Chicago Cubs Rumors: If Sonny Gray goes to the Yankees, how are Cubs affected?

A crushing blow to the Brew Crew?

Entering Wednesday night, Milwaukee starting pitching ranked fifth in the league in earned run average. Chicago followed close behind at sixth, but the two are separated by a wide margin (4.40 to 4.03).

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But, after the Cubs added Quintana, things look different. Since the All-Star Break, the Chicago pitching staff owns a 3.36 ERA – and the starting staff has been even better. Jake Arrieta looks dominant, Jon Lester rebounded from a rocky first half and even John Lackey eats innings (and limits the long-ball).

With their division lead down to near-nothing, Milwaukee has to match the Cubs’ move. At least, you’d think so.

Gray and Milwaukee were connected earlier this month – and adding an ace to the mix may very well give the Brewers what they need to compete with the Cubs. The right-hander owns a 3.43 ERA in 16 starts for Oakland this year, as he’s rebounded from the worst year of his career last season.

If the Yankees indeed land Gray and Yonder Alonso, Milwaukee will have to turn their attention elsewhere.