The Chicago Cubs have made their way back to relevance this season as they’re squarely in the National League Wild Card race. Since it seems like a long shot that they could win the division, they may not sell the farm this trade deadline. Here are five players they can and should target in order to keep a strong prospect base while still improving the starting rotation.
5. RHP Adam Warren - New York Yankees
Getty ImagesThis wouldn't be the biggest splash the Cubs cold make, but it could be one of the better long-term moves they could make at the deadline. Warren would solidify the back end of the rotation as he's performed well this year with a 5-5 record and 3.48 ERA with the Yankees in 2015. However, he's being moved to the bullpen to provide a quality arm back there. If the Yankees think he would be more valuable as a trade chip, they could use him to get some good young talent from the Cubs. Meanwhile, the Cubs would get Warren, who is just 27 and won't reach free agency until 2019.
4. RHP Mat Latos - Miami Marlins
Steve Mitchell- USA Today SportsIf the Cubs want to get creative, they could take a chance on Mat Latos, who has been one of the biggest underachievers in baseball this season. After signing a one-year, $9.4 million deal with Miami, the former ace of the Padres has really struggled to a 3-5 record with a 5.27 ERA. Since he will be a free agent at season's end, the Cubs could take a chance that the talented Latos turns it around because they wouldn't have to give up much for him.
3. RHP Dan Haren - Miami Marlins
Getty ImagesHaren would be an even cheaper option than Latos, and he would also provide a nice veteran presence in the clubhouse. If the Cubs decide they just want an innings eater to sit in the back end of the rotation in order to improve at the deadline, Haren makes a lot of sense. He's not going to single-handedly win you many games, but he will usually keep his team in it.
2. RHP Jacob deGrom - New York Mets
Getty ImagesIf the Cubs are looking to make more of a blockbuster move this trade deadline, they could target talented Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom. He won the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year and has picked up where he left off last year. The team would likely have to trade Starlin Castro and a good prospect to land him, but it could be worth it to add a pitcher who figures to be a very good No. 2 starter for a very long time.
1. LHP Scott Kazmir - Oakland Athletics
Getty ImagesLooking just in terms of this season, Scott Kazmir would be the Cubs' best option. He would be a rental player, but he's also a better arm than most of the other guys on this list. Since they would only have him for a few months, the team would hope they wouldn't have to give up any elite prospects to land him. No matter what they'd give up, Kazmir would give them a solid No. 3 starter to give the rotation some nice depth.
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