Chicago Cubs Add Valuable Rotation Depth by Reacquiring Aaron Civale

Matt Brown
Chicago Cubs Jaxon Higgins

The Chicago Cubs didn’t wait until the trade deadline to address one of their biggest needs.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs have acquired veteran right-hander Aaron Civale from the Athletics in exchange for pitching prospect Aiden Moffett. While Civale isn’t the splashiest name available, he fills an important need for a Cubs team that has been hit hard by injuries.

The Chicago Cubs Needed Rotation Help

May 25, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
May 25, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Chicago’s pitching staff has been stretched thin throughout the season. With several starters and relievers currently on the injured list, the Cubs simply needed another arm capable of eating innings and making starts. Civale may not be an ace, but he’s an experienced veteran with nearly a decade of major league experience.

Adding that type of stability is exactly what contenders should be doing this time of year.

A Familiar Face Returns To Chicago

This isn’t Civale’s first stint with the Cubs. He spent time in Chicago last season after being acquired from the Brewers and quietly pitched well. In five appearances, Civale posted a 2.08 ERA with an impressive 0.54 WHIP while also contributing scoreless innings during the postseason.

That familiarity should help make this transition much smoother than bringing in a completely new pitcher.

The Cost Was Minimal

Perhaps the biggest positive from this deal is what the Cubs didn’t have to give up. Chicago only parted with right-handed pitching prospect Aiden Moffett to acquire Civale after the Athletics designated the veteran for assignment earlier this week.

For a team looking to improve without sacrificing its top prospects, this represents a low-risk move with legitimate upside.

Civale Has Something To Prove

There’s no sugarcoating Civale’s numbers this season. He enters Chicago with a 5.42 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP in 16 appearances with the Athletics. Those aren’t the numbers of a frontline starter.

However, a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. The Cubs have already seen Civale succeed in their organization, and pitching for a contender often brings out the best in veteran players looking to revive their value.

If he can provide quality innings while the Cubs wait for injured pitchers to return, this trade will look like a smart piece of business.

It may not dominate headlines, but adding Aaron Civale gives Chicago much-needed depth as the playoff race begins to heat up.

Matt is one of the owners at Total Apex Media. He is an avid sports & pop culture fan who has been writing for various outlets over the past four years.