Chicago Cubs rumors: Team connected to pitchers Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and Ervin Santana
Recent Chicago Cubs rumors have the team interested in starting pitchers like Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and Ervin Santana.
it is going to be extremely interesting to see what the Chicago Cubs do prior to the 2017 MLB Trade Deadline. A recent four-game winning streak has the Cubs tied atop the National League Central, but their 29-27 record leaves plenty to be desired for the defending World Series champions.
While the offense’s lack of timely hitting has not helped, the inconsistent starting pitching has probably been the Cubs’ biggest issue. Jon Lester has been rock solid and Kyle Hendricks seems to be turning his season around, but there are serious issues across the rest of the rotation.
Jake Arrieta has struggled with command all season long and has really been getting hit hard in recent starts. Arrieta’s stuff is still top-notch so a turnaround is not out of the question. However, it cannot be counted on.
On top of Arrieta’s struggles, John Lackey seems to finally be aging (4.90 ERA and 4.95 FIP) and the piggyback combination of Eddie Butler and Mike Montgomery as the fifth starter is unlikely to have major long-term success. Simply put, the Chicago Cubs will likely be attacking the starting pitching market in late July.
Interesting options
Late last week, Nick Carfardo of the Boston Globe put together an interesting list of teams trending up and down. The Cubs headlined the “Trending Down” list but keep in mind that this was written before the recent four-game winning streak. In his section about the Cubs, Carfardo talks about the Cubs’ need for a starting pitcher and his confidence that Theo Epstein will go get one. Carfardo even gives us an interesting trio of names.
"“We’re certain Theo Epstein will spring into action on the trade market. He probably needs another starter, so we’ll see if he can pick off (Ervin) Santana, Alex Cobb, or (Chris) Archer,” Carfardo wrote."
Chris Archer and Alex Cobb both pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays are a team that has always made a ton of sense as a trade partner for the Cubs, as they need what the Cubs have (young offensive talent) and have what the Cubs need (excess starting pitching).
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Archer is the most interesting name of the bunch. He is a talented pitcher who has put up strong, consistent numbers for five straight seasons. Archer is only 28-years-old, would be an ideal number two starter behind Lester and is under control through the 2019 season. It is easy to see why the Cubs would be interested in acquiring Archer but it will not be cheap. A package including Ian Happ and top prospect Eloy Jimenez might be enough to get Archer to the North Side.
Not so exciting targets
Cobb has been a good pitcher in the past. He posted a 2.82 ERA and 3.29 FIP in 49 starts between 2013 and 2014 but missed the entire 2015 season with Tommy John surgery. In his 17 starts since returning from his major injury, Cobb has a 5.46 ERA. Even more concerning, Cobb has only struck out 6.4 batters per nine innings since the injury, compared to 8.2 in the two seasons prior.
Add in the fact that Cobb becomes a free agent this offseason and I see no reason why the Epstein and company would have major interest. I suppose if the Rays are giving him away for essentially nothing, I could see the appeal, but not for any significant kind of haul.
Santana was fantastic for the Minnesota Twins last season and his 2.44 ERA this year is tempting. However, his 4.64 FIP suggests that he has had some good luck on his side and his 6.4 strikeouts and 3.26 walks per nine innings are far less than ideal.
Santana is signed through 2018 and has a team option for 2019, so I could see the Cubs having some interest. However, at 34-years-old, will they even want him down the line? Santana would be an upgrade over Butler/Montgomery and probably Lackey, but I think it is more likely that the team looks to pay more for a younger long-term option or grabs an impact rental.
Next: Logical trade deadline targets for the Cubs
When it comes down to it, the Chicago Cubs need to add another starting pitcher to their rotation. Archer is a great fit but he will cost them some premium pieces. Cobb and Santana are interesting in their own ways but I am not sure that I see a great fit with either of them. Regardless, it should be interesting to see how it all plays out.