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Chicago Cubs: 5 logical MLB trade deadline targets

By Dan Schmelzer

May 1, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (23) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs are loaded with talent across their roster. However, they will likely still be major buyers at the MLB Trade Deadline. Who will they be targeting?

At 16-14, the Chicago Cubs have not exactly had an ideal start to their 2017 season. They are tied for first place in the National League Central, so it’s not like it is time to panic, but this team is not playing as well as they should be. It is important to keep in mind that it is still early but there is certainly room for improvements on this roster.

Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are not afraid to make big moves to improve their chances to win a championship. With that in mind, expect the Cubs to be major buyers prior to the 2017 MLB trade deadline. Here are five players who they could be targeting.

5. Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics

If Sonny Gray can get his career back on track during the first half of the 2017 season, he is going to be an obvious trade candidate at the deadline. Gray was an all-star for the Oakland Athletics in 2015 and has a career 3.44 ERA. That being said, Gray has struggled mightily with injuries and ineffectiveness the past two seasons.

In 2016, Gray was in and out of the A’s rotation and posted an ugly 5.69 ERA in 22 starts. His 4.67 FIP suggests that there was some bad luck involved, but no matter how you look at it, Gray did not pitch well. Gray got a late start to the 2017 season as he began the year on the disabled list with a strained lat.

That being said, Gray made his first start of the season last week, pitching six innings and allowing four earned runs. Gray gave up three home runs in the start but his fastball was reaching the high 90s. It was not a terrible debut performance for the A’s right-hander.

The Cubs have had a strong trading relationship with the A’s and certainly would make sense as a Gray landing spot if they look to move him. The Chicago Cubs could easily put together a strong package for Gray, taking a shot on his upside in the rotation. Gray is under contract through 2019 so he would not only be a strong addition for this season but could fill a massive long-term need.

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