Cubs Rumors: Rival deal once felt inevitable but now looks unlikely

When the Chicago Cubs were pushing for a trade for a starting pitcher to be completed a few weeks ago, it felt like a move for Mitch Keller was the deal the team was trying to push across the finish line. Throw in the lingering interest the Cubs reportedly have in Pirates' third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes and relief pitcher David Bednar, and the stage was set for a significant trade between division rivals. Now, it seems that the Cubs' talks with the Pirates have taken a backseat.

Over at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pirates reporter Noah Hiles had a mailbag . Hiles was asked about where things stand for the Pirates on the trade front, and the Cubs were heavily mentioned.

The most recent thing I’ve heard pertains to Mitch Keller. I learned over the weekend that the Cubs, the first team reportedly interested in the Pirates’ right-hander, view him as a backup option. He isn’t their top priority.

Of course, the question that stems from Hiles' reporting is who is the starting pitcher that the Cubs deem their priority. Considering the trade market, there's no clear top option. Perhaps, the Cubs are holding out hope that Seth Lugo is made available by the Kansas City Royals.

Once-urgent rival deal now feels like a total afterthought

Hiles, however, seems to draw a stronger connection between Hayes and the Cubs.

Aside from Keller, the only other update of note is that the Cubs seem to have a decent amount of interest in Ke’Bryan Hayes. I don’t believe he’s their top choice, but I’ve now heard from multiple sources that he’s on their radar.

This is the first local confirmation, from either Pittsburgh or Chicago, that the Cubs have an interest in Hayes. It's a rumor that doesn't make the most sense, considering Hayes is struggling offensively, but remains an excellent defensive third baseman. Rather than trade for Hayes, one would think the Cubs would rather keep Matt Shaw at third base, considering he has the same current projection. Until now, it's only been national speculation that the Cubs are keeping an eye on Hayes, now with local confirmation, this is a rumor that will need to be monitored over the next two weeks.

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