Unexpected contender eliminates Cubs' trade deadline safety net with sudden Freddy Peralta trade

There was an expectation, perhaps, fear, that Freddy Peralta would be the Chicago Cubs' safety net at the trade deadline. The Cubs are aiming high in their search for a starting pitcher ahead of Monday's deadline, reportedly having strong interest in controllable starting pitcher Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels.

Still, that type of trade can be difficult to pull off during the season. Think back to last summer when the Cubs had interest in Edward Cabrera but weren't able to complete a deal until the offseason. That is why there was an assumption that when all us failed, Jed Hoyer and Co. would reunite Craig Counsell with Peralta.

That possibility is off the table as the Tampa Bay Rays swooped in and made a deal with the New York Mets for Peralta.

On Saturday, expanding on the Cubs' interest in Peralta, it was reported that the Mets were seeking a top-100 prospect as part of the package. Considering his struggles this season in New York, and his rental status, it was inevitable that the price was going to come down closer to the deadline.

Sure enough, the Rays escaped the deal with the Mets without giving up any of their four top-100 prospects. Outfielder Aidan Smith is ranked No. 17 in Tampa Bay's system, according to MLB Pipeline, followed by Gary Gill Hill at No. 26, and second baseman Emilien Pitre at No. 27. It's about what you would expect for Peralta. Perhaps quantity over quality, considering the Rays didn't give up any prospect from the top-half of their system.

Freddy Peralta is of the Cubs' deadline shopping list, but clues point to a move happening soon

The Cubs have yet to make a move of consequence, but to be fair, Peralta is the first rumored target to move before the deadline. While the Cubs have been connected to Luis Castillo in the past, updated reporting suggested they weren't enamored with the idea this time around.

One clue could be among the prospects not playing for respective affiliates today. Owen Ayers is sitting out Sunday's game with the Iowa Cubs, as are Kane Kepley, Kade Snell, and Logan Poteet with High-A South Bend. Ayers and Kepley are two prospects who have certainly been bandied about in trade rumors leading up to the deadline.

If the Cubs aren't able to land a controllable starting pitcher at the deadline, Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays and Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants stand out as fallback options now that Peralta is off to Tampa Bay.

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