Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team still focusing on arms as deadline nears

With just hours till the non-waiver trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs are yet to pull the trigger on a deal, despite being linked to several major players.

When July 31 rolls around, never sleep on Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs.

Last season, Chicago sent top prospect Jeimer Candelario, Issac Paredes and a player to be named later to the Detroit Tigers. In return, they brought in left-hander Justin Wilson and veteran backstop Alex Avila.

Less than a week ahead of the deadline two years ago, the Cubs pulled off a blockbuster, adding flame throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman to the mix – sending a loaded prospect package to the Bronx in return.

So far this trade season, the Cubs have been relatively quiet. Their only moves? Bringing in a pair of Texas Rangers hurlers in Jesse Chavez and Cole Hamels. While it may not garner the fanfare of a last-minute deadline deal, both of these trades went a long way in addressing the team’s need of added depth in the staff.

Here’s a midday roundup of the latest rumors – and what they mean for the first-place Cubs.