Chicago Cubs Should Look At This NL Central Rival After Shane Bieber’s Injury

The Chicago Cubs should pivot to a rival starting pitcher after Shane Bieber's injury.

Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches to Seattle Mariners right fielder Mitch Haniger (17) in the first inning at American Family Field. / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs' 5-3 record has them off on the right foot after starting the season with two of their first three series against arguably two of the best teams in baseball. With matchups against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers, the Cubs' early efforts has them sitting in a great spot.

One concern hit Chicago in the first game of the season as they lost Justin Steele for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury. Steele, the ace of this team, will be tough to replace. However, there are options who might hit the market and could help this rotation.

Even when he returns, the rotation is one injury away from being an issue, so it's something the front office should look to fix.

Shane Bieber was a potential trade candidate and the Cubs were viewed as a possible landing spot. It was announced on Saturday that Bieber will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the season.

Pivoting off the idea that Chicago needs a starting pitcher, a top-of-the-rotation guy from the Milwaukee Brewers might end up being the best option for them as the trade deadline approaches over the next few months.

Freddy Peralta is a name to look out for given the Brewers' expectations to struggle this season. The 27-year-old knows the National League Central better than anyone, so that'd be an added benefit too.

When at his best, Cubs fans know what Peralta brings.

The right-hander was an All-Star in 2021 and struck out 210 hitters in 165 2/3 innings pitched in 2023. Milwaukee might not want to trade with Chicago, but the Cubs have the pieces for a trade and that always helps.