Cubs Rumors: Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Dempster

The Chicago Cubs have now lost 12 games in a row, an effort that has helped them earn the league’s worst record.  At this point, it appears to be only a matter of time before the Cubs begin selling off their veterans as they continue their youth movement toward the future.  Several of Chicago’s veterans have already found their way into trade rumors, including Bryan LaHair, Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and Alfonso Soriano.

While LaHair and Garza are young enough that they could potentially figure into Chicago’s future plans, the same cannot be said for Dempster and Soriano.  Each player is on the wrong side of 35, and both would likely be shipped out this summer if it were up to Cubs brass.

With Dempster, this is a very real possibility.  The 35-year-old has gotten off to one of the hottest starts of any pitcher this season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 2.14 and 1.061 over his first eight appearances.  Dempster’s track record is not nearly as pristine (career 4.36 ERA and 1.440 WHIP), but there still figures to be interest in the right-hander this summer.

Dempster has said that he’d prefer to remain with the Cubs, but he also understands the team’s situation and that he’s unlikely to be apart of Chicago’s next winning club.  Dempster is in the final year of his current deal and is making $14 million this season.

While Dempster is a good bet to be traded this summer, the same cannot be said for Soriano.  Though the Cubs would love to ship out the 36-year-old, teams aren’t likely to get too far into trade talks for Soriano due to his declining performance and monstrous price tag.  Though already in clear decline mode, Soriano is owed roughly $50 million through the 2014 season.

In order for the Cubs to trade Soriano, they’re going to have to eat a hefty portion of his remaining tab.  Chicago has said it’s willing to do this, and has actively discussed Soriano with other clubs over the offseason and even early this year.  Thus far the Cubs have had no takers.

Soriano’s shown some improvement at the plate recently and did post 26 home runes, 27 doubles and 88 RBIs last season for the Cubs.  While Dempster is all but guaranteed to be dealt this summer, it will be interesting to see if the Cubs are able to pawn off the poor investment that’s been Soriano.

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