4 Cubs who should be traded and where at the trade deadline
By Tim Boyle
2) Cubs trade candidate Marcus Stroman: Arizona Diamondbacks
Who wouldn’t want Marcus Stroman? Through 10 starts he’s 3-4 with a 3.05 ERA. He has been one of the better pitchers in the National League over the last three seasons despite not having a winning record now or in either of the last two years. Any team looking to contend should have him on their radar. There is one important item to note about him.
Stroman has an opt out of his contract after this season we’d expect him to use. This limits what the Cubs could potentially get back. Given this, he might not be quite as popular as he would otherwise. A team with a will to extend him immediately should be the target. What about the Arizona Diamondbacks?
Somewhat surprising contenders although many of us saw this coming, the Diamondbacks are one of the few teams in baseball right now with a desperate need for a starting pitcher. It doesn’t even have to be of Stroman’s caliber. Beyond Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, there isn’t much in the rotation. Stroman is the kind of piece they should look to acquire as long as the Cubs play fairly and acknowledge he might be just a rental.
The Toronto Blue Jays would be one fun landing spot but how about the Tampa Bay Rays? They’re not usually in the market to acquire pitchers with a $25 million salary. It might be fun to imagine him helping to lead a Rays team to victory. No matter how hard we wish it into existence, it’s probably not going to happen. They’re far more likely to claim Fulmer off of waivers and turn him into the best closer in baseball.