Cubs Rumors: Jed Hoyer attempted big Red Sox trade at deadline before Nationals deal

The Chicago Cubs completed their mission of adding starting pitching at the trade deadline by landing Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays and Clay Holmes from the New York Mets. They also brought in lefty David Peterson from the Mets, who has been solid since joining the team.

One of the other many names that the Cubs front office and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer discussed has now come to light. The Cubs had interest in then Boston Red Sox left-handed starter Connelly Early ahead of the deadline, as sources tell FanSided.

However, the Washington Nationals jumped the market nine days before the deadline by acquiring Early from the Red Sox for breakout infielder Curtis Mead. The Cubs pivoted to Gausman and Holmes over a week later.

Early, who has a 3.44 ERA in 17 starts this season, has not yet pitched for the Nationals. Mead broke his left wrist after getting hit by a pitch in his second at-bat with the Red Sox.

Why the Cubs are better off in short-term

The Cubs needed impact pitching and they needed it now after all of the injuries to their staff this season. Early hasn't pitched since Jun. 30 due to left elbow inflammation. He was moved to the 60-day IL by the Nationals on Aug. 22.

So while the 24-year-old Early would have been a nice piece for the Cubs' future, coming along with six years of control, he might not pitch again this year as a result of his elbow injury. He could begin a rehab assignment next week, but we're running out of time in the regular season.

What the Cubs received

Holmes has been fantastic with the Cubs, posting a 1.55 ERA in five starts. His 59.8 percent ground ball rate was the perfect fit for an elite Cubs' infield. The Cubs would be wise to try and re-sign Holmes if and when he opts out of his deal this winter to become a free agent.

Gausman has struggled with a 5.14 ERA in five starts and has had a down year overall. But the righty had a 2.93 ERA in the postseason last year and helped lead the Blue Jays all the way to Game 7 of the World Series.

Peterson has a 4.58 ERA in 12 appearances and 11 starts. He has been excellent with the exception of two starts, his latest versus the Milwaukee Brewers, surrendering six earned runs, and Jul. 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals where he gave up 10 earned.

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