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.

Chicago Cubs: Could the Cubs get another arm from the South Side?

Chicago White Sox right-hander James Shields‘ name was tossed around as a possible trade candidate prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. While he was not traded back in July, Shields could still be a trade candidate between now and August 31.

With the White Sox rebuilding and looking toward a younger future, there probably is not much of a future between them and Shields. The righty is 36 years old and has a team option for the 2019 season.

Shields has had a decent season, going 5-14 with a 4.39 ERA in 2018. After a rough July, he has shown a lot of improvement in August, going 1-1 with a 3.15 ERA in the month.

Of course, Shields would be more expensive than some other options. He is making $21 million this season. However, the cost might be worth it if Shields can put up some quality starts in place of Chatwood while Montgomery is out. Once Montgomery returns, Shields could remain in the rotation so that Montgomery could be a valuable lefty out of the bullpen.

Chicago Cubs: Could Matt Harvey fit in Chicago?

Chicago Cubs: Is the Dark Knight coming to the rescue?

Earlier in the season, Matt Harvey was a big topic around Major League Baseball, after he struggled with the New York Mets and refused to report to Triple-A. Harvey was eventually designated for assignment and the Mets ultimately traded him to the Cincinnati Reds.

While Cincinnati may have seemed like an odd landing spot for Harvey at first, he proceeded to perform well with the change of scenery to a smaller market. After going 0-2 with a 7.00 ERA with the Mets, Harvey is 6-5 with a 4.51 ERA with the Reds.

In August in particular, Harvey has taken strides. In three starts in August, Harvey has a 3.63 ERA—the best in any month this season for the right-hander.

Meanwhile, Harvey is much less expensive than Shields. He is making just $5,625,000 this season.

While Harvey may have seemed like a rather unlikely option for the Cubs with his perceived clubhouse issues and on-field struggles with the Mets, after his strong performance in Cincinnati, Harvey could be an interesting option for rotation help.

Chicago Cubs: Zack Wheeler has had a dominant second half

While Matt Harvey struggled with the Mets this season, Zack Wheeler, on the other hand, has dominated in New York of late. The young right-hander is 8-6 with a 3.75 ERA on the season. Meanwhile, in the second half, he has been lights out, pitching to the tune of a 1.41 ERA after his first-half ERA was just 4.44.

Besides Jacob deGrom, Wheeler has been the Mets second-most reliable starter. After a rough 2017 season, he has shown his potential once again with his dominant second-half performance.

Not only that, but Wheeler is also young at just 28 years old. He is arbitration eligible in 2019 and could become a free agent as soon as 2020. He makes just $1.9 million this season, so he would be a low-cost option for the Cubs, as well.

It is rather unlikely that the Mets will look to deal Wheeler. Despite their struggles this season, they have indicated that they hope to contend in 2019, so it is probably more likely they try to keep their talented starters around and ready for the coming years. However, if they were to be open to dealing Wheeler, he could be an excellent option for the Cubs to look at acquiring.

Chicago Cubs: Best record in the National League means last in waiver claims

While there are a few viable options out there for the Cubs to acquire ahead of the August 31 deadline, it is still a tough task for the Cubs to work out a trade. With the best record in the National League, the Cubs also rank last in the order of waiver claims.

If the Cubs were interested in one of these arms to boost their rotation down the stretch, it is more than likely that another NL Central team might try to block them by placing a waiver claim themselves.

Still, it is worth a try to attempt to acquire some help. With Darvish unlikely to return, the Cubs need rotation help in their pennant chase, and these arms could provide some help at a relatively low cost.

While the acquisition of Cole Hamels was a great move for the Cubs, unfortunately, the injuries to Yu Darvish and Mike Montgomery necessitate another move. If the Cubs do not make another insurance move, it could come back to bite them eventually.