Cubs Targeting Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly to Fortify Starting Rotation: Report

Cubs Set Sights on Kelly as Rotation Woes Mount

Chicago Needs a Spark to Stay in Contention

The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads with their starting rotation. Shota Imanaga has been solid, and Matthew Boyd continues to provide reliable innings. However, injuries to Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, rookie Cade Horton's struggles outside Wrigley Field, and Colin Rea's inconsistency have exposed serious vulnerabilities in the pitching staff.

With the tightly contested NL Central race heating up, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is reportedly making aggressive moves at the trade deadline. Talks with Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo fell through when he signed a two-year, $46 million extension to stay with the Royals.

Kelly Emerges as Top Target

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Chicago is now focusing its attention westward on Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly. Nightengale adds that teams consider Kelly the better pitcher in Arizona compared to Zac Gallen, who also holds interest for the Cubs.

Unlike Gallen, Kelly presents a lower-risk acquisition for the Cubs. The 35-year-old has a strong track record this season with a 3.22 ERA, 121 strikeouts, and a 1.057 WHIP across 128.2 innings pitched in 22 starts. While he may not have the same Cy Young potential as Gallen, Kelly's consistency makes him an attractive option, especially as an impending free agent who could be acquired at a more affordable price.

Building a Powerhouse Rotation?

Kelly appears to be the type of pitcher who can complement a bigger acquisition for the Cubs. If Chicago lands a frontline starter and pairs them with Kelly, they could instantly transform their rotation into one of the best in baseball.