Cubs one step closer to likely trade deadline target as Giants prepare white flag

As long as the Chicago Cubs see a path to the postseason, it stands to reason that Jed Hoyer and Co. will be buyers at the MLB trade deadline. The only difference is that while it once seemed feasible that the Cubs could entertain a trade for Tarik Skubal, they likely will set their sights lower, aiming to find an established veteran capable of filling any spot in a postseason rotation.

Generally, it can be hard finding an early trade partner, and the Cubs have proven that to be correct. While Hoyer recently stressed the focus wasn't on the deadline, it's clear that the organization has been looking for outside pitching help.

The San Francisco Giants could be that early lifeline for the Cubs. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) reports that the Giants have started to test the waters on potential deals involving the veterans on their team. Rosenthal notes that the Giants likely aren't willing to trade Logan Webb, but veteran starting pitcher Robbie Ray is certainly to be among the trade chips offered up in talks.

Giants may give Cubs early trade lifeline

By most accounts, Ray is a pitcher the Cubs have liked dating back several years. More relevant to this season, Ray is a free agent after the season. Given that he's not the Cy Young contender he once was, he's also likely one of the more affordable targets the Cubs will have at the deadline.

Ray was finding success early in the season, but things have taken a turn since. Through 73 innings pitched this season, Ray sports an ERA of 4.42 with an even worse FIP of 5.26. There's been notable dip in his strikeout rate this season, down to 21% from 24.6% last season, and he's walking 11.5% of the hitters he's faced.

Ray certainly would need some fixing if the Cubs were to acquire him, but he may represent the shift in philosophy the front office will have at the deadline. The goal may now be to acquire a veteran that can patch up a rotation that has been thinned out by injuries. The idea being to give the Cubs a pitching staff that's healthy enough to reach the postseason. No, it's not as exciting as the potential arrival of Skubal, but considering the other weakness of this roster, it may be the most practical.

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