Nationals surprise contention shouldn't scare Cubs away from one trade deadline target

As the MLB trade deadline gets closer, there should be a more defined group of targets for the Chicago Cubs. Most of the talk up until now has been speculation, and that largely speaks to the parity that exists across Major League Baseball. There's been some surprise contenders this season, and that can make life difficult for the Cubs finding a trade partner before August 3.

One team the Cubs may want to the circle is the Washington Nationals. Entering the second-half with a record of 48-49, the Nationals are eight games out first place in the National League East. In the Wild Card race, the Nationals only four games out of the final spot.

Even with the Nationals flirting with contention, chances are they still will be willing to flip rentals at the deadline. At the top of that list is Foster Griffin. With pitching in demand at the deadline, as it always is, Griffin is in position to be coveted starting pitcher.

A former first-round pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2014, Griffin spent the last three seasons overseas before signing a one-year deal with the Nationals last offseason. It's starting to look like one of the steals of the offseason.

Foster Griffin has the impression of an obvious Cubs trade deadline target

A National League All-Star, Griffin carries an ERA of 2.77 through 19 starts this season, while striking out over 24% of the hitters he faced. The underlying metrics would suggest Griffin is having real success with the Nationals, boasting a WHIP of 1.02 and opposing hitters batting .209 against him. Particular to the Cubs, Griffin has a ground-ball rate of 44.5%. In other words, he's the type of pitcher that should have success in front of the Cubs' defense.

The concern, and it should be noted, is that Griffin's FIP, 4.03, does suggest that he's a regression candidate during the final two months of the season.

To be clear, Griffin shouldn't be the first option the Cubs turn to. On the rental side, even with his questions, gambling on Freddy Peralta returning to form may be the better opportunity for the Cubs. If the Cubs are looking for a rental, but more of a known commodity, Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants would check that box.

Overall, it also stands to reason that the Cubs are looking for controllable starting pitchers. All this to say that Griffin may not be the exact candidate the Cubs need at the deadline, but in setting low expectations for Hoyer ahead of August 3, the veteran could be the lowest bar to clear.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow