whiff rate. This move is designed to upgrade a relief corps previously headlined by Jacob Webb, Trent Thornton, and Caleb Theilbar.
The cost of this move was higher, involving the trade of two high-level prospects. However, the Chicago Cubs have gained multiple years of team control over Zeferjahn, providing a balance between immediate playoff needs and future stability. The flexibility created by these trades may allow the Cubs to move players like Javier Assad, Colin Rea, or Ben Brown into relief roles, giving Craig Counsell more options for late-game management.
The gamble on Garrett's post-Tommy John recovery
Not every move made by the Chicago Cubs was designed for immediate 2026 impact. The acquisition of Garrett is a long-term play, as the pitcher has struggled recently with an ERA over 14 across 4.1 major league innings this year. The primary hurdle is that Garrett underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, which sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025 season.
The Cubs are betting on Garrett's 2023 form, which demonstrated his ability to succeed at the MLB level. Because he remains under team control for several years, the Chicago Cubs hope to rehabilitate him into a reliable starter for the 2027 season and beyond. This specific trade remains the most questioned of the deadline haul, earning a "C+" grade because it does not immediately move the needle for the upcoming campaign.
Remaining Uncertainties
Despite the flurry of activity, several questions remain . It is unclear exactly which two prospects were traded for Kevin Gausman, as the report does not name them. Additionally, while Tyrone Taylor adds versatility to the outfield, the report does not specify the cost of his acquisition or how his arrival will shift the playing time of existing Cubs outfielders.
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