The 2026 MLB trade deadline is almost here, and the rumor mill is spinning at full speed. Monday night at 6 p.m. ET marks the final buzzer for deals, and while we've already seen some blockbusters, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs are proving they're not done yet.
The Dodgers kicked things off with a bang, landing Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from Detroit to supercharge their rotation for a three-peat bid. That move sent shockwaves through the league, but the Pirates and Cubs are quietly positioning themselves as the deadline's most aggressive shoppers.
Pirates Aiming High
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Pittsburgh is exploring multiple avenues to upgrade. They're not just looking at bullpen arms—they've got their eyes on a right-handed hitting outfielder too. Names floating around include Taylor Ward of the Orioles and Jo Adell of the Angels, both potential trade chips before the deadline.
The Pirates' front office is clearly in win-now mode, trying to give their young core a boost. Adding a bat like Ward or Adell could provide the offensive spark they need to make a serious run in the NL Central.
Cubs Playing It Safe
Over in Chicago, the Cubs are taking a cautious but proactive approach. After dealing with a slew of pitching injuries all season, they're not leaving anything to chance. The Athletic reports that Chicago expects several pitchers to return from the IL in the final two months, including right-hander Edward Cabrera and closer Daniel Palencia. But with so many health issues, they're exploring all options to shore up their staff.
The Cubs are in a tight divisional race, and every win counts. Adding depth to their pitching staff could be the difference between October baseball and an early vacation.
Both teams are clearly hungry for success, and their activity at the deadline reflects that. The Pirates are looking to make a splash, while the Cubs are methodically filling holes. Either way, fans should buckle up for a wild final stretch before the trade deadline hits.
As the clock ticks down, expect more moves across the league. The Pirates and Cubs are just two of the many teams looking to strike gold before the deadline passes. For more on the latest trade buzz, check out our coverage of the Skubal trade talks and how they're shaping the market.
With the deadline looming, the next few hours could reshape the playoff picture. Stay tuned for updates as teams like the Pirates and Cubs make their final pushes.
