Cubs Rumors: New top five likeliest trade targets for Chicago

May 5, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Mat Latos (35) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Mat Latos – Miami Marlins

After emerging as a quality big league starter with the Reds over the past few seasons, the right-hander Latos has taken a major step backwards this year – his first in Miami.

Latos, still not yet 30 years of age, has a 3.43 career earned run average in just over 1,000 innings of work. He’s pitched to a near-identical 3.40 FIP and has won at least 10 games on three separate occasions.

Under contract through just this season, Latos could look to re-establish value in the season’s second-half and in Chicago, he would have the opportunity to do just that as a back-end member of the Cubs rotation.

In his Major League career, Latos has shown his ability to work effectively. This season has been the outlier in terms of his performance and if the Marlins don’t trade the righty, I’d be rather surprised.

Next: Tyson Ross