Cubs Rumors: One popular Twins' trade target keeps sounding more and more off-limits

The Chicago Cubs have yet to address their need for a starting pitcher, and with their interest levels in Tatsuya Imai likely not as strong as once believed, it remains possible that they will look to trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher. The usual suspects, MacKenzie Gore and Edward Cabrera, have already been discussed throughout the offseason, and we may have reached the point where previous trade targets are being circled back to.

The Cubs had the same need at the trade deadline last July, and they left no stone unturned in their search. Gore, Cabrera, Sandy Alcantara, Kris Bubic, and Joe Ryan were among the cost-controlled starting pitchers that the Cubs were linked to.

With Cabrera being on the trade market, it seems that the Marlins prefer to keep Alcantara this offseason. While the Kansas City Royals might be exploring deals involving Bubic, he doesn't exactly match the profile of the pitcher the Cubs are looking for this offseason.

Joe Ryan would be a perfect fit for the Chicago Cubs' rotation, but the Twins aren't listening

Ryan would certainly check that box for Chicago, but there's one problem: the Twins aren't shopping the 29-year-old starting pitcher. The Twins suggested earlier this offseason that they were going to hold onto Ryan and All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton, but speculation that could've been posturing.

The latest from The Athletic's (subscription required) Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon suggests that it wasn't posturing. The MLB insiders suggest that the Twins haven't discussed Ryan in trade talks since the GM Meetings in November, and the impression is that they will hold onto their ace.

If the Cubs are going to trade for a cost-controlled pitcher this offseason, Cabrera and Gore remain the likeliest options. There haven't been many updates on either front since the Winter Meetings, but with two cost-controlled pitchers being traded within the past week, that could soon change.

Trading for a starting pitcher remains the best path for the Cubs' offseason. That would leave the Cubs with enough resources to pursue an impact bat in free agency, which also could be why they've been cautious with the money they have spent elsewhere this offseason.