Cubs Rumors: New top five likeliest trade targets for Chicago

Jun 24, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake (44) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Leake – Cincinnati Reds

After teammate Johnny Cueto was dealt to the Kansas City Royals this weekend, Leake appears amongst the next dominoes to fall in the Reds’ impending rebuild.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported last week that Chicago ‘liked’ Leake, who has dominated the Cubs throughout his big league career, going 9-2 in 19 starts against them.

Outside of wanting to make sure they don’t have to face him down the stretch, Leake is a guy who should come with a relatively reasonable price tag, unlike names like Hamels and the Tigers’ David Price.

Leake has pitched to a 3.78 ERA, 3.94 FIP and 1.181 WHIP this year for Cincinnati and, although he’s yet-another rental on the market, he could be more attractive to Chicago given he won’t demand a return involving top talent.

The back end of the Cubs rotation has been a major issue this season, despite the fine work turned in by the trio of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Jason Hammel. Adding someone like Leake would be a great step toward remedying that situation.

Next: Gerardo Parra