Lukewarm Stove: MIA Relievers Drawing Cubs Interest, Trading Harper, Hamels, Archer, Gausman, deGrom, More

Jul 26, 2018

Before we jump into the rumors en masse, note that the Cubs/Blue Jays rumors regarding rental starter J.A. Happ and cost-controlled, 27-year-old starter Marcus Stroman have been covered here and remain rather large rumors, to the extent that you can size them up.

Here’s everything else that’s going on in the rumor mill …

Among the better-performing, currently-available relievers this summer you’ll find Marlins lefty Adam Conley. Conley, 28, has a 2.63 ERA this season, thanks primarily to a 30.2% strikeout rate with a walk rate under 10%. He’s also, for the first time in his career, generating ground balls at an above average clip, although his hard/soft contact is way out of whack (in a bad way). I bring him up right now, of course, because the winds of rumors are blowing in that direction for the Cubs:

Sources indicate Marlins LHP Adam Conley is drawing trade interest. Brad Ziegler’s trade market is developing. Cubs, Phillies & Indians among the possibilities.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 26, 2018

All things considered, Conley is a very attractive target, with potentially just one rub: his 3.5 years of control. Although the Cubs would have no problem wanting a guy at his age for that long, the amount it’ll take to get him – while he’s at his peak, no doubt – might not really be the best use of resources. He’s no Brad Hand, and that deal came with another lesser reliever, too, but that cost the Indians a top 10 prospect in all of baseball, so. Who knows, maybe the Marlins will be reasonable and/or the Cubs can convince the Conley’s performance is all a mirage, but if they’re asking elite reliever prices for him, I’m not sure I’m interested in the Cubs making that move.

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

As for Ziegler, the 38-year-old right-hander has been kinda awful this year (4.11 ERA, 4.65 FIP; -0.4 WAR). I’m not sure the Cubs would be involved.

At ESPN, Jerry Crasnick writes up the latest on Cole Hamels, his low-velocity related performance concerns, and the interest – or rather, lack-thereof – he’s generating on the trade market. Among the better points, Crasnick points out that Hamels is a candidate to be traded after the deadline, because his pricier contract and no-trade clause (up to 20 teams) will keep him pricey enough to pass through waivers. And as it turns out, there is apparently very little cooking – at the moment – on the Hamels front anyway. That said, the Brewers and Cubs are both named on a short-list of potential suitors, and frankly, I’m not surprised (and not only because he was connected to the Cubs earlier this week). Hamels is a guy this front office has targeted before, so maybe they’ve always saw something in him that others haven’t – something they think they can tweak. And his contract situations is expensive, sure, but that can all be negotiated.

Brett makes some good points, as well:

The other thing that gets you crushed? If you dare to point out Hamels' home/road splits this year, despite the fact that he's been nails on the road, and his home park is among the most homer-friendly in baseball this year. No, it ain't everything, but it's a data point. pic.twitter.com/bY23NtuUoO
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 26, 2018

Of course, the Brewers and Cubs are not the only interested parties. According to TR Sullivan, the Yankees have checked in, too, and could be the Rangers’ best chance of moving Hamels before the deadline.

At The Athletic, Patrick Mooney discusses the luck the Cubs have had (or skill they’ve displayed?) in acquiring lesser known names around the deadline and how that could continue this year (and already has so far with Jesse Chavez). The most exciting names make for bigger headlines, but when it comes down to performance on the field, the front office can get creative to get the job done.

As of the start of play today, the below-.500 Nationals have less than a 50% chance of reaching the postseason, according to FanGraphs. They’re 7.0 games out of first in the East and 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot (behind 7 other teams). Maybe they should sell. And if the Nationals do entertain a one-year sell-off of their expiring contracts (not the worst idea, IMO), would they actually consider moving Bryce Harper? He’s a free agent at the end of the season and could net a pretty big return. Well, the Nationals sound reluctant to move him (it sounds like they don’t want to completely cut off their chances of re-signing him after the season) and, as Joel Sherman puts it, the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, and Astros don’t have enough of a need to justify spending team assets, players or otherwise, on Harper. There are some reasonable landing spots out there – and Sherman gets into them all in a very interesting read – but ultimately, I think Harper’s staying put even if the Nats decide to sell.

No surprise here, as we know the Cubs have asked:

Most every contender has asked about Gausman but Orioles’ inclination is to keep him. Immediate interest is in finding landing spots for Brad Brach and Adam Jones, who are both free agents.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2018

Speaking of Brach, he’s not quite as good this year as he has been in the past, but there’s actually plenty to like about his numbers, particularly his sky-high soft-hit rate (5th best in MLB) and career-best ground ball rate. Brett wrote more about him here.

Last night, the Chris Archer rumors popped up AGAIN, and they’re not going away. However, as Jerry Crasnick reports, agreeing on value for the once-dominant and now more middling starter is going to be difficult, especially because his contract is still very attractive. Sigh. You know the story – I just wanted to let you know that this remains active. Important note: after an abdominal injury, an NL scout purportedly put Archer at 80% health right now.

Although some have speculated that the extended loss of Yoenis Cespedes may accelerate the Mets’ willingness/plans to trade Jacob deGrom, that may not be the case. Andy Martino writes that there are just too many variables to consider, even if a deGrom deal remains plausible. I tend to think that because of a lack of clarity on the leadership front (at the moment) and how much deGrom should generate in a deal, nothing will happen. It’s too big of a move to rush. But boy would it be fun.

And finally, just FYI: the Rockies have acquired reliever Seung-Hwan Oh from the Blue Jays in an effort to assemble the most costly – in prospects and dollars – bullpen of all-time. To be fair, after falling off a cliff with the Cardinals last season, Oh has been fantastic this year (2.68 ERA; 5.50 K/BB).

Oh deal to rox is Forrest wall , spanberger and ptbnl

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2018

Forrest Wall is their 13th best prospect, though he’s struggled upon his promotion to Double-A this season, while Chad Spanberger is their 24th best prospect, but has killed it in A-ball: .316/.364/.580 (161 wRC+).

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

It's Mother's Day. I'm hanging with the family. I don't feel like being as pissed off as a game like that threatened to make me. So I am QUITE relieved by that 10th inning (and the fact that the Cubs...

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

I'll just presume he was sending this one out for mom. And I'll also presume that the knee is indeed feeling good. Home run number nine on the season for Christopher Morel: https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1789713524052087082

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (12:35 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have played thirteen series so far this season, and this is already their eighth rubber match. Let's see if Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs can bring this one in. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, SS...

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

No surprises here, as the decision to start Kyle Hendricks this afternoon against the Pirates was made yesterday, but the news has officially hit the wire, and here it is. Kyle Hendricks Activated Kyle Hendricks is returning from his short...

Michael Cerami

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Hendricks Will Start for the Big League Cubs Tomorrow

The Sunday TBD has been D'd, and it's going to be Kyle Hendricks coming back an outing early. Instead of making another rehab start at Iowa, Hendricks is going to be activated from the IL to rejoin the rotation tomorrow:...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 10, Cubs 9 – May 11, 2024

The Cubs came within 90 feet of keeping that ridiculous game going. No dice. Stupid game. Early on, it just kinda seemed like the Cubs might lose a perfectly normal - bad, but normal - game. Justin Steele did not...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Pirates (3:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — After a little tease yesterday, Seiya Suzuki is actually, officially in the Cubs lineup today. And he'll be greeted with a tough matchup against the top pitching prospect in Major League Baseball. Welcome back! Chicago Cubs Lineup:...

Michael Cerami

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oh, Good, Yency Almonte is Now Also Hurt

Today the Chicago Cubs placed reliever Yency Almonte on the Injured List with a right shoulder strain. Jose Cuas has been recalled from Iowa to take his place in the bullpen. Almonte, together with Mark Leiter Jr., had been performing...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Credit to Assad, Huge Ups to Brown, Hopes for Taillon, Happ’s Bat and Glove, Bellinger History, and Other Cubs Bullets

How did I not know that the Aurora Borealis was going to be visible last night?!?!? I woke up this morning to all these awesome pictures from friends and other people in the area, and I'm MISERABLE ABOUT IT. With...

Brett Taylor

May 11, 2024

How to Watch

Astros vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Monday, Spencer Arrighetti will take the mound for the Houston Astros (15-25) against Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics (19-23), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.Keep reading to see...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Brewers vs. Pirates: Live Stream or on TV

William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (24-16) host Connor Joe and the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-23) on Monday, with first pitch at 7:40 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Milwaukee take on Pittsburgh live.When...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Rangers vs. Guardians: Live Stream or on TV

The Texas Rangers (22-20), led by Marcus Semien, host Josh Naylor and the Cleveland Guardians (25-16) on Monday at 8:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Texas take on Cleveland.When is Rangers vs....

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Braves vs. Cubs: Live Stream or on TV

The Atlanta Braves (24-12), led by Marcell Ozuna, host Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs (24-17) at 7:20 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Atlanta-Chicago matchup below.When is Braves vs. Cubs and when does...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

Phillies vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Cristopher Sanchez takes the ball for the Philadelphia Phillies (28-13) when they visit starting pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (18-20) at 7:10 PM ET on Monday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Philadelphia...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Nationals vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (19-20) visit Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (12-29) at 7:40 PM ET on Monday.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Washington square off against Chicago live.When is...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

Tigers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Detroit Tigers (20-20), with Kenta Maeda on the mound, host the Miami Marlins (11-31) who will hand the ball to Sixto Sanchez, at 6:40 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the Detroit-Miami matchup...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

Gunnar Henderson and the Baltimore Orioles (26-13) host Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) on Monday in a series opener, with first pitch at 6:35 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to know...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Red Sox vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

In a series opener on Monday, Kutter Crawford will start for the Boston Red Sox (21-19) against Zach Eflin and the Tampa Bay Rays (20-21), with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.If you're planning on watching...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

NBA Picks

Celtics vs. Cavaliers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 – Monday, May 13, 2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers are 8.5-point underdogs heading into Game 4 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The Celtics are up 2-1...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Lukewarm Stove: MIA Relievers Drawing Cubs Interest, Trading Harper, Hamels, Archer, Gausman, deGrom, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular