Chicago Cubs rumors: A’s Sonny Gray continues to be a major target

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly still heavily involved in the Sonny Gray sweepstakes.

After acquiring Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox earlier this month, I did not expect the Chicago Cubs to be involved in the Sonny Gray talks with the Oakland Athletics any longer. However, that does not appear to be the case.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the A’s trading Gray is becoming extremely likely and the Cubs are right in the thick of things.

"“Although we can’t yet say a Gray trade is “inevitable,” sources indicate one is very likely. Presuming it occurs, Gray’s departure will lead to a cascade of activity ahead of Monday’s non-waiver Trade Deadline,” Morosi wrote.As one general manager said recently, GMs around the league are focused on multiyear assets — much more than rentals — at this year’s Trade Deadline. Thus, Gray is drawing interest from a broader group of suitors than the Rangers’ Yu Darvish or Cardinals’ Lance Lynn, both of whom will be free agents this winter.The Yankees, Dodgers, Astros, and Cubs were active suitors for Gray as of Friday, sources said, with the Braves continuing to monitor his market even though they’re out of contention in the National League East."

When trading for Quintana, the Chicago Cubs already added the long-term starting pitcher that they needed. In doing so, they gave up their top two prospects in outfielder Eloy Jimenez and pitcher Dylan Cease. The Cubs still have more than enough talent in the minor leagues to make a trade to improve their team, but probably not enough to acquire a talent like Gray. Well, unless they are willing to trade from their major league roster.

Almora for Gray?

Personally, I think guys like Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ are off-limits. They are all far too important to the 2017 team to be traded. That being said, what about Albert Almora?

Almora is a slick defensive center fielder who is hitting a strong .283/.338/.408 on the season. He is a former top prospect who at only 23 years old has a bright future ahead of him. Almora hits well against left-handed pitching, but not great against righties. This has made him a strong platoon player for the Cubs, but he has had a hard time finding starts in their lineup. For a major addition like Gray, I imagine that Almora would be available.

Interestingly, Morosi dropped this note on Twitter earlier in the week.

How about a young and talented center fielder who has a fair bit of major league experience? Almora is not a perfect player but he undoubtedly has full-time starter ability. Add in Triple-A third baseman Jeimer Candelario and the Cubs may be among the front-runners for Gray.

Next: Cubs trade predictions prior to MLB trade deadline

We do not know if the Chicago Cubs would be willing to part with Almora. He still figures to play a major role for the team down the stretch and especially in the future. However, if the A’s are happy with Almora as the center piece of a Gray deal, Theo Epstein and company should not hesitate.

This is the kind of deal that they should make.