Chicago Cubs Rumors: Pitching staff upgrades, Crosstown trade, 3B options

ESPN 1000 host David Kaplan remains connected to the Chicago Cubs, and ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, Kaplan offered up the intel he is hearing as it relates to what the Cubs might do at the end of the month. Above all else, Kaplan emphasized how it remains early and that situations could change between now and the deadline. Along those lines, the weekend after the All-Star break should give a first sense of who the buyers and sellers will be at the deadline.

Along those lines, given the number of teams that are, in theory, still in contention for a Wild-Card spot, the first piece of information Kaplan offers is that there may not be a true No. 1 starting pitcher moved at the deadline. Anyone who has followed the trade rumors in recent weeks is likely aware of that fact.

Two rumored targets that seemed to generate a reaction from Kaplan were Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals and Luis Severino of the Athletics. Kaplan mentioned the Cubs "would love to get" Lugo, while Severino is a "name to keep an eye on." Merrill Kelly is also someone Kaplan connects heavily to the Cubs, but the insider isn't sure the Arizona Diamondbacks will sell. Mitch Keller and David Bednar are two other names on the Cubs' radar, per Kaplan.

Cubs Rumors: Two White Sox names in play at the trade deadline

We mentioned last week that the Cubs and the Chicago White Sox could be ideal trade partners, and Kaplan has the Cubs keeping tabs on starting pitcher Adrian Houser and outfielder Mike Tauchman.

If the Cubs are looking to add two starting pitchers, Houser would be an ideal addition to stabilize the backend of their rotation. Meanwhile, the Cubs don't need an outfielder, but they are aware of the value Tauchman can bring to the bench. As we're on the subject of Tauchman, the White Sox are already trying to create leverage.

Cubs Rumors: Eugenio Suarez or bust for third base upgrade

Kaplan isn't buying the idea that the Cubs have much interest in Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes. It's similar to what Sahadev Sharma had to say about the Cubs' interest in a third base upgrade. If the option is someone who plays excellent defense but has a mediocre bat, the Cubs will just continue starting Matt Shaw.

Short of the Boston Red Sox making Alex Bregman, Eugenio Suarez remains the only likely option for the Cubs if they are looking for someone to replace Shaw as the starter at third base. Otherwise, the focus will likely be on the pitching staff and raising the floor of production from the bench.

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