The Chicago Cubs desperately want to make a move at the trade deadline, but they are having a hard time getting a team to buy in on their offered packages. The Cubs want a top pitcher as their second-half season push continues to sputter out, but no team appears overly interested in a deal that involves Starlin Castro. However, that is not stopping the Cubs from negotiations as they might have a buyer in the San Diego Padres.
According to FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs and Padres are discussing a deal that involves Castro. As of right now, the pitcher in question is not James Shields, but Tyson Ross who is a young arm with a solid future. There are several teams eyeing Ross at the deadline as he continues to improve at 28-years-old. Currently signed through 2019, Ross might be the ideal fit for the Cubs moving forward.
If the Cubs are aiming to trade Castro, there is a spot in the lineup that must be filled. With Ben Zobrist out of the picture, the Cubs are reportedly eyeing Martin Prado from the Miami Marlins. According to ESPN.com, the Cubs like what they have in Addison Russell who will take over the short stop position, but getting Prado would make up for the struggles of Castro. The utility man is one of the most versatile players on the market with a consistent batting average that would be the ideal roster additions to get the Cubs' sputtering offense moving again.
According to manager Joe Maddon via the Chicago Sun Times, the Cubs are very interested in both Cole Hamels and David Price, every other team is as well making competition high. If the Cubs are really only willing to deal away Castro they might be out of luck when it comes to getting a trade done. The team does need a premier starter and either pitcher would be the ideal addition. According to the Sun Times, the Cubs would like Hamels because he is signed for the next few seasons, but they would also be willing to give Price a contract extension come free agency. Any team giving up a lot to get Price will have to be willing to try and re-sign him in order to make the trade worth it in the long run.