CHICAGO, IL — The Toronto Blue Jays’ massive, seven-year signing of Dylan Cease officially closes the door on one of the Chicago Cubs’ primary offseason targets for a frontline starter. With free-agent prices potentially inflated and the team’s need for a top-of-the-rotation arm still critical, the Cubs must now pivot aggressively to the trade market, utilizing their deep farm system.
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is now facing increased pressure to make a “big trade” to pair an established ace with promising rookie Cade Horton.
Here are the three most likely trade targets the Cubs are expected to pursue following the Cease decision:
1. Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins)
This is the most heavily rumored and arguably the most ideal trade fit for the Cubs. Insider buzz suggests the Marlins are open to moving the former Cy Young winner.
- The Pitcher: Sandy Alcantara, RHP (Age 30)
- The Pitch: Alcantara is the only pitcher on this list with a Cy Young (2022) to his name. Despite a rough patch in 2025 as he returned from injury, he finished the year strong with a 2.68 ERA over his final eight starts.
- The Control & Cost: He is under control for the 2026 season ($17M) with a team option for 2027 ($21M), providing two years of top-level control without a long-term commitment.
- Likely Prospect Cost: High-end outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara has been named as a likely centerpiece in trade speculation, along with other top pitching prospects.
2. Joe Ryan (Minnesota Twins)
Ryan represents a high-floor, cost-controlled arm that fits the profile of recent Cubs acquisitions.
- The Pitcher: Joe Ryan, RHP (Age 30)
- The Pitch: Ryan had a breakout season in 2025, making his first All-Star appearance while posting a strong 3.42 ERA and striking out 194 batters over 171 innings.
- The Control & Cost: He is extremely affordable, projected to make only around $6 million in 2026, and remains under control until after the 2027 season. The Twins are often willing to trade players with high value if the return replenishes their system.
- Likely Prospect Cost: A package centered around an elite bat prospect like Owen Caissie or Moisés Ballesteros would be required to acquire two years of cost-controlled excellence.
3. Edward Cabrera (Miami Marlins)
If the Cubs decide the cost for Alcantara or Ryan is too high, Cabrera offers high upside and multiple years of control.
- The Pitcher: Edward Cabrera, RHP (Age 27)
- The Pitch: Cabrera is younger and possesses a massive upside, featuring a blazing 97 MPH fastball. While his control and injury history have been inconsistent, he is a classic “buy-low” target who could thrive with a change of scenery and the Cubs’ pitching infrastructure.
- The Control & Cost: He has three years of arbitration control remaining, making him incredibly cost-effective in the short term.
- Likely Prospect Cost: The price would be lower than Alcantara or Ryan, likely involving a combination of mid-level pitching and hitting prospects, but still substantial due to his high ceiling.
