Cubs trade idea brings in $45 million ex-Yankees starter to help with injuries

Cubs trade idea brings in $45 million ex-Yankees starter to help with injuries originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Injuries continue to be an issue for the Chicago Cubs, especially on the mound.

The Cubs have lost multiple starters to season-ending injuries already, something Jed Hoyer and the rest of the front office will have to figure out over the next few months.

Ahead of the trade deadline, the Cubs will need to stay afloat, hoping to still have a chance to win the National League Central by the end of July.

There will be some interesting names available, even from teams that seem to be in a possible playoff hunt.

That includes the Athletics, which could be looking to move on from Luis Severino. Severino has largely been fine during his time in Sacramento, but he's also on a rather expensive deal for the Athletics and could make sense as a trade candidate depending on which direction the organization wants to take at the deadline.

Cubs would land: Severino

Athletics would land: RHP Brandon Birdsell, LHP Riley Martin

“The Chicago Cubs make this trade because they are prioritizing reliable starting pitching with upside to stabilize their rotation for a competitive push.
“In acquiring Luis Severino, they get an experienced arm who can immediately take the ball every fifth day, provide strikeouts, and help limit the strain on their bullpen. Even with some volatility, Severino’s ability to miss bats gives Chicago a higher ceiling than a typical back-end starter,” Ryan Shea wrote.