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Chicago Cubs Rumors: Johnny Cueto a trade target?

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 14, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent Chicago Cubs rumors suggest that San Francisco Giants ace pitcher Johnny Cueto could be a strong target for the team.

The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a slower start than most of us expect. Call it a World Series hangover if you will, but the early season struggles have clearly highlighted a weakness for the team. Their starting pitching has been subpar.

The Cubs had incredible starting pitching last season. Their rotation mainly consisting of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks, John Lackey and Jason Hammel posted an MLB-best ERA of 2.96 for the season. The next closest team was the Washington Nationals with a 3.60 ERA. Simply put, their rotation was dominant. However, some natural regression was probably to be expected.

Most of the same guys are back for 2017. Lester, Arrieta, Hendricks and Lackey still make up the top four in the rotation, but the results just have not been there consistently. Prior to Lackey’s dominant seven-inning shutout performance against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night, the Cubs’ starter ERA was sitting at 4.64 (24th ranked in Major League Baseball).

With the Cubs being obvious contenders and the rotation clearly seeming to be an issue, do not be surprised if they aggressively pursue starting pitching prior to the 2017 MLB trade deadline. In an interview with Waddle and Silvy on ESPN 1000, Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated speculated that the Cubs could be interested in San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto.

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With Arrieta and Lackey both on the last year of their contracts, the Cubs would ideally be able to find a long-term starting pitcher at the trade deadline. Cueto is an incredibly talented pitcher who is under contract through the 2021 season. That being said, he does have a player option after this season that could allow him to cash in during free agency.

Cueto has been one of the best pitchers in baseball in recent years and a real postseason asset for the Giants and the Kansas City Royals. However, his 2017 season has not gotten off to a great start. Through seven starts, Cueto has a 4.50 ERA but his strikeout and walk numbers are right around his career averages. Expect Cueto to get hot and start producing at a higher level soon.

Cueto has not been the only Giants’ player to struggle this season. The Giants are 11-23 and in last place in the National League West. It is too early to count them out but do not be surprised if they sell off some pieces prior to the deadline. A package built around Ian Happ or Jeimer Candelario would sure be enticing for the Giants, especially considering that Cueto will probably opt out this offseason anyway.

Next: Cubs: Five logical trade deadline targets

Ideally, the Cubs would be able to swing a trade for a talented starting pitcher who has long-term control. That being said, they will have a hard time finding a guy who can have as much impact on this team than Cueto. The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation is an issue and trading for Cueto would be a great solution.

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