The Chicago Cubs have officially acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations from the Oakland Athletics. The team announced the deal following their 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. In exchange, the Cubs sent minor league right-handed pitcher Aiden Moffett to the Athletics. This move marks the second time Civale has joined the Cubs organization. The 31-year-old previously spent time with the team late in the 2025 season after being claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on August 31, 2025.
A Return to Chicago
Civale’s initial tenure with the Cubs was brief but productive. During the final month of the 2025 season, he made five relief appearances for Chicago, recording a 1-0 record with one save and a 2.08 ERA across 13 innings. He also contributed to the team’s postseason effort, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. The veteran hurler’s 2026 campaign with the Athletics proved more difficult. After signing a one-year, $6 million deal with Oakland in the winter, Civale struggled to a 5-7 record and a 5.42 ERA in 16 appearances, 15 of which were starts. The Athletics designated him for assignment this past Wednesday, clearing a spot on their roster before finalizing the trade.
Addressing a Depleted Rotation
The acquisition comes as the Cubs navigate a significant injury crisis within their pitching staff. The team is currently missing several key contributors from its rotation, including Justin Steele (elbow), Jameson Taillon (hamstring), Ben Brown (neck), and Edward Cabrera (hamstring/abductor). Additionally, Cade Horton is out for the remainder of the season following Tommy John surgery. Beyond the starting rotation, the Cubs have faced a host of injuries in their bullpen. While the exact role for Civale remains to be seen, his ability to provide innings is viewed as a necessary addition for a team looking to remain competitive in the second half of the season. Chicago entered the weekend with a 55-43 overall record, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.
The Prospect Heading to Oakland
In return for the veteran arm and cash, the Athletics received 22-year-old right-hander Aiden Moffett. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia last summer, Moffett has split his 2026 season between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Myrtle Beach. While Moffett has demonstrated an ability to generate strikeouts—averaging more than one per inning—he has struggled with command. In 17 appearances this season, he has recorded a 9.67 ERA and issued 42 walks over 22 1/3 innings, resulting in a 34.1% walk rate.
Civale’s Career Path
Civale is an eight-year major league veteran who has played for six different teams. Since leaving Cleveland in 2023, he has been a frequent trade candidate, moving between the Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Cubs, and most recently, the Athletics. Throughout his career, Civale has compiled a 48-51 record with a 4.26 ERA. As the Cubs look to stabilize their roster for the final stretch of the season, they are banking on the veteran to provide the stability he displayed during his previous stint in Chicago.
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