Cubs Reportedly Trade for Aaron Civale in A's Deal Ahead of 2026 MLB Deadline

The Chicago Cubs reportedly are bolstering their rotation ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

Per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs have acquired starting pitcher Aaron Civale from the Athletics in return for right-handed prospect Aiden Moffett.

Civale is an eight-year veteran who has spent the last few seasons as a journeyman. He started his career with the Cleveland Guardians and spent five years there before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023.

In 2024, he was again traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. He then started the 2025 campaign in Milwaukee before spending time with the Chicago White Sox and Cubs to close out the year. He signed a one-year deal with the Athletics in February.

In 16 appearances this season, Civale has logged a 5.42 ERA and 1.62 WHIP, picking up 58 strikeouts across 74.2 innings. Earlier this week, the A's designated Civale for assignment, calling up infielder Tommy White, their No. 7 prospect, and right-handed pitcher Yunior Tur, their No. 27 prospect.

While Civale has struggled a bit with the Athletics, he was solid during his short stint with the Cubs last year. In five appearances, he went 1-0, recording a 2.08 ERA and a 0.54 WHIP with one save. He also gave Chicago 4.1 innings in the postseason, allowing three hits but no runs.

The Cubs need depth on the mound heading into the second half of the season, given all of the injuries they're dealing with. Jameson Taillon, Edward Cabrera, Daniel Palencia, Ben Brown, Justin Steele, Ethan Roberts, Riley Martin and Hunter Harvey are all currently on Chicago's injured list.

Considering they didn't have to give up much for him, the addition of Civale is a wise choice from the Cubs.