Cubs Rumor Roundup (12/13): Rays in ‘More Advanced Stages’ of Trade Talks, More Relievers Gone, Nats Looking to Trade for SP

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanDecember 13, 2017

Have you ever burned the candle at both ends until you reach the point of exhaustion? I don’t know how these reporters in Orlando do it, though I suppose it helps when that’s your for-real job. In any case, I’m just going to touch on a few topics here in quick fashion before I fall asleep at the keyboard.

Wake me up if something big happens.

Rays trade talks

While it may not even have anything to do with the Cubs, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes that “Rays officials are for the first time talking optimistically about making a trade before the winter meetings end Thursday.”

Closer Alex Colomé and starter Chris Archer have been the most talked-about possibilities, but Evan Longoria’s name has come up as well. The former two have been mentioned as possible Cubs targets, while the latter has been mentioned as someone the Cardinals might like to add.

Colomé is a strong possibility for the Cards as well, with his recent Instagram activity signalling to some that he’d already been traded there or that something was imminent. The pitcher responded to those reports in a most fitting manner.

We shared a Topkin report from late Tuesday night that the Rays had actually received offers on Colomé, though the teams who made them remain undisclosed. In both of his recent reports, Topkin has mentioned the Cubs as an engage party.

No real updated on Archer, who has drawn a lot of interest but isn’t likely to be moved during the Winter Meetings, if at all.

Danny Duffy definitely available

The Royals are getting a lot of inquiries on their lefty starter and have let teams know that he can be had for the right price. Despite losing a little leverage from their well-publicized efforts to rebuild, a weak market has provided KC with more than enough extra juice to put them in the driver’s seat on this one.

The Cubs are reportedly interested in both Duffy and lefty reliever Scott Alexander, though trading for them won’t be cheap. And while he may not have much say in the matter if his team opts to trade him, Duffy shared this preferences on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/duffkc41/status/941088403533131776

Relievers going fast

Former Cub Joe Smith signed with the Astros, former Brewer and White Sock Anthony Swarzak signed with the Mets, and the well-traveled Juan Nicasio has caught on with the Mariners. There are still plenty of options out there, but the Cubs are going to need to move here soon if they want to add legit arms.

Addison Reed, who it was erroneously reported had signed with the Phillies, is still out there and would make a fine addition to the ‘pen in his return to Chicago. Brandon Kintzler is another to whom the Cubs have been linked. Bruce Levine spoke and wrote Wednesday about Wade Davis remaining a strong possibility, which I’m not sure I like.

At the right price, sure, but the whole waiting out Davis’s market business could end up being really costly. First, his asking price may not come down and the Cubs may be stuck overpaying. Second, they could miss out on some of the aforementioned names, among others. After all, it’s not like the Cubs are the only team out there.

Rondon looking for new home

Hector Rondon is drawing interest from both the Astros and Nationals, though you’d think the latter would rather have him on another team in the league that they face frequently. Kidding, I hope he finds a great spot.

Nats out on Arrieta?

After several reports of the Nats’ interest in Jake Arrieta, it seems as though they may have realized that it’d be hard to pay for three Scott Boras starters and actually field a team in subsequent seasons.

Levine wrote that the Cubs remain on the periphery of the Arrieta market and that no significant talks have taken place with Boras. The market has been slow all the way around, though, as Tyler Chatwood’s controversial $38 million contract still stands as the richest of the offseason so far.

With that in mind, I’ll leave you with a pair of tweets from Levine that I think perfectly sum up both the Winter Meetings and the speculative nature of the whole mess.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanDecember 13, 2017
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