The Chicago Cubs just had their list of potential trade targets cut by two in less than a week as a pair of aces have been sidelined with long-term injuries. Sure, there are several options available in the trade market, but true 1-2 type arms were already scarce and now the Cubs will have to dig deep to acquire other star pitchers.
Chris Sale Rib Fracture
Cubs fans have been dreaming about a potential trade for Chris Sale. The 2024 NL Cy Young winner was having another monster season with the Atlanta Braves, but during his last start against the New York Mets on June 18, Sale suffered an injury when he dove for a ball in the ninth inning.
An incredible effort by Sale, who ended up one out away from a complete-game shutout against the Mets, however, that play resulted in the left-handed pitcher suffering a fractured left rib. The Braves placed him on the 10-day injured list on June 21, and then a few days ago Sale was transitioned over to the 60-day injured list.
That means Sale won't be eligible to return until Aug. 19, at the earliest.
Sale, who is under team control through 2026, has a 2.52 ERA in 15 starts with the Braves this season. The left-hander had been the best starting pitcher in MLB since April 25, recording a 1.23 ERA over his last 10 starts.
The Braves have fallen well short of expectations in 2025, but despite being out of the playoff mix in July there were already doubts that they would trade Sale at the deadline. Now that Sale is injured the chances that the lefty gets dealt become pretty close to zero.
Sale has an $18 million club option for the 2026 season.
Tyler Mahle Shoulder Injury
The Texas Rangers are technically in the playoff picture thanks to a weak American League this year. The AL West club is 43-44, but despite being below .500 they're only 2.5 games back of the third Wild Card spot that is currently held by the Seattle Mariners. Still, experts around the league projected Tyler Mahle to be on the trade block later this month, but the pitcher's shoulder injury is more serious than first thought.
Mahle was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 15 with shoulder fatigue. The injury was later diagnosed as a rotator cuff strain that will sideline Mahle until after the trade deadline. The right-hander won't be able to return until mid-August.
Mahle could have been an ideal rental for the Cubs at the trade deadline. The righty will be a free agent following the 2025 season and was having a great year with the Rangers.
Prior to the shoulder injury Mahle posted a 2.34 ERA in 14 starts for Texas. That included a 1.64 ERA through the end of May before he had two poor starts leading up to his stint on the injured list.
While these injuries have slightly shrunk the list of possible trade targets the Cubs have no excuse not to add to the pitching staff before the trade deadline. The Cubs reportedly have been in contact with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins among others, discussing trades for starting pitchers.
