Surprising team reportedly scouting Cubs, but a trade is hard to envision

The Chicago Cubs are scouring the market, looking for starting rotation and bullpen additions ahead of next week's Aug. 3 trade deadline. The Texas Rangers, a contender in the American League, are seeking to improve in the same areas - so why are the Rangers keeping tabs on Chicago?

According to a new report, the Rangers have recently had scouts checking out the Cubs, both at the big-league and minor-league level, as well as the Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Braves. Texas president of baseball operations Chris Young is operating with one hand tied behind his back, facing major payroll restrictions, which could, at least in part, explain this whole scenario.

The Rangers have their fair share of high-dollar contracts. Unfortunately for them, the two biggest financial commitments are starting pitchers: Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi.

deGrom's contract, in particular, is an albatross. The oft-injured right-hander is earning $38 million this season and $37 million in 2027. The 38-year-old has made 20 starts this year, pitching to a 3.26 FIP while punching out more than 10 batters per nine. He's years removed from being the absolutely dominant force he was once, but if the Rangers eat some of that money, there could be a world where they can free up at least some payroll and get a young piece in return.

You really have to squint to see something like that coming together. It's easier (but still somewhat challenging) to get to an Eovaldi trade, despite the Rangers' need of pitching. He's a proven veteran on an expiring contract. Moving him could allow Young to get some bullpen help or a young arm for the future, while freeing up some dollars that could come into play in another trade.

Overlapping needs make a Cubs-Rangers trade feel like a long-shot

Like I said, if you really push, you can start to see how something could work - but there are far clearer paths for the Cubs to address their needs. Chicago has been connected to just about every pitcher on the trade block, including rentals and long-term pieces, and they stand to benefit from the fact the mound options available are aplenty this summer.

As for the Rangers, it might take a creative masterclass for Young to improve his team without adding payroll. His two highest-dollar players are important pieces on this team and trading either would feel like a one step forward, one step back-type scenario.

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