REPORT: Mets, Phillies among teams interested in trading for Cubs stars |
CHICAGO — A constant theme for MLB insiders in recent weeks has been the reporting of trade rumors involving the Chicago Cubs, who figure to be sellers prior to the July 30 trade deadline. MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported on Saturday that the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams interested in trading for some of the notable Cubs on the trade market.
Heyman tweeted that that the Mets, Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays sent scouts to Wrigley Field in order to assess potential trade targets during the Cubs' series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, another team that is likely to sell off talent in the coming days. In addition to D-backs third baseman Eduardo Escobar, the scouts are also paying close attention to several Cubs players at the Friendly Confines. According to Heyman, the Mets are still interested in trading for Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who started in left field on Saturday. Rumors centered upon the Mets potentially acquiring Bryant were omnipresent this past offseason, and Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is likely to be more willing to pull the trigger this time around. Mets are scouting Cubs-Dbacks in Chicago (and others elsewhere presumably). Of interest there: Bryant, Escobar, Davies, relievers. Jays and Phillies are among teams with scouts at Clark and Addison, as well. As for the Phillies, who have been hindered by recurring bullpen issues this year, Heyman reported that they are considering trading for Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel, the player widely regarded as MLB's most coveted trade target heading into this year's deadline. The Phillies are also rumored to be intrigued by Cubs relief pitchers Andrew Chafin and Ryan Tepera, who have formed a three-headed monster with Kimbrel out of the bullpen this season. Phillies are indeed on Craig Kimbrel who could transform their beleaguered bullpen. Lots to talk about with Cubs as they like Andrew Chafin (no runs allowed since May 7) and Ryan Tepera as well. Another Cub generating attention from buyers in the buildup to the trade deadline is starting pitcher Zach Davies, who earned the winning decision in the Cubs' 8-3 victory over the D-backs on Friday. Currently sitting below .500 and recently removed from an 11-game losing streak, the Cubs are likely to deal away a bevy of talent in late July, and playoff contenders, such as the three aforementioned clubs, are competing to win Hoyer over in pursuit of that talent.
