Chicago Cubs Rumors: Putting together a trade with the Baltimore Orioles

Everyone wants pitching

With the interest of the Orioles being pitching and a middle infielder, the Cubs have one but not the other. Trading one of the young stars–in this case, Russell–you’re alleviating one issue for the Orioles. But the O’s want pitching, as well. And that’s a place that the Cubs don’t have as much to offer.

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But if we stretch the possibility of what the Cubs and O’s might do, there’s potential here for a deal. Specifically, Kevin Gausman or Zach Britton. Gausman has been a reliable arm but has struggled to reach the potential the O’s feel he has.

Under Control

But the one thing Gausman has is that he’s under team control until 2020. This is something that the Cubs have been working on recently. They currently have four starters under control until 2020, and that doesn’t include swingman Mike Montgomery.

Britton has been on the Cubs’ radar for some time, now. He’s set to test free agency after this season, so he and Machado could be a one-and-done combo. The Cubs could still use a closer this season, although Brandon Morrow is expected the fill the role unless the Cubs add someone else before Spring Training.