Chicago Cubs Rumors: Is team looking to buy low on O’s Zach Britton?

Looking for pitching depth and to perhaps build an elite bullpen for October, the Chicago Cubs could look to buy low on Baltimore eft-hander Zach Britton.

The Chicago Cubs cruise into the All-Star Break riding high. On Sunday afternoon, Chicago completed a three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres, extending their lead in the National League Central to 2 1/2 games. The team not only leads the division, but boasts the best record in the entire National League.

Still, the team is not without its shortcomings. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant haven’t played up to expectations, at least offensively. Tyler Chatwood is as unstable as they come at the back end of the rotation. Meanwhile, Yu Darvish gave the Cubs a whopping 40 total innings in the first half and the bullpen has been heavily relied upon – to the point depth could be necessary.

Jed Hoyer told reporters recently that, regardless of what happens with Darvish, his team will focus on pitching in the coming weeks. Whether that’s in the form of another starting pitcher or a reliever is anybody’s guess. But if the team focuses on bullpen pieces, they might start with a semi-familiar trade partner.