Chicago Cubs rumors: Trade for Sonny Gray still possible?

The Chicago Cubs have already added one new arm to their starting rotation in Jose Quintana. Might they soon add another?

After winning their first World Series since 1908 last fall, the Chicago Cubs had a bit of a slow half in 2017. The Cubs are currently in second place in the NL Central with a record of 44-45, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 5.5 games.

The Cubs’ starting pitching is one area that could clearly use a boost. Last year, their starting staff ranked first in MLB with a 2.96 ERA. Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks finished second and third in the NL Cy Young voting, respectively. Jake Arrieta, who won the NL Cy Young in 2015 after a historic second half, had another great season as well, going 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA.

In 2017, however, the Cubs’ rotation has struggled. Entering play on Saturday, Chicago’s rotation has posted a 4.69 ERA, which is still good enough to rank roughly in the middle of the pack in the National League, but notably worse than last year. Lester, Hendricks and Arrieta each have ERAs north of 4.00 at the moment. Hendricks is also currently on the 10-day DL.

Will Sonny Gray soon join Jose Quintana?

The Cubs recently made a move to bolster their rotation, acquiring Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox. Quintana is scheduled to make his debut for the North Siders on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. It appears the Cubs may still be interested in making another move to add to their rotation as well. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Cubs may still be interested in acquiring Oakland Athletics ace Sonny Gray.

Gray, who made his MLB debut for the Oakland Athletics in 2013, had immediate success in the big leagues, going 33-20 with a 2.88 ERA (133 ERA+) and a 1.13 WHIP over his first three seasons. He struggled in 2016, however, going just 5-11 with a 5.69 ERA (71 ERA+) and a 1.50 WHIP over 22 starts.

Gray is now pitching well once again, posting a 5-4 record with a 3.72 ERA (113 ERA+) and a 1.16 WHIP over 14 starts for the last-place Athletics in 2017. The right-hander is still only 27 years old and under team control through the 2019 season.

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As Morosi mentions, there is also uncertainly regarding the Cubs’ rotation heading into the future. Arrieta will become a free agent this offseason, as will John Lackey.

Quintana, who is more than a rental, is signed through next season with team options for 2019 and 2020, per Baseball-Reference. Acquiring Gray would be a similar move, and adding him to the mix would not only position the Cubs to make a strong push in the second half, but it should set them up for future success as well.