Cubs rumors: Athletics mess could turn into a massive gift for Chicago

Name a starting pitcher on the trade market, and the Chicago Cubs have probably already placed a phone call expressing interest. As the Cubs look to add a starting pitcher weeks before the MLB Trade Deadline, the team has cast a wide net of potential targets. It would seem that one more target could be added to that list. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Athletics are likely to move veteran starting pitcher Luis Severino before the deadline.

Severino being moved before the deadline would add a new layer of comedy to the current existence of the Athletics. It was just this last offseason that Severino inked a three-year deal with the Athletics worth $67MM. It was the largest signing in the history of the Athletics organization, and the relationship between Severino and the team already seems to be all but over.

At the center of the drama between Severino and the Athletics is their temporary home, Sutter Health Ballpark in Sacramento. Severino hasn't been shy about expressing his disdain for the playing conditions of his home field.

“We don’t have that at home right now. It’s not the same. It’s not the same atmosphere. We don’t have a lot of fans. Our clubhouse is in left field. So, when we play day games, we have to just be in the sun. There’s no air conditioning there, too. It’s really tough," Severino told reporters last weekend.

Front office could pounce on Athletics’ growing tension

Severino has been a vastly different pitcher between his home and road starts this season. In 57 innings pitched at Sutter Health Ballpark this season, Severino is carrying a 6.79 ERA with opposing hitters hitting .300 against him. On the road, in 47 1/3 innings pitched, Severino has been much better with an ERA of 3.23.

Severino being available could be a lifeline for the Cubs in their search for a starting pitcher. The options currently available all come with question marks, and Severino's track record would be ideal for a Cubs team that appears to be ticketed for the postseason. If the Cubs are willing to take on a majority of the remaining money on Severino's deal, it almost certainly would lower the prospect price it would cost to acquire the veteran starting pitcher.

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