2 trade rumors Cubs fans hope come true, 2 they hope don't

The Chicago Cubs are expected to be one of the more aggressive teams at the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, and they could also be among the most active. It's clear that the Cubs will add a starting pitcher before the deadline, but there's also a belief that they will look to add another high-leverage arm to their bullpen, and another bat for their bench.

Rumors will be running rampant for the Cubs between now and the deadline, and with that, comes some dread, as not every whisper is worthy of getting fans excited.

2 trade rumors Cubs fans hope come true

• The Cubs will add a cost-controlled ace to their starting rotation

It would seem that the Cubs are being strategic with the starting pitchers they are targeting ahead of the deadline. While the Cubs have been connected to rentals, it seems that their preference is to add a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher who is also under contract beyond this season. That would be a major win for the Cubs as not only are they boosting their chances for the rest of this season, they would also be crossing off a major item from their shopping list this offseason.

• The Cubs will add a high-leverage relief pitcher

Daniel Palencia remains a major success story for the Chicago Cubs' bullpen, but it appears that the other shoe is about to drop for Drew Pomeranz and Chris Flexen. Pomeranz and Flexen pitched above their metrics during the first half of the season, and luck shouldn't be something the Cubs count on moving forward. It doesn't have to be Emmanuel Clase, but another high-leverage relief pitcher would be a great addition for the front office.

2 trade rumors Cubs fans hope doesn't come true

• Ke'Bryan Hayes replaces Matt Shaw at third base

One inexplicable rumor for the Cubs has been that they are showing interest in Pittsburgh Pirates' third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes. Given the contract and offensive struggles, it doesn't make sense that the Cubs would view Hayes as a replacement for Matt Shaw in the starting lineup. Shaw has shown offensive progression since the All-Star break, and that should end any talk of Hayes being an option.

• Financial reasons could prevent a major deadline move

It was a throwaway line by Jeff Passan while he connected the Cubs to MacKenzie Gore, but he mentioned that the Cubs have a "propensity to play things safe amid budgetary constraints". After the Cubs ended the offseason holding onto nearly $30MM saved from trading Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, and making an uncompetitive offer to Alex Bregman, money can not be the reason why the Cubs don't make a major move at the deadline.

More Cubs Rumors from Cubbies Crib