Chicago Cubs news and notes — Kelly, Happ, Milner

TL;DR

The Chicago Cubs are facing injury challenges and trade rumors as the season progresses. Comparisons between the 2016 and 2026 teams are being discussed, highlighting both offensive and pitching aspects.

Key points

Cubs facing injury challenges
Trade rumors circulating
Comparison between 2016 and 2026 teams
Ten possible trade targets identified
Glenallen Hill's recent incident

Mentioned in this story

Glenallen Hill

Chicago Cubs

Today’s Reflections

Today, a lot of varied topics and varied fervor are here in Cub Tracks: From the latest injury news and fears, to rumors of needed trades, to comparing the 2026 and the 2016 Cubs (WAY to early for that, but a fun exercise) to Glenallen Hill checking out the apartment building across the street the HARD way.

The injury replacements are getting injured themselves. The trade deadline is many moons away, but 1) the Cubs can’t wait until August 3 (which sounds a lot farther away than July 31 was), and 2) the Athletic lists TEN possible targets (again, a fun exercise, but, wow). With just a scan of the 2016/26 comparison, there may be a point on offense, but I didn’t even look at the pitching comparisons. I did look at the verdict and agreed straight down the line.

And Glenallen, that swing still scares me. I’m sure it’s the shortest swing for a 500-foot homerun ever. So enjoy the fun and not so fun.

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Paul Niemiec (North Side Baseball): How Do the Hot-Starting 2026 Cubs Match Up with the 2016 Version? “This is as strong a start as the Cubs have enjoyed since their World Series year. But can this team hold a candle to that one?”
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Was Edward Cabrera’s Last Start Canary in Coalmine or Rock Bottom? “Two of those hits left the yard, which has now been the case for Cabrera in three of his last four starts. That’s what happens when your stuff isn’t as sharp. The curveball has lost just over four inches of horizontal movement and nearly four of vertical drop from last season.”