The third full week of the 2025 MLB season is here, and the early campaign has already seen its fair share of injuries. The Philadelphia Phillies have been fortunate to avoid any major injuries so far, as most of their sidelined players have been on the injured list since before Opening Day.
Having said that, the Chicago Cubs are the latest club to be bitten by the injury bug. The Cubs announced on Sunday that ace Justin Steele will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after he undergoes elbow surgery later this week.
REPORT: Justin Steele will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his left elbow, per @PJ_Mooney. pic.twitter.com/ZqNswanG7u
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 13, 2025
As the saying goes, though, one door opens when another closes. While Steele's injury is bad news for the Cubs, it's officially created the perfect trade opportunity for the Phillies.
Phillies Must Trade a Pitcher to the Cubs Following Justin Steele's Injury News
It's a no-brainer that the Phillies should take advantage of Steele's injury by trying to strike a trade with the Cubs. Philadelphia boasts one of the deeper rotations in the Majors, and it would be foolish if the club didn't use its embarrassment of riches to pry a prospect or two away from Chicago.
The quartet of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo aren't going anywhere, however, that wouldn't stop the Phillies from dangling one of Taijuan Walker or Ranger Suarez in front of the Cubs.
After all, Walker's stock likely has never been higher amid a surprise bounce-back performance this spring. The 32-year-old right-handed pitcher has exceeded all expectations by pitching 10 2/3 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts and only eight hits allowed in his first two starts. As good as he's been, the Phillies might try to move the former All-Star before Suarez returns from the IL.
Speaking of Suarez, the 29-year-old southpaw was supposed to be the fifth man in the Phillies' rotation before lower-back soreness delayed his 2025 debut. If Philadelphia wants to keep Walker, they could offer Suarez to Chicago to capitalize on the 2024 All-Star performance that saw him go 12-8 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.201 WHIP across 27 outings.
The Phillies could also offer the Cubs a minor-league hurler, such as Nabil Crismatt.
The Colombian righty played well for Philadelphia in spring training and has since pitched to a 3.60 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 15 innings in three starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Crismatt has only made one start in 114 MLB appearances, however, his success in the minors could see that change.
The Cubs also have several prospects that the Phillies might be interested in. While a trade might not land one of Chicago's best up-and-comers, Philadelphia could try to land someone like the 23-year-old RHP Jaxon Wiggins (No. 10) or even versatile outfield/infield prospect Jonathon Long (No. 13).
Currently holding the NL Central lead, the Cubs will likely want to add a pitcher to fill in for Steeler sooner rather than later. That's why the Phillies can't hesitate to send one of their excess pitchers to Chicago if it means getting a promising prospect back in return.