5 Biggest Chicago Cubs Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

5 Biggest Chicago Cubs Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

By Bryan Zarpentine

July 18, 2015

5 Biggest Chicago Cubs Rumors Two Weeks Before 2015 MLB Trade Deadline

Theo Epstein Chicago Cubs GM MLB Trading Block — For the first time in years, the Chicago Cubs are in contention for a playoff spot and figure to be buyers at the trade deadline. All eyes in Chicago are on GM Theo Epstein to see what, if anything, he's going to do to improve the Cubs enough to get them to the postseason. The Cubs figure to be on the market for starting pitching, among other needs. Here are five rumors involving the Cubs with just two weeks until the deadline.

For the first time in years, the Chicago Cubs are in contention for a playoff spot and figure to be buyers at the trade deadline. All eyes in Chicago are on GM Theo Epstein to see what, if anything, he's going to do to improve the Cubs enough to get them to the postseason. The Cubs figure to be on the market for starting pitching, among other needs. Here are five rumors involving the Cubs with just two weeks until the deadline.

5. Starlin Castro's Stock is Down

Starlin Castro Chicago Cubs

5. Starlin Castro's Stock is Down

Starlin Castro Chicago Cubs — The Cubs aren't exactly shopping Castro, but if Chicago wants to pull off a blockbuster trade this summer for a frontline pitcher, he could be a useful trade chip. Unfortunately, he's struggled this season, driving his value down, despite making three All-Star teams by age 25. If the Cubs want to move Castro, they can easily move Addison Russell to shortstop, but if Castro's value is down, he may be enough to get them a frontline pitcher.

The Cubs aren't exactly shopping Castro, but if Chicago wants to pull off a blockbuster trade this summer for a frontline pitcher, he could be a useful trade chip. Unfortunately, he's struggled this season, driving his value down, despite making three All-Star teams by age 25. If the Cubs want to move Castro, they can easily move Addison Russell to shortstop, but if Castro's value is down, he may be enough to get them a frontline pitcher.

4. Mike Leake A Realistic Option

Mike Leake Cincinnati Reds Trade Rumors

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4. Mike Leake A Realistic Option

Mike Leake Cincinnati Reds Trade Rumors — The Cubs may not be willing to meet the price to acquire one of the top starting pitchers available on the trade market, but they are one of several teams interested in Leake as a fallback option. Leake would certainly help solidify the back end of Chicago's rotation, and the Cubs certainly have the prospects to land him if they wish, but it would mean they'd still be reliant on Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta to carry them to the postseason.

The Cubs may not be willing to meet the price to acquire one of the top starting pitchers available on the trade market, but they are one of several teams interested in Leake as a fallback option. Leake would certainly help solidify the back end of Chicago's rotation, and the Cubs certainly have the prospects to land him if they wish, but it would mean they'd still be reliant on Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta to carry them to the postseason.

3. Shopping for an Outfielder

Dexter Fowler

3. Shopping for an Outfielder

Dexter Fowler — Starting pitching is Chicago's top priority at the deadline, but they're also keeping their eye on outfielders. Dexter Fowler and Jorge Soler are not producing as the Cubs were hoping they would, putting left-handed outfielders, like Will Venable and Gerardo Parra, on Chicago's radar. The Cubs would love a platoon partner for Fowler, which is something to keep an eye on heading towards the deadline.

Starting pitching is Chicago's top priority at the deadline, but they're also keeping their eye on outfielders. Dexter Fowler and Jorge Soler are not producing as the Cubs were hoping they would, putting left-handed outfielders, like Will Venable and Gerardo Parra, on Chicago's radar. The Cubs would love a platoon partner for Fowler, which is something to keep an eye on heading towards the deadline.

2. Starlin Castro to San Diego for James Shields

James Shields

2. Starlin Castro to San Diego for James Shields

James Shields — This is one significant rumor that has recently popped up, as the Cubs and Padres may be able to work out a deal. San Diego appears to be making Shields available, and he would make a great addition to Chicago's rotation alongside Lester and Arrieta. Meanwhile, Castro is someone the Cubs can afford to move, but with Castro's declining value, whether he'll be enough to bring Shields to Chicago remains to be seen.

This is one significant rumor that has recently popped up, as the Cubs and Padres may be able to work out a deal. San Diego appears to be making Shields available, and he would make a great addition to Chicago's rotation alongside Lester and Arrieta. Meanwhile, Castro is someone the Cubs can afford to move, but with Castro's declining value, whether he'll be enough to bring Shields to Chicago remains to be seen.

1. Cole Hamels the Top Target

Cole Hamels Phillies

1. Cole Hamels the Top Target

Cole Hamels Phillies — There's little doubt at this point that Hamels is at the top of the Cubs' wish list. He would pitch at the top of their rotation, he has playoff experience, and he's under contract beyond this season, so he's more than just a rental. The price to acquire him will be quite steep, but the Cubs definitely have a farm system that's deep enough to make it happen; it's just a matter of whether Epstein is willing to part with a few of his top prospects.

There's little doubt at this point that Hamels is at the top of the Cubs' wish list. He would pitch at the top of their rotation, he has playoff experience, and he's under contract beyond this season, so he's more than just a rental. The price to acquire him will be quite steep, but the Cubs definitely have a farm system that's deep enough to make it happen; it's just a matter of whether Epstein is willing to part with a few of his top prospects.

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