Cubs, Angels could be trade partners before deadline

With the baseball world wondering what the Chicago Cubs are going to do at the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 3, this latest report gives insight into a possible deal with the Los Angeles Angels. As rumors continue to surround the Cubs ahead of the trade deadline, these MLB insiders report on pitchers that the ball club could look into from the Angels.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Chicago is looking for pitchers they can add to the starting rotation, with Los Angeles starters Jose Soriano and Reid Detmers fitting the bill.

“But the Cubs, canvassing the entire market for starters, potentially could line up with the Los Angeles Angels for righty José Soriano or lefty Reid Detmers as well,” Rosenthal and Sammon wrote. “The Angels, according to a person briefed on their pursuits, are interested in acquiring a young catcher. Owen Ayers, the Cubs’ No. 10 prospect according to The Athletic’s Keith Law, might qualify. Ayers, 25, started the season in High A and is now at Triple A.”

More on the Cubs’ potential pursuit of the Angels pitchers 

Looking at the Angels pitchers that the Cubs are reportedly interested in, Detmers (27 years old) has recorded a 4.05 ERA with 136 strikeouts in 21 games, whereas Soriano (27 years old) has a 3.43 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 21 games. While Chicago has interest, it may take a good return to get one of them, as MLB insider Bob Nightengale argues on “Foul Territory” that each pitcher could command more of what would be needed for star Tarik Skubal.

“Now with Detmers and Soriano, you still got them for two years after this, so it’s going to be a high price tag,” Nightengale said. “Some people think you might have to pay more for Detmers than you would, you know, a Skubal per se… But I think the Angels have got to listen to see if they can move those guys…”