Chicago Cubs Rumors: Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano

The Chicago Cubs are more likely to trade starting pitcher Ryan Dempster if they sign rotation-mate Matt Garza to a long-term extension, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  Rosenthal added that the Cubs aren’t looking to call up top prospect Anthony Rizzo in the immediate future, and that Alfonso Soriano doesn’t appear to be a release candidate despite his extremely slow start to the season.

Ryan Dempster has been one of the hottest pitchers in the majors out of the gate, as the right-hander has posted an ERA and WHIP of 1.74 and 0.968 over his first six starts for the Cubs.  Dempster has managed to strikeout nearly a batter per inning while holding his BB/9 rate to 2.4.

Due to Dempster’s impressive numbers and the Cubs current place in the National League Central standings, many name Dempster as a trade candidate.  However, according to Rosenthal, it could be more difficult than it would appear for the Cubs to trade the 35-year-old starter.

Dempster owns ten to five rights which allow him to veto any trade the Cubs formulate.  Rosenthal also noted that the Cubs are more likely to trade Dempster if they are able to reach a contract agreement with staff ace Matt Garza.  While both sides seem open to an extension, a deal doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.

While Dempster is a veteran with trade value, the Cubs $136 million man, Alfonso Soriano, isn’t someone likely to be dealt this summer due to his poor performance.  Over his first 116 at-bats this season, Soriano has only managed a line of .250/.288/.302.

Though these numbers would seem to indicate a pending release, Soriano’s nearly $50 million remaining on his current contract complicates matters.  For this reason, Rosenthal doesn’t believe the Cubs will be able to simply release Soriano.

Rosenthal also touches on a player the Cubs see as a long-term asset, first baseman Anthony Rizzo.  While Rizzo has posted an OPS of 1.078 over his first 138 at-bats for the Cubs Triple-A affiliate, longtime minor leaguer Bryan LaHair has been one the hottest-hitting first baseman in the game.  LaHair’s hot start means that the Cubs are going to hold off on calling up Rizzo until a clear opening emerges.

For more on the Cubs be sure to check out Cubbies Crib.

You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.