The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League wild card race, and they still have a chance to overtake the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central standings as well.
The trade deadline is looming, and starting pitching is a hot commodity, and perhaps no team needs more help in that department than the Chicago Cubs. Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are both on the injured list right now, but could return soon. Justin Steele could return late in the season, but may not be built up to join the rotation. Cade Horton is out for the year.
The Cubs should target Freddy Peralta at the deadline. Peralta is a two-time All-Star who is not having his best season. However, he is only making $8 million this year and is a rental. There is some familiarity for him on the Cubs as well. Craig Counsell was his manager for almost the entirety of his Milwaukee Brewers tenure.
His stuff has not been as good this year as last year, but he would still be an upgrade for the Cubs. Wrigley Field could serve as more of a pitcher-friendly environment, and Chicago would be a smaller market than New York. After spending his entire career in Milwaukee, perhaps the change to New York's media market was too much pressure.
It's not uncommon for players to struggle in New York because of the added pressures. However, the Cubs know better than anybody what type of player Peralta can be when he's going right. He has plenty of experience pitching at Wrigley Field as well.
He has a very affordable contract, and the Mets may not be asking for a haul to deal him. The Cubs may be able to swap one of their top-30 prospects in exchange for a couple of months of him.