Cubs Rumors: Fire sale looming, Marcus Stroman extension talk and a trade suitor

Cubs Rumors: A Marcus Stroman trade destination

If, for some reason, a Marcus Stroman extension cannot be attained by late July, then perhaps the Cubs would be better off trading their ace and trying to re-sign him this offseason once he is a free agent. The asking price for Stroman would be high, as it should be for a player of his caliber. The starting pitching market should be thin at the deadline considering the number of teams still in the playoff hunt as of this writing.

A team really in need of some top-level pitching talent is the Baltimore Orioles. The O’s would be wise to target a rental like Stroman, as they wouldn’t have to add to their light payroll beyond this season. Baltimore has a cupboard full of prospects to send Chicago’s way, and Stroman immediately makes them a more serious threat in the American League.

The O’s hold the top AL Wild Card spot about midway through June. Assuming they can hold that position, adding Stroman gives them a pitcher with experience throwing in the crowded yet difficult AL East division. Stroman also has some postseason experience — something not many players on their current roster can offer. I wrote about Stroman’s fit in Baltimore earlier on Monday:

"“After rebuilding for the better part of a decade, Baltimore is finally in position to make the postseason again. The only thing they’re truly lacking is an ace-caliber starting pitcher, which could rear its ugly head if they do reach the playoffs. Stroman would not come cheap, but he’s exactly what Baltimore needs — one of the best pitchers in baseball who is familiar with the AL East, having previously spent time with the Blue Jays. Even if he’s only with the O’s as a rental, the time for Baltimore’s front office to act is now. No more waiting for what’s been a very patient fanbase.”"

Trading Stroman would hurt for Cubs fans, but the O’s are an attractive fit and could give Chicago their best return.