Chicago Cubs: Examining the trade market for possible pitching help

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The Chicago Cubs’ pitching has been substantially worse this season compared to last. A trade could bolster the staff, but who should they target?

It’s no secret that the Chicago Cubs‘ pitching staff is struggling. Their collective ERA is 4.11, a far cry from their 2.67 number at this point a year ago. The starting staff, in particular, has taken a nosedive, with nearly every member doing worse than they were a season ago.

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The fifth spot in the rotation has been a thorn in their side as well, with Brett Anderson and Eddie Butler trading bad outing after bad outing. It’s apparent that something needs to be done if they want to get back to the World Series, and acquiring an arm at the deadline may be just what they need.

But who should they go after? We’ve got five pitchers that we think could help bolster the staff. But at what cost would each of them come at? That’s the question many will wonder as they try to piece together what they need.

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Alex Cobb

Alex Cobb has been an above average pitcher when healthy – keyword healthy. The 29-year-old has missed parts of four seasons with various ailments, but there’s no denying his talent.

There are various reasons why Cobb would be a great fit with the Cubs. He wouldn’t cost a über prospect in exchange for his services for one, and he’s having a good season. Perhaps the best reason why the Cubs should try to acquire him would be his contract.

Cobb will be a free agent after this season, but it’s unlikely he’d command a big deal. After all, he has been hurt a number of times throughout his career, so there won’t be too much incentive to give him a lengthy deal.

If the Cubs do acquire him and he performs well, then all the more reason to keep him, especially since the team needs pitching help next season anyway.

Chris Archer

Another Ray makes our list, but their two different cases. Whereas it’s hard to tell what Cobb will be moving forward, we know what Chris Archer brings to the table: above average stuff with flashes of brilliance now and then.

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Rumors have been swirling that Archer and the Cubs would be an ideal fit and it’s hard to disagree. He would undoubtedly make the staff better, and the best part is he won’t be a free agent until at least the end of the 2019 season.

With that being said, it’ll take quite the haul to land his services. His numbers don’t necessarily match up with the cost. However, it would be worth it not only for this season but moving forward as well.

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Sonny Gray

Like Archer, Sonny Gray has been linked to the Cubs. And also like Archer, he had a down 2016 that saw his stock fall. Nonetheless, Gray would make the rotation significantly better.

A change of scenery can go a long way for a pitcher; just ask Jake Arrieta. Playing for a team like the Cubs who, even when playing below their potential, are better than the A’s could help Gray as he would be with a winning organization rather than a losing one.

He’s having a somewhat decent season and won’t be a free agent until after the 2019 season. He’ll likely require a large haul to get, but the results could be worthwhile.

Jacob deGrom

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Ok now hear me out. Do I think the Mets, who probably aren’t going to make the postseason, would try to trade one of their best young pitchers? No. But do I think that they would if the offer was too good to be true? Yes.

The Cubs have all the prospects and young players necessary to pull off ANY deal. Being that the Mets are one of the older teams position-player wise, trading with the Cubs, who need young starting pitching, makes perfect sense.

The Cubs would have to overpay to get Jacob deGrom. That’s how it works if you want to get a player a team isn’t actively trying to trade. But if any team could do it, it’s the Cubs.

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Yu Darvish

Now, this would be quite the get for the Cubs. Being that Yu Darvish is a free agent after this season, it would signal that they’re going for a repeat championship.

It would also require a massive amount of players to make it happen. Darvish may have an injury history, but when he’s on, he’s one of the best pitchers in the game and is having a great season thus far. Plus the Rangers are probably going to be sellers at the deadline.

Getting Darvish would make quite the splash. If the Cubs can pull it off and make the postseason, then they’ll most definitely be the favorites again. Theo Epstein remains quiet on his plans at the deadline. So chances are we won’t know what he’s trying to do until it’s finally done.

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