MLB trade deadline: Cubs reportedly acquire starter Braxton Garrett from Marlins

The Chicago Cubs had a clear strategy at the 2026 MLB trade deadline: Grab starting pitching. A day after the team brought in veteran Kevin Gausman, the Cubs have also traded for Miami Marlinsstarter Braxton Garrett, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Garrett, 28, has spent the majority of the 2026 MLB season in the minors. He’s been excellent at Triple-A this season, with a 2.90 ERA over 77 2/3 innings.

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring left-hander Braxton Garrett in a trade with the Miami Marlins, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 3, 2026

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Garrett, a lefty, was a top-100 prospect all the way back in 2017. He eventually reached the majors in 2020 and — after a few middling years — turned in a promising 2022, posting a 3.58 ERA over 17 starts. He came back in 2023 with another strong year, posting a 3.66 ERA over 30 starts.

Injuries wrecked Garrett’s 2025 season. He made just seven starts, posting a 5.35 ERA before going down with an elbow issue.

He returned to action in 2026 and — despite performing well in the minors — face-planted in two major-league starts with the Marlins in May. He lasted just 1 1/3 innings in his first start with Miami in 2026, giving up five runs. In his next outing, he gave up two runs over three innings.

Since then, the Marlins have opted for other starters over Garrett when injuries have struck the rotation, a sign Garrett may have fallen out of favor with the organization.

He should get a fresh start, and an opportunity to pitch in the majors again, with the Cubs.