Injuries have thinly stretched the Cubs’ starting staff early this season. Star right-hander Matthew Boyd is expected back on the mound on April 22 after a minor setback, but Cade Horton is out for the year following elbow surgery. Despite the early adversity, Chicago has found some momentum, winning seven of its last 10 to stay within reach of the NL Central lead.
Free-agent acquisition Lucas Giolito has been a potential target to fill Horton’s vacancy, but he has not signed with any club yet. If Giolito signs elsewhere, the Cubs could pivot to a substantial trade. ESPN’s David Schoenfield has floated the idea that Chicago could dangle Rojas as part of a deal to bring in a proven pitcher.
Rojas sits among the Cubs’ top prospects, ranked fourth in the organization. The 16-year-old Dominican-born infielder has shown promise in the minors, currently hitting .294 with a .969 OPS and 11 RBIs in 10 games at AA Knoxville. While primarily a shortstop, he has also handled second and third base, though the infield is otherwise well-established for Chicago.
The Cubs appear prepared to take a patient, measured approach to trades this season. GM Carter Hawkins has indicated it’s still early to swing a major deal, even as they manage Horton’s absence and monitor rotation needs. With Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and a new contract for Alex Bregman shaping Chicago’s infield, any move would need to fit a broader, long-term plan — a context in which Robbie Ray of the Giants has been discussed as a potential target rather than a rushed decision.
