Even after acquiring Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox in a trade earlier this month, the defending champion Chicago Cubs remain active on the trad block. The team had previously expressed interest in Oakland Athletics starter Sonny Gray. Now, according to at least one report, Chicago has reached out to the Texas Rangers about Yu Darvish.
Sources: #Cubs have inquired to #Rangers on availability of Yu Darvish. @JeffPassan reported Texas is gauging interest in him. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2017
Despite boasting a mediocre 49-45 record heading into this weekend’s action, the Cubs are just one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. They are also in the midst of a six-game winning streak following the All-Star break.
For the Rangers part, it makes sense if they decided to become sellers. After winning 95 games and earning the American League West crown last season, Texas currently finds itself 18 games behind the Houston Astros. Needless to say, things just aren’t working out.
If Texas were to start selling off assets, Darvish might be the first one to go. The 30-year-old starter is a free agent after this season and is highly unlikely to return to the Rangers. Pitching to a 3.45 ERA and 1.14 WHIP this season, the veteran remains a valuable asset for contending teams. It just remains to be seen whether Chicago has the necessary assets to acquire him after giving up the lot for Quintana.