The Chicago Cubs have acquired right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale from the Oakland Athletics, adding depth to their rotation ahead of the trade deadline. The Cubs sent cash considerations and minor league pitcher Aiden Moffett to the Athletics in exchange for Civale.
Civale, 31, has had a challenging season with the Athletics since signing a one-year contract in February. He currently holds a 5-7 record with a 5.42 earned run average and 58 strikeouts over 74⅔ innings pitched in 16 games. Although he started the season strong with a 3.23 ERA through his first six starts in March and April, his performance declined, leading the Athletics to designate him for assignment on Wednesday.
This acquisition marks a return to the Cubs for Civale, who was claimed off waivers by the organization nearly a year ago. During his previous stint with Chicago in 2025, he posted a 2.08 ERA in five relief appearances and threw 4⅓ scoreless innings in the postseason for the team.
The Cubs currently sit six games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central standings and hold the NL's top wild-card spot. Civale's addition addresses a significant need for the team, which has a dozen players on the injured list, including pitchers. Starting pitchers Jameson Taillon and Edward Cabrera are nearing their return, and ace Justin Steele, sidelined since April 7, 2025, is expected to begin throwing off a mound in August.
"The hope is that guys can start getting healthy and trickling back, and we can keep getting good news on guys," Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Friday, according to MLB.com. "It’d be great to be in that position."
Chicago previously acquired left-handed pitcher David Peterson from the Mets, who has recorded an 8.16 ERA in three starts for the Cubs this season.