Cubs Rumors: Five pitchers the Cubs could target at the deadline

Miami Marlin – Dan Haren – Free agent after this season: 7-5, 3.46 ERA, 81 K’s, 117 IP

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013, the Cubs tried to trade Carlos Marmol to the Angels for Dan Haren. It looked like a done deal. And then the trade fell through. The misery we could have avoided. Now the Cubs may try again to land Haren, who at the time was sold on coming to Chicago. That wasn’t a good time for the Cubs then, so imagine what he might think about pitching in Chicago now.

Haren might not be the same pitcher he was then, now with a few more innings on his arm. But if we’re strictly speaking as an upgrade for the fifth starter? This is a winner. Miami isn’t very good, and he’s managed to post a winning record with an ERA under 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.085. He doesn’t strike batters out like some of the other possibilities, but he wouldn’t need to.

The Cubs aren’t looking for an ace, just a reliable number five to eat innings and get outs. Haren can provide just that as he keeps the ball in play with a Cubs defense that hasn’t been atrocious. Not great, but satisfactory. Hopefully, Haren hasn’t forgotten the thought of pitching in Wrigley, but this time for a contender, not the 101 loss team he almost was part of.

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