The Chicago Cubs just made a bold move ahead of the trade deadline. They’ve reinforced their roster with two key arms: right-handers Michael Soroka and Andrew Kittredge.
The Cubs always seem to have October dreams, don’t they? This time, the front office is making it clear—they want to chase postseason glory and patch up some pitching holes.
Let’s look at what this deal really means for the Cubs and their trade partners. The MLB landscape could look a little different after this one.
What the Cubs Are Getting: A Closer Look at Soroka and Kittredge
Michael Soroka comes over from the Washington Nationals with a mix of upside and baggage. He’s a 2019 All-Star, but this season he’s struggled to a 3-8 record and a 4.87 ERA. Those numbers don’t really capture his ceiling, though.
Soroka’s been through a lot with Achilles injuries. He’s searching for a fresh start and maybe Chicago’s the place for that. Over six seasons, he’s posted a 20-26 record with a 3.91 ERA. When he’s healthy, he flashes real talent.
He’s on a one-year, $9 million deal, so the Cubs keep their payroll options open. Soroka will likely fit into the middle or back end of the rotation, joining Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga.
Chicago’s betting that Soroka’s experience and that All-Star pedigree can steady a rotation that’s wobbled at times. It’s a bit of a gamble, but sometimes that’s what you need to win.
Andrew Kittredge is the other new face. He’s a former Baltimore Orioles All-Star from 2021 and has been steady out of the bullpen this year, with a 3.45 ERA in 31 games.
Kittredge is on a one-year deal too, with a club option for 2026. He brings playoff experience and a reputation for reliability. The Cubs’ bullpen has been solid, but Kittredge adds another weapon for David Ross when things get tense late in games.
Who’s Heading the Other Way?
To get these two, the Cubs sent out three minor league prospects. The Nationals picked up infielder Ronny Cruz and outfielder Christian Franklin for Soroka.
The Orioles got infielder Wilfri De La Cruz for Kittredge. None of these guys are the Cubs’ top prospects, so Chicago managed to upgrade without sacrificing their best young talent.
The Nationals and Orioles, meanwhile, keep focusing on youth and payroll flexibility. It’s the usual story: big clubs reload, smaller ones rebuild.
How Does This Impact the Cubs’ Season?
The Cubs sit just one game behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. They just picked up a 10-3 win, the kind of blowout that can spark a run.
Adding Soroka and Kittredge helps fill some obvious gaps. The Cubs look more like a playoff threat now—at least on paper.
There’s also some front office momentum here. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer just got a contract extension. Ownership seems pretty happy with the way he’s rebuilt the roster.
Moves like landing Pete Crow-Armstrong and these new trades show the Cubs are serious about competing again. It’s not a full-on rebuild anymore. They’re going for it.
Why These Moves Matter in the Bigger Picture
This trade sets a tone for the Cubs as the season heads into its final stretch. With Milwaukee so close and big games coming up, adding pitching depth gives Chicago a real shot.
Teams that lack arms usually don’t last long in October, and the Cubs clearly don’t want to be in that group. The Nationals and Orioles, on the other hand, are sticking to their plans—Washington’s all-in on rebuilding, and Baltimore’s mixing youth with payroll flexibility.
The Final Pitch
The Cubs added Michael Soroka and Andrew Kittredge to their roster. These moves show they’re trying to balance short-term needs with long-term goals.
Both players fill important roles. Chicago hopes this extra depth helps them close the gap in the NL Central.
The Brewers and a crowded NL playoff picture still stand in their way. But Chicago’s not backing down, and honestly, that’s refreshing to see.
With a mix of veteran signings, a hungry young core, and fans who are more than ready, the Cubs could make some noise this postseason. Maybe—just maybe—they’ll surprise us all.
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs add pitching depth with Michael Soroka, Andrew Kittredge
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