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

Chicago Cubs Rumors: Harper on the block, then pulled back?

It’s been an, um, interesting 24 hours in Washington, D.C.

Last night, it appeared as if Bryce Harper, the face of the Nationals franchise, was available in trades. But, by the time the sun rose on Tuesday, the front office was singing a very different tune.

Washington enters play Tuesday one game below .500. Things don’t look good as young clubs in both Atlanta and Philadelphia show no signs of slowing up in the second half. A sale of Harper would mean pretty much everyone is on the table, to a degree.

But as far as the Cubs go, the Harper being dangled story has one main implication – and it has nothing to do with luring him to the North Side of Chicago. Rather, such a move would tell the league the Nationals are open for business – meaning some of their relievers, such as Kelvin Herrera, could be available.

No matter how much you’d like to see Bryce Harper in a Cubs uniform – I can assure you. It won’t happen any sooner than Opening Day 2019 – if it ever comes to fruition even then. This team is focused on pitching. To think anything else would be foolish and delusional.

(Disclaimer: The exception to the above rule? If the Cubs believe Kris Bryant will miss the rest of the season. Then, it’s anybody’s guess what Theo and Jed will look to pull off).