​Cubs’ biggest trade deadline need revealed amid Ben Brown problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Chicago Cubs are in second place in the National League Central following the All-Star break.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere’s still a solid chance to win the division, but the Cubs are likely to secure one of the three NL Wild Card spots if they make the postseason.Chicago’s front office has one glaring need at the upcoming trade deadline, writes Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller.”The Cubs have one pitcher who has been worth more than 1.0 WAR according to Baseball-Reference or FanGraphs, and that one pitcher—swingman Ben Brown—has been on the IL for a month with a stress reaction in his neck,” Miller wrote. “Starters. Closers. Middle relievers. The Cubs could use ’em all.”Even with Brown on the IL, other Cubs starters have not been able to pick up the slack.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt the beginning of the year, practically no one would have guessed that the right-hander would be the first to reach 1.0 WAR for Chicago.Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, Cade Horton (out for the season), Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon have all spent time on the IL in 2026.Shota Imanaga has been healthy, making 19 starts with mixed results.MORE: How Jordan Walker overcame the bust labelThe Cubs could be players for potentially available arms like Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta.Or, they could target a veteran arm like Michael Wacha for the rotation. That’s without mentioning their bullpen situation.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWithout a doubt, more pitchers are needed for Chicago.Rintaro Sasaki has a big choice to make between MLB and NPBCC Sabathia’s son gets drafted by one of his former teamsAfter 9 years in the minor leagues, a magical moment for Tigers catcherHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroBarry Bonds’ nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft