Chicago Cubs Star Reliever Gaining Real Interest Before Trade Deadline
The Chicago Cubs still haven't decided if they're going to be sellers or buyers before the MLB Trade Deadline.
Entering Tuesday, they're sitting at 48-51, seven games out of the AL Central lead and five games out of the final Wild Card spot.
Traditional wisdom would point to the Cubs selling off their pieces before the August 1st date, however with the playoffs in reach and competing in a winnable division, it doesn't seem like the front office is ready to waive the white flag.
Trade rumors have swirled around their ace starting pitcher Marcus Stroman and slugging outfield Cody Bellinger. Both will become free agents after the season, so getting anything back before their departure would be wise.
However, trading those two players would certainly cement Chicago's third season of missing the playoffs in a row.
If the front office decides they want to hold on to their big named parts, another pitcher on their staff has started to gain some interest from other teams.
Right handed reliever Mark Leiter Jr. is a player who's name has come up according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Leiter Jr. has appeared in 41 games for the Cubs this season, posting a 1-2 record with a 3.29 ERA. He's holding his opponents to a career low .184 batting average.
Chicago has been able to develop relievers and flip them at the deadline for assets in recent seasons.
That could be their strategy with Leiter Jr., who they signed to a minor league contract in 2021 before promoting him to the big leagues in 2022.
