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.

Chicago Cubs: Remember the Jake Arrieta trade?

Everyone remembers the Jake Arrieta deal. Who am I kidding. The Cubs gave up next to nothing in exchange for eventual an Cy Young winner and one of the best shutdown relievers in the game. Although Arrieta has since moved on, Pedro Strop remains as a reminder to the Orioles’ front office.

Since joining the Cubs, Strop never put up an earned run average higher than 2.91. His swing-and-miss stuff quickly made him one of Chicago’s most lethal weapons in the bullpen. This season? No exception.

The right-hander enters the All-Star Break with a 2.35 ERA and 2.91 FIP across 38 1/3 innings of work. He’s cut down his walks and maintained his strikeout abilities, making him a key stabilizer for manager Joe Maddon’s bullpen.

Despite what people say about him (and if you criticize someone for how they wear a hat, quit reading now because I have nothing more to say to you), he’s one of the most reliable arms in the league – and has been for the last half decade.

So, make no mistake. Baltimore hasn’t forgotten this deal and the subsequent consequences. But would this trade impact a Cubs-Orioles deal in the coming weeks? Probably not. I suspect the O’s will dot their ‘i’s and cross their ‘t’s in any talks with Theo and Jed, though.

Chicago Cubs: Following the course of the Royals, Astros?

When the Kansas City Royals won the World Series three years ago, they did so on the back of one of the best postseason bullpens ever. Which, if you’ll remember, was anchored by last year’s Cubs closer Wade Davis.

As the Houston Astros seek a second consecutive title, a task in which the Cubs came up short last year, a similar thought seems to have crossed their minds. Dating back to last year, Houston has maintained a strong interest in the left-hander – which continues to this day. In fact, the Astros represent the Cubs’ biggest opponent should they choose to pursue Britton in the next few weeks.

Next: Make no mistake, the Cubs are the best of the best

Regardless, we know Chicago will likely add pitching – in some variety. With Cubs starters eating fewer innings than in years past, perhaps allowing Mike Montgomery to serve as a sixth starter and shoring up the bullpen would do more than dealing for a starter.