The countdown to baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline (Friday, 3:00pm CDT) has begun and with just over 14 hours left, the Cubs are working to add at least one pitcher to the roster.
According to Joel Sherman, the Cubs and Padres are working on something big. And the Sun-Times confirmed the two teams are discussing several possible deals. The Cubs have been connected to RHP Tyson Ross, RHP Ian Kennedy, RHP Andrew Cashner and RHP Craig Kimbrel for weeks.
The Cubs are also interested in RHP Julio Teheran of the Braves and RHP Dan Haren.
The talks with the Padres have reportedly included players such as Starlin Castro, Carl Edwards Jr. and Javier Baez while the Braves would be interested in Jorge Soler if the Cubs are willing to trade him.
Tyson Ross, Ian Kennedy, Andrew Cashner and Craig Kimbrel
Based on multiple reports the Cubs and Padres are discussing several possible deals. The Cubs are very interested in Tyson Ross and pushing hard to acquire him. Ross is not the only Padres’ pitcher the Cubs have shown interest in.
According to Jim Bowden, the Cubs have talked to the Padres about a deal for Tyson Ross and Craig Kimbrel. The Cubs would like to build a package around Starlin Castro and Carl Edwards Jr. according to Bowden. The Padres would like to acquire a shortstop and would prefer Javier Baez from the Cubs. But Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer would like to hold on to Baez.
The Sun-Times confirmed the Cubs interest in Tyson Ross while reporting RHP Ian Kennedy is likely the starting pitcher they end up acquiring. Gordon Wittenmyer spoke with players in the Cubs’ clubhouse and those that know Kennedy would like to see the front office make the move for him.
Andrew Cashner is also an option but it is believed the Cubs would prefer Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy over a reunion with Cashner.
Yovani Gallardo
According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Cubs are one of at least five teams interested in RHP Yovani Gallardo. And Heyman indicated the Cubs, Blue Jays and Dodgers “are seen as the most aggressive” teams at this point.
Yovani Gallardo is a free agent at the end of the season and it is unclear if the Cubs would be willing to pay the price to acquire him.
Julio Teheran
The Cubs are interested in Braves’ RHP Julio Teheran according to the Sun-Times. Teheran has been mentioned as a possibility for the Cubs in recent weeks.
Teheran is available due to friction with Braves’ pitching coach Roger McDowell and an unexplained drop in velocity according to the Sun-Times.
Teheran is under contract through the 2019 season. Teheran signed a six-year, $32.4 million contract extension in February 2014. Teheran’s contract calls for a $3.3 million salary in 2016, $6.3 million in 2017, $8 million in 2018 and $11 million in 2019. And there is a $12 million club option for the 2020 season that includes a $1 million buyout.
The Braves would like to trade him for a hitter and Atlanta covets Jorge Soler according to the Sun-Times. And if the Cubs were to trade Soler the Braves “might be willing to offer more than Teheran to get him.”
Dan Haren
Veteran right hander Dan Haren remains a strong possibility for the Cubs. The front office has been trying to acquire Haren since Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer took over baseball operations.
The Cubs would like to add a long-term piece but of the rentals Dan Haren should cost less than Yovani Gallardo or Ian Kennedy to acquire.
Once again, stay tuned …