In need of pitching, the Cubs made their first move of the trade deadline by adding Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals, the team announced. In exchange, the Nationals are receiving Triple-A outfielder Christian Franklin and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cruz.
Welcome to Chicago, Mike! 👋 pic.twitter.com/MiPtcv9roP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 31, 2025
Few contenders need starting pitching more than the Cubs. Since starter Jameson Taillon went down, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has gone with openers, as well as using the recently DFA’d Chris Flexen and Ben Brown in his place. But the expectation is that this move is the first of a few pitching additions as the club looks to bolster both the rotation and the bullpen as they make a push for the playoffs.
Soroka has an elevated 4.87 ERA but strong peripherals with a 25.4 percent strikeout rate and 7 percent walk rate. He’ll also be going from pitching in front of a bottom-five defensive unit to one of the best infields in baseball. Still, there is some concern that Soroka’s fastball velocity has dipped in his last three starts.
But with Justin Steele out for the season and with Taillon working his way back from injury, the rotation has been screaming for reinforcements. Filling in admirably at times, Colin Rea has been shaky of late, posting a 5.46 ERA in his last 11 starts and has given up nine runs combined in his last two outings.
Soroka was once considered one of the best young pitchers in baseball, as he finished sixth in Cy Young Award voting during his rookie season in 2019. However, he made just three starts over the next three years and only 10 total appearances before 2024 due to injury.
Innings will be a concern after the deadline, especially considering his 81 1/3 mark has surpassed his total in 2024 (79 2/3). Soroka also has some control issues, leading MLB with 14 hit by pitches. Still, in around the same number of innings as last year, he has 20 fewer walks.
After losing two of three to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs now sit one game behind their rivals to the north, but still hold one of the best records in baseball at 63-45.
Trade grade
Cubs: B-
Nationals: B+
Soroka adds some depth, provides versatility and offers the potential for upside to the Cubs, who are expected to remain in the market for a front-line starter into tomorrow. His peripheral numbers and expected statistics project a better future than his 4.87 ERA. Soroka also has experience as a swingman. He could help the Cubs as the team contends with the Brewers in the National League Central. But his presence is unlikely to swing the division.
The Nationals received a pair of prospects who entered the season in Keith Law’s top 20. Franklin can play all three outfield positions and does most of his damage against left-handed pitchers. He could take part in a platoon for Washington soon. Cruz is much further from the majors; this is his first season in professional baseball. He has held his own in the Arizona Complex League after getting taken in the third round of last year’s draft. That’s a solid package for a guy with nearly a 5.00 ERA.
So … yeah, this was not the starter Cubs fans were seeking. The Cubs can’t stop here. But it is a start. — Andy McCullough
Soroka ranked No. 33 on Big Board
While the relief market turned white hot Wednesday, there’s been little but speculation so far on the starting side. Perhaps Soroka will get the party started. Soroka — No. 33 on The Athletic’s trade deadline Big Board — was the highest-ranked starter traded ahead of this trade deadline. At the time of this deal, the only other starters removed from the list are No. 7 Seth Lugo (signed an extension with Kansas City) and No. 50 Chris Paddack (traded to Detroit).
Here are the starting pitchers remaining on the latest Big Board — an exercise that did not include Padres starter Dylan Cease because, admittedly, we again doubted GM A.J. Preller’s thrill-seeking nature:
1. Joe Ryan, Twins 8. Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks 9. Sandy Alcantara, Marlins 11. Edward Cabrera, Marlins 12. Mitch Keller, Pirates 13. Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks 25. Taj Bradley, Rays 31. Nick Martinez, Reds 34. Zack Littell, Rays 35. Tyler Anderson, Angels 37. Charlie Morton, Orioles 43. Zach Eflin, Orioles 44. Trevor Rogers, Orioles
46. Jeffrey Springs, Athletics
— Stephen J. Nesbitt
(Photo: Troy Taormina / Imagn Images)
