No surprise here: the Chicago Cubs are exploring trades to bolster their starting rotation. But who will Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer chase in the coming weeks before the deadline?
Trade rumors have linked the Cubs to nearly every capable starting pitcher that's expected to hit the market by July 31. FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reported over the weekend that Chicago has had "more talks about acquiring starting pitching than they have position players."
As we've noted in previous articles, the Cubs are looking for a starter with two or three years of control, or at least someone they can have under contract through 2016. Morosi further confirmed that and provided some insight in terms of whom they might go after.
"If they're going to play on a big name, Cole Hamels (signed to a long-term contract) makes more sense than Johnny Cueto (pending free agent)," Morosi wrote.
"The Cubs hope to acquire a frontline starting pitcher between now and Opening Day 2016, anyway. Trading for Hamels would enable Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer & Co. to check off a major item from their offseason shopping list. With a two-month rental, they would need to start from scratch in the intense bidding for free agent David Price (whom they are known to covet)."
Trading for Hamels was once viewed as a burden because the demands of Philadelphia Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro. However, the Phillies recently announced a changeover in their front office with Andy MacPhail taking over as team president next season in favor of Pat Gillick. This has further spurred rumors that Amaro, whose contract expires after the season, may not remain with the Phillies beyond 2015.
MacPhail will join the Phillies' organization as a consultant in the meantime, so it's possible he begins instilling his philosophy this season, which could influence the way the team handles trading Hamels. It was previously suggested the Phillies may have discussed waiting until the offseason to trade the coveted left-hander, but perhaps the Cubs can provide a package they can't refuse before the deadline.
Whatever the case, the Cubs are not revealing their hand at the moment. In fact, Epstein recently indicated big moves might not be coming for the Cubs in the next few weeks.
"...if you look at the history of teams that go on and play in the World Series, very rarely is it (because of a) deadline deal," he told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. "We know what we'd like to do, but we're realistic about what we might be able to do."
Well, the Cubs can pretty much do anything. They lack starting pitching talent in their farm system, but they have other resources they can move and possess plenty of money to absorb a contract such as Hamels'.
It's going to be hard for the Cubs to be picky because what they want is not easy to get. There aren't many established pitchers under club control for two-to-three for more seasons, and the few that are available will not be cheap.
If they deem the price too steep for these players or simply can't work out a deal for one before the deadline, be on the lookout for impending free agents such as Jordan Zimmermann, Scott Kazmir, Ian Kennedy and others.
Chicago could change their plans at the last minute.
