Chicago Cubs Rumors: Possible pitching targets ahead of waiver deadline

Acquiring Cole Hamels before the July 31 deadline was important for the Chicago Cubs. But there could still be more moves to be made for starting pitching.

The Chicago Cubs made what has turned out to be a lopsided move in acquiring starting pitcher Cole Hamels from the Texas Rangers before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. They also picked up bullpen arms Brandon Kintzler and Jesse Chavez.

However, even with July 31 in the past, there are plenty of things the Cubs can still do to improve their team for the rest of the regular season and a potential playoff run. It is unlikely that Yu Darvish returns to the rotation any time soon (if at all) after he experienced another setback in his recovery, and now that Mike Montgomery has hit the disabled list as well, the Cubs are looking thin in the rotation once again.

So, who is still out there as a potential trade candidate for the Cubs? Last year, the Houston Astros acquired Justin Verlander just before the Aug. 31 deadline, and he proceeded to dominate and lead them to a World Series title. While there may not be an arm as talented as Verlander available this year, the Cubs could still find some help for their rotation before Aug. 31.

Let’s take a look at some of the arms that could potentially be available.