Chicago Cubs Rumors: Trade talks with Tampa Bay Rays

As we approach Tuesday's roster protection deadline, Chicago Cubs rumors are beginning to spread over possible teams that might be looking to make trades to clear space on their 40-man rosters. The team that looks to be the most active as we approach Tuesday seems to be the Tampa Bay Rays. A new report from Jon Morosi says that observers expect the Rays to make multiple trades before Tuesday.

Morosi then later doubled down on that report and stated that multiple teams have already reached out to the Rays about their pitching. The teams mentioned were the Cubs, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Angels. Seeing the Cubs interested in Rays pitching is very interesting considering what the Rays could have to offer.

What do the Rays have to offer? Well, earlier in the off-season Morosi mentioned that pitchers Ryan Yarbough, Yonny Chirinos and Shawn Armstrong were all in trade talks. This most recent report from Morosi makes it feel like just about everyone is on the table.

So what other Rays players could potentially be connected to the Cubs besides the ones mentioned above? I think everyone circles one guy and that is Tyler Glasnow.

Glasnow has been connected to the Cubs in the past as it was reported months ago that the Cubs almost agreed to a deal during last years trade deadline that involved Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel. So it seems pretty clear that Jed Hoyer and company have already done their homework on Glasnow.

Glasnow recently just signed a two-year, $30.35 extension that will keep him under control through the 2024 season. Glasnow has, obviously, had issues staying on the field as he recently just recovered from Tommy John surgery, but that contract could definitely be a bargain for a guy that has had great success in the past. Glasnow also looked pretty sharp when he returned late this past season.

Another possible Cubs candidate is Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong has connections to Cubs GM Carter Hawkins as he was in Player Development with the Indians while Armstrong was also with the Indians. Armstrong would be a solid piece for the Cubs bullpen and would not seem to cost much.

Other than those two players, most Rays pitchers do not tend to have a connection with the Cubs. I would expect any of the Rays pitchers as an option for the Cubs to pick up as they are all very solid for the most part.

We will just have to wait and see til Tuesday's deadline, but it seems like the Rays will be very active and the Cubs will potentially swoop one of their players.