It was a fun rumor for a few hours, but the Cubs were quickly dismissed as a legitimate suitor for Ian Kennedy, at least as of this Trade Deadline. The Padres wanted Kennedy for reasons similar to why the Cubs would have wanted him, and they have gotten the deal done, according to multiple reports.
In exchange, the Diamondbacks will get a very good lefty reliever in Joe Thatcher, as well as as pitching prospect Matt Stites and a competitive balance pick after the second round. Not only does the deal take Kennedy off of the market, but it also gives the Diamondbacks the reliever they’ve been desperately seeking. They might now be done.