Chicago Cubs rumors: Team showing interest in New York Mets pitcher Seth Lugo

The Chicago Cubs have been connected to another interesting starting pitcher, this time it is Seth Lugo of the New York Mets. Would Lugo be a strong fit? What would he cost in a trade?

With the July 31st MLB trade deadline rapidly approaching, many teams are on the search for young, controllable pitching. The Chicago Cubs are undoubtedly among them. One name that hasn’t been mentioned much is Mets right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported that the Cubs are among several teams that have shown interest in Lugo. Is a trade in the making?

Lugo has struggled with injuries throughout his short career but has been consistent with a career 3.32 ERA in 116.2 innings pitched. He is certainly an interesting arm worth keeping an eye on. However, how likely is this deal?

Cost

Lugo’s value is based on two things; his team control (thru 2022), and his consistency. Lugo has one of the best curveballs in the MLB and has shown his ability to throw it for strikes throughout his career. While Lugo won’t cost nearly as much as Jose Quintana did, Lugo certainly isn’t as cheap as a rental.

Likelihood

The Cubs could find Lugo as a fallback option if trading for Yu Darvish or Justin Verlander doesn’t work out. Lugo won’t cost as much as either of the two and is owed less than a fraction of what Darvish and Verlander are. The potential of a trade is merely based on the Mets determination to deal Lugo.

Potential Deal

The Mets are going to want at least one prospect that could turn into an everyday player. Jeimer Candelario could be a piece that interests the Mets, as he is a top-100 prospect. Candelario is blocked by Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo and could be flipped in a deal.

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However, Candelario is likely too heavy of a cost for just Lugo. The Mets could sweeten the deal by adding a bullpen piece or two. Jerry Blevins and Addison Reed stand out as particular targets.