The Pirates have underperformed to this point in the season, but general manager Neal Huntington tells ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick that he’s not entertaining the thought of parting with center fielder Andrew McCutchen or any of his other stars. “We hear the narrative,” said Huntington in reference to recent speculation about the possibility of putting McCutchen on the trade block. “We’re aware of the narrative. But it’s not on our radar.” Similarly, FanRag’s Jon Heyman spoke to an anonymous Pirates official about the possibility of a Gerrit Cole trade and was met with a definitive reply of, “No!! Zero chance.” A recent report indicated that the Red Sox inquired on Cole and Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, but a rival GM told Heyman that such scenarios are “pipe dreams” and nothing more.
Here’s more from the NL Central…
- Heyman also spoke to execs from teams that have engaged (or attempted to engage) the Cubs in trade talks and was told that Chicago has shown “no interest” in trading Kyle Schwarber, Willson Contreras or Javier Baez. One opposing exec said that the Cubs are only open to moving their second-tier prospects, though a different GM opined to Heyman that the Cubs’ second tier of prospects should be rich enough to fill the bulk of their needs on the summer trade market. GMs around the league believe that Albert Almora is more or less off limits as well, Heyman writes, though the belief is that shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres isn’t in that same “untouchable” category.
- The sentencing of former Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa for his crimes in the breach of the Astros’ proprietary computer network has been pushed back for a third time, reports the Houston Chronicle’s David Barron (via Twitter). The new date for Correa’s sentencing is now July 18. The sentencing had already been pushed to June 6 and then July 5 prior to today’s news. Correa plead guilty to five of the 12 charges filed against him for unauthorized access to a private computer, each of which is punishable by up to five years in a prison and a fine of $250K.
- The Brewers are moving toward an agreement with first-rounder Corey Ray, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy reports. An agreement isn’t yet in place, though one could be as soon as Friday afternoon. Ray’s bonus is expected to land between $4MM and his slot value of $4.382MM, according to McCalvy’s source. Ray, selected fifth overall by the Brewers in the draft, chatted with MLBTR’s Chuck Wasserstrom in a Q&A prior to the draft.
So the Cubs have no interest in trading any of their young talent, yet will still be looking to acquire elite talent.
Yeah, because that’s what the article said 100%. The Cubs “second tier” talent is 25 other times “top” talent. Try to comprehend what you read.
lol. 25 times? lolol can’t wait til Cubs choke AGAIN!
Teams* come down and say it to my face instead of hiding behind your phone. Moron
Take a deep breath dude
STFU Billy Badass
Cant be 25 times the Red Sox talent, cuz they are all HOF bound.
Cubs fans – Calm down.
I know you are excited that your team is doing well so far this season.
You don’t have “25 times ” the other teams talent in the minors. You should be happy about what you have.
Nats have 2 of top 10 MLB rated prospects (Trea Turner at 9 and 1st overall Lucas Giolito at #1 and the Cubs highest rated prospect Gleyber Torres is only #24. The next highest rated prospect for the Cubs is already in the majors and is rated #45 in Wilson Contreras.
The Reds for example have 5 prospects in the top 65 to the Cubs 2 including Contreras.
So calm down.
Just calm down.
He obviously meant 25 other teams.. That being said everyone needs to calm down lol. Just so MLBTR knows, I’m available for moderating the forums
Yeah they wanna acquire elite talent w/o giving up their elite prospects or major league elite talent…..that’s every team in baseball tho.
Gleyber Torres is probably the top-ranked prospect in that system and is specifically listed as not being off limits by Heyman. Plus the Cubs entered the season with another 4-5 players in the Top 100 range that aren’t mentioned there.
Which should show how seriously to take these comments. One exec says the Cubs will only trade second tier prospects, another says their #1 prospect is not off-limits. RUMORS people!
To be honest, I’m surprised that he wasn’t listed as off limits as well. The Cubs have so much prospect depth, I’m sure they would rather trade from other pieces- especially ones like vogelbach who are already in the upper minors that are blocked at the Major league level.
They do have tremendous depth, and that’s including at the Major League level. There comes a point where guys like Almora, Torres etc are more valuable as pieces to help win now than hording for depth.
Wow a St Louis Fan that is playing nice with Cubs fans. Your 100% correct they don’t need much just a couple good bullpen arms to go with Stromp and Randon and 2nd tier players may get it done. Dont need Chapman or Miller plenty of other good arms that will cost less.
Cubs have a really deep system though… And in no scenario is a 19 year old who’s having success at high A and will probably be bumped to AA shortly a “second tier” prospect..Just because they don’t want to trade Baez Schwarber Soler or Contreras doesn’t mean it couldn’t be Happ, McKinney, Torres, Candelario( all top 100 prospects) or Zagunis who’s probably a fringe top 100 guy.. That’s a total of 5 top 100ish players from a team that just promoted Almora, Contreras, Bryant, Soler, Scwarber, and Baez in the last year
I agree with the Cubs and holding onto Baez, Schwarber, Etc
But if I’m the Yanks I never entertain any offers involving Miller if one of those names isn’t involved and there are plenty of teams that will give up high end talent.
Now if I’m the Yanks I make only Chapman available to the Cubs and my return is Happ and Canderleria to start.
Enjoy your compensation pick.
Agree 100% enjoy that comp pick
Cubs aren’t paying those kind of prices for a bullpen rental, even if he is elite
And enjoy another year with no trophy unless you Beef Up that tired bullpen.
if Bullpens won championships the Yankees wouldn’t be sellers right now
Most underused bullpen in baseball. There are definitely areas of improvement, but fatigue is not a cause for for them to improve their bullpen.
They will beef up the bullpen they just won’t pay the price that the Yankees fan base thinks they will pay. There is quality bullpen to be had for less price. Are those players as good as Chapman and Miller, no, can they still do a good job and help this team for an inning at a time, yes
Rocky they can win the whole thing with the current bullpen or they can beef it up with other arms not from the yankees. You make it sound like they have to trade schwarber or Baez because … Well … I still cant figure out why??
You obviously don’t understand the depth of the Cubs system. There #10 prospect is a top 3 Yankee prospect…. Same can be said of most teams also. #deep
I’m sorry what?? the only prospect the cubs have ahead of the Judge , mateo is torres and he on pace to fall a little in the update .. do me a favor keep your mouth shut dude
I think the Yankees should definitely entertain the thought if they are getting more value than what they are receiving.
Billysball the thing is there is no team in baseball giving up high end major league level prospects like schwarber and baez for Miller so why would the cubs?
In fact what other teams even have that kind of talent to offer
Would be interesting to see what kind of a crazy haul the Marlins or Pirates could get for their young aces. It could be a franchise-altering haul. But still hard to let a good, young arm with the potential to be dominant go.
If I were them, or anyone, it doesn’t hurt to listen. No one needs to know you answered the phone and at least listened to an offer. If some one blows you away, take it. You’re not winning the WS this year.
If it makes you better in the long-term with everyday players, then I really think you should consider it. Teams all want to hold onto every prospect, when in reality, not a lot of them will work out.
It’s easy to say trade them away because most don’t work out, because most don’t. But the fact is, any team with sustained success builds from within and complements the roster with trades and free agent signings.
Most don’t work out. But when they do it’s extremely valuable. Even a league average player controlled for 6 years is very valuable. You can’t build a team through free-agency and trading for veterans anymore.
So if a team is not going to win the WS this year, for whatever reason, a team should trade away its top talent? I understand hating the “wait til next year” moniker, but there are lots of valid reasons to not give up on more than just “this year”. One bad year is not always a reason to do a complete rebuild.
The Yankees have a great chance to reload their farm system. And have a decent amount of young talent to be competitive once again they should listen in on everybody
I agree the Yankees should trade whoever they can and replenish their farm
I think they are saying certain names are off limits in certain (bullpen pitchers) deals. I think if the right deal comes along for a high end starter, which I believe will, we could very well see a name or 2 from that list be traded. I think Contreras and Baez are staying no matter what though. The Cubs have a pretty deep system and this year I think they spend some of that prospect cash and end up getting a young, top half of the rotation pitcher
Lots of tough talk but the Cubbies haven’t won anything in over 100 Years!!!
Comprehend that.
With all the supposed “talent” in the minor league system, the only way they get an elite relief pitcher is if they are willing to deal and not from a bunch of possibly never will be’s.
And, according to you prediction of getting a young top half of the rotation pitcher…..with the relief that you have and what they will become, it will be 100 years +1
In order to get you give….that’s how the trade market works and nobody if going to accept 2nd tier prospects for the chance at the World Series.
Cubs can’t undo the last century with one trade, so i don’t know why non-Cubs fans keep bringing that up
Cubs are trying to both win now and not tank the farm system they spend so long building up. They don’t need to panic and throw assets away on big names just because 100+ years of previous regimes didn’t have the brains to think long term
If the Yankees want a king’s ransom for Miller… well, the difference between good and great relievers is frankly minimal, so target somebody cheaper.
So you would be happy with Abad instead of Miller?
How about Doolittle?
That wasn’t the choice. Abad will cost less than Doolittle. Much less.
Oh I agree! Doolittle will cost more, but nowhere near what Miller will cost. Could be similar to a return that the Tigers got for soria a year ago.
if he gets the job done and comes at a much more reasonable price, yes i’d be fine with Abad
Cubs don’t need a closer or an ‘ace’ set-up guy when they’ve got Rondon and Strop, they just need a reliable lefty who can get out other lefties. They don’t need the biggest name on the market just to make headlines
My sentiments exactly. Well put. There is and will be talent available for cheaper then what it will cost for Miller
I would be happy with Abad instead of Miller for a variety of reasons.
#1 He fills the need for a left handed bullpen arm that the Cubs need.
#2 The price paid was far less then the price that would be needed to get Miller.
#3 Abad is having a good year ERA slightly above 2
#4 Cubs farm system still keeps the pieces needed to go after something else if they so desire
#5 Hes an immediate upgrade over Clayton Richard, thus he improves the bullpen, which in turn improves the team as a whole
Is Miller a better pitcher?? Absolutely
Does Abad fill the Cubs need?? Yes
What’s not to like here??
Luckily they aren’t playing for the last 100 years they are playing for this year and years to come. The Cubs have one of the best front offices in baseball and they are not going to sell the farm for a relief pitcher, and they definitely aren’t going to for a relief rental
Sorry Rocky but you are clueless. Cubs 2nd tier is first tier for most clubs. Top 100 overall prospect types. Those are not “also rans” get a clue
REALLY…clueless eh!
You are the clueless one buddie and I use that term loosely.
Prospects are just that prospects…..The term Top 100 doesn’t mean an automatic ticket to the majors and an All Star team berth.
Stop acting like the farm system is the envy of the free world.
You got that farm system in many part by finishing LAST or near LAST!
Every time the Yankees relief corps comes up in these posts, the Cubs insist they won’t trade the farm for a chance at Miller or Chapman. OKAY then, stop leaving posts. The Yankees have not made any overtures towards the Cubs, in fact its the other way around clueless one!
Then why are you reading and commenting on a post that has nothing to do with the Yankees?? Cub fans know they are not going to pay the prices for those relievers the only people arguing against it is Yankee fans
not the envy of the free world
just the envy of every team that needs young, cheap hitters
Cubs fans you do realize your farm system is not top ten farm system . There 11th. Number one farm system is Atlanta and once they sign all 7 of there international prospects in next 30 days it not going to be close. And if Braves trade Tehran, freeman , vizcaino , Johnson , Krol, any of there players they will get deeper.
Cubs fans you do realize your farm system is not top 10 farm system .There number 11th and to get major league talent you have give talent. Ow bye the way number 1 farm system is Braves and once Braves sign there 7 international prospects in next 30 days it not be close . Then when you put the fact if Braves decide to trade Tehran , Freeman, vizcaino , Johnson , Norris , Krol, and any other major league player they will get even more prolific.
The rankings tend to exclude players who have appeared at the MLB level. The Cubs ranking might even drop a little more next year b/c Almora and Contreras made the MLB team, but that’s hardly a bad thing.
Talk about the Braves on an article that actually mentions the Braves
the Cubs might lack high-end talent (because they called it all up), but i’d put their ‘second tier’ depth against that of any other team in the league. They still have some of the best hitting prospects in all of baseball (though i guess if you follow the Braves you can be forgiven for not knowing what those look like…)
What would you rather have, the top farm system, or a WS championship? There is a reason that the same team doesn’t have both.
Ok stymee why dont you tell us the reason big guy? The Cubs have a both a good farm and mlb club for not even two years and this year is not over. So what they did not win one year being last year?
Or they should just make dumb trades and overpay and big against themselves because why?
It doesn’t matter what the farm system is ranked as long as you have pieces another team wants. Case in point Cubs traded shark and Hammel to the As for Russell and McKinney. The As didn’t have a top 10 farm system but they had the pieces needed to make a deal. Even the worst farm system in baseball has atleast 1 piece someone else wants
*besides the Angels. Haha
Actually that is probably true lol
NH would be accurate in saying that McCutchen is not on the trade radar now and they have no intention of trading Cole. That being said, McCutchen will appear on the edge of the radar come the off season this year and will get more to the center of it moving forward from there. Meadows is now in AAA and if he shows he can dominate AAA pitching, they will begin the process of moving McCutchen. Being a fan, it will be sad when he goes but even with his slowly eroding skills, he will bring back value when they do trade him in the next year or year and a half. Cole will not be moved until much closer to his FA year. Not paying him any more than they did this year will not affect them being able to resign him one bit. They could have paid him a $10m bonus for 2016 and besides a nice thanks from Cole, it would not have helped when negotiation for his first FA contract comes in. Boros, as a good agent should, will advise him to go for the gusto and take the most money from the best team he can.. More power to Cole and will wish him well. Both will get moved but not at this particular time. Well unless somebody calls up with an offer that NH asks for the proposal to be repeated 2 or 3 times and asks for it in writing because it seems way to good to be true.
From reading some of the comments already here, I’ve seen a lot of “in order to win the World Series” comments. It’s true that they have a good opportunity this year. However, Theo has stated in the past that sustained success is the Cubs’ ultimate goal. While I’m sure they are looking at ways to improve the club for this year, there is a limit to where upgrades this year start to hinder future year’s success. Seems to me that this article is stating that Schwarber, contreras, Baez, and somewhat Almora are crossing that limit.
making a bad deal out of desperation is not good management… it’s making 2 mistakes instead of 1
a long championship drought doesn’t change the basic truth of that statement
Thank you for a coherent comment. Sometimes I want to comment or even argue with someone but there’s just no point because about 80% of people are either trolls or bring up points that are incomprehensible. I wish there was a way of filtering dumb comments on this site because this could be a great place to have an intelligent argument. But back to my point, good comment donnie. I agree completely that Theo’s head is in the right place. I think they should hold onto Torres and stick him at 2nd when zobrist is gone. That way Baez can be an insurance policy on soler/schwarber/Almora and can actually nearly get everyday at bats even if all of the above happen to work out because of his versatility.
Bucs should listen on both guys, cutch may have apexed and there for his value will only decrease as for Cole love his attitude and stuff but he is a Tommy John waiting to happen. Sale high on him
I think NH is listening but right now will have to have his socks knocked off for either. I can see McCutchen being dealt this winter as long as Meadows keeps knocking the cover off of the ball. He will be the first to go. Cole they will keep (and hopefully will stay healthy) He will be dealt sometime before FA as no way will they want to spend $200m plus for him when they will get a haul for him and not the risk of TJ after they spend $200m. If somebody offers the moon, NH will take it for either player right now. Of course when each player is dealt the masses in the Burgh will cry Nutting is cheap because that is what the talking heads in town will do. The masses are good, loyal parrots (no pun intended) for the Burgh’s talking heads