Chicago Cubs Rumors: Your midday MLB Trade Deadline update

There are mere hours until this year’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline hits. The Chicago Cubs kicked off the day, completing a deal for Justin Wilson and Alex Avila. What dominoes will fall before the day ends?

Late Sunday night, multiple outlets reported the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers had completed a big deal ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Monday morning, the clubs confirmed the deal. Left-hander Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila come to Chicago in exchange for Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and a PTBNL or cash.

But there are plenty of other teams still looking for that right deal. The Cleveland Indians could be close to assembling one of the most lethal bullpens in baseball history. In the east, the New York Yankees are ‘pushing hard’ for Athletics’ ace Sonny Gray.

And, never to be overlooked, the white-hot Los Angeles Dodgers are sure to make a splash before the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

It seems likely the Cubs are done after their deal this morning, but Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer can’t ever be counted out on deadline day. Another arm is a possibility, but keeping the big-league core intact seems to be the front office’s primary focus.

Here are some other scenarios to keep an eye on in the final hours before the deadline.

Miller-Britton-Allen?

En route to a World Series berth in 2016, the Cleveland Indians boasted a lethal set of late-inning relievers. Headlined by the likes of Andrew Miller and Cody Allen, the Tribe seemed set at the back end of ballgames.

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But, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland is “pushing hard” for Orioles closer Zach Britton. They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the southpaw, though. The Dodgers and Astros are also reportedly targeting the O’s ninth-inning man – and for good reason.

We’ve seen the trend of assembling lights-out bullpens pay off in recent years. The Kansas City Royals started the trend during their run atop the baseball world. The Cubs got in on the idea with the Aroldis Chapman trade last summer. Now, the Indians seem ready to take the idea to a whole new level.

Injury concerns?

Entering the season, one could make a solid case that Britton ranked as the best closer in baseball. But after missing a good chunk of the season with a forearm injury, question marks linger now. Still, the lefty owns a 2.83 FIP this year – and has not finished a season with an ERA north of 2.00 since 2013.

The Orioles are still seeking a blue-chip prospect. Will the injury from earlier this season derail contenders from betting big on Britton or is he poised to help a club win it all come October?

Red Sox adding for a postseason push

Already boasting one of the best closers in baseball in Craig Kimbrel, the Boston Red Sox reportedly acquired Addison Reed (pending medicals) from the New York Mets Monday morning.

Reed, just 28 years of age, is a rental himself. But he’s been lights-out for the Mets since joining New York, pitching to a 2.09 ERA in 145 appearances. In a late-inning role, he helps smooth the transition to the ninth for the Red Sox, who are locked in a battle with the rival Yankees for the top spot in the East.

Heading to the Mets, a team that doesn’t seem to know whether they’re selling or buying, but clearly focusing on 2018, are a trio of prospects. According to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com and Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, Gerson Bautista, a pair of right-handers, and reliever Stephen Nogosek are headed to New York.

The move, at least on the Red Sox’ behalf, makes a ton of sense. Competing with the likes of Betances and Chapman in the Bronx, Boston now has another quality arm in the mix in the late innings.

As for the Mets, getting three arms for a rental reliever in a season in which you’re not making the postseason – it’s about as good as you can hope for.

Houston focused on arms

After bolstering the Blue Jays’ rotation last year in a deadline deal, Francisco Liriano has struggle mightily in 2017. His earned run average sits north of 5.50 and he’s allowing almost 10 hits per nine innings pitched.

Still, it was just last year he showed how effective he can be. Cubs fans will no-doubt remember him from his time with the Pirates, where he spent four years in the rotation. Now, though, the Houston Astros are reportedly nearing a deal to bring him to Texas – where he would pitch as a reliever.

Houston, of course, has been linked to Yu Darvish, Sonny Gray and Justin Verlander for over a week now. They were also reportedly in on Jose Quintana before Chicago landed the southpaw earlier this month.

Given they plan to use Liriano out of the pen, this move doesn’t seem to rule out Houston from talks for the above arms. They clearly want (and need) to add another starting pitcher to pair up with Dallas Kuechel and Lance McCullers – and a top-tier arm may very well make them the favorites to win the pennant in the American League.

Verlander staying put after all

For a good long while, it looked like Justin Verlander would be a Cub – somehow.

Chicago Cubs

But the two sides couldn’t iron out a deal – and instead, Chicago added Avila and Wilson from the Tigers. It appears, though, as if no other clubs could come to terms with a deal for the right-hander either, as multiple outlets report he will stay with the team this year.

As of Monday morning, according to Jon Morosi, no talks involving Verlander were active. Given he has a full no-trade clause, this sure makes it seem like the veteran will be spending at least the next few months in Detroit.

Given his contract and work load over his career), asking for salary relief and top prospects seemed like a lot. I mentioned this last week and we covered the rumors pretty extensively, going so far as to say it would be a terrible move for the Cubs.

That’s far from saying he has nothing left, though. If the Tigers are willing to level out their asking price and find more balance, he could give a boost to a starting rotation. He’s yet to hit 35 and may be one of the most highly sought-after arms of the winter.

But, for now, he’s staying put in the Motor City.

Next: Cubs complete deal for Wilson, Avila from Tigers