Cubs could battle crosstown rival in trade talks for All-Star Mets starter

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The Chicago Cubs have gotten hot once again, as their offense, led by a historic last few games from Dansby Swanson, has come alive.

But the Cubs are still very much in need of more help by the upcoming MLB trade deadline in a little over a month. Specifically, they need pitching help, especially in the rotation.

ESPN's David Schoenfield is urging the Cubs to trade for New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, but he did the same for the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs could end up in a bidding war against their crosstown rivals for Peralta this summer.

Cubs could end up in a bidding war with White Sox for Mets' Freddy Peralta

"Chicago White Sox/Chicago Cubs: Trade for Peralta," Schoenfield writes. "... As a result, the White Sox are last in innings pitched from their starters. They need another one. ...The Cubs have run hot and cold all season... so another seasoned starter is key."

The Cubs have a rotation issue, with some of their starters dealing with injuries (like Edward Cabrera, Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton), while others are struggling when they are on the mound.

Looking over this Cubs pitching staff, it's clear they need to add a frontline starter if they can. While Peralta might not be a Tarik Skubal-level ace, he's a better trade option than some of the other rentals out there.

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But, in trying to trade for Peralta, there's bound to be plenty of other suitors, potentially the crosstown rival White Sox as well. Even with his 4.81 ERA this season, Peralta is one of the best starters available.

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs should look to land the best starter they can this summer, as this elite defense and offense capable of running extremely hot has this team just better pitching away from being legitimate World Series contenders.

With both Chicago clubs looking to add starting pitching help this summer, the two teams might end up in a bidding war for Peralta, as the other starting pitching options on the market aren't the best outside of Peralta and Skubal.