Cubs Linked to Giants’ Robbie Ray as ‘Perfect’ Trade Deadline Target, Former GM Says

With the MLB trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly weighing rotation options that could strengthen their postseason push. One name that has emerged as a particularly realistic target is San Francisco Giants left-hander Robbie Ray.

Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, now writing for The Athletic, identified Ray as the Cubs’ “perfect” trade target this summer. The assessment, first reported by The Sporting News, frames Ray as a high-quality rental who would not require the kind of prospect package that controllable stars like Tarik Skubal or Mason Miller would command.

The trade target

Robbie Ray, 34, is in the final season of a five-year, $115 million contract. He holds a 3.33 ERA with 96 strikeouts across 110.2 innings over 20 starts in 2026, along with a 120 ERA+ — his best performance since winning the American League Cy Young Award with Toronto in 2021.

Because Ray is a free agent after this season, the Giants are unlikely to demand a premium return. The Cubs, led by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, could acquire him without sacrificing their top prospects, keeping the rest of the farm system intact for future moves.

Why Ray fits

The Cubs entered the season with rotation depth concerns, and injuries or inconsistency have only deepened the need for a reliable arm. Bowden’s reasoning centers on the combination of affordability and immediate impact. While elite options like Skubal or Joe Ryan would require a heavy prospect haul, Ray offers a proven track record at a lower acquisition cost.

Ray’s strikeout rate remains solid, and his ERA suggests he has returned to form after battling injuries earlier in his Giants tenure. For a Cubs rotation that has relied on Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, adding a veteran lefty with playoff experience could provide a meaningful boost down the stretch.

What the Giants might seek

San Francisco sits in a competitive position but has not ruled out trading expiring contracts to restock its system. The Giants’ asking price for Ray is not publicly known, but rental starters typically net a mid-level prospect or two. The Cubs have a deep farm system, which could facilitate a deal without touching their top-tier talent.

The Giants also have other potential trade chips, including relievers and position players, but Ray stands out as a moveable asset who could fetch a return that helps both sides.

Broader trade context

The Cubs are expected to be active across multiple areas before the deadline. In addition to rotation help, the team has shown interest in bullpen upgrades and could also explore offensive additions. The Ray scenario fits alongside reports that the Cubs have been scouting other teams’ pitchers, including the Minnesota Twins’ Joe Ryan.

Bowden’s opinion is one among several trade-season analyses, but it underscores a broader reality: the Cubs need pitching, and the rental market offers several practical options without the long-term commitment of a controllable star. Ray’s age and contract status make him a logical candidate.

Source: This analysis is based on reporting from The Sporting News, which cited Jim Bowden of The Athletic, as published by Yahoo Sports on July 24, 2026. No official trade discussions have been confirmed by the Cubs, Giants, or Ray’s representatives.