Cubs can win MLB Trade Deadline by targeting Twins lights-out closer

The Chicago Cubs are currently 57-39 entering the second half of the season with a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

The Cubs are a well-rounded team, but the team desperately needs pitching help.

The urgency lies within the starting rotation, but adding a lockdown closer to the team would really boost the Cubs’ chances of making a deep playoff run.

Daniel Palencia has looked great as Chicago’s closer, but his lack of experience could lead to trouble come October.

FanSided’s Christopher Kline thinks the Cubs can win the trade deadline by making three moves, with two of them involving the Minnesota Twins.

Trading for a guy like Jhoan Durán would make Chicago’s bullpen even more of a force and set them up for a lot of success.

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Durán, 27, has had an incredible season thus far and should have been a first-time All-Star. The tall, flamethrowing righty is 5-4 with a 1.66 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 44 appearances this season.

Durán has posted his worst strikeout-to-walk ratio at 3.1, but he has dominated hitters with his stuff and has converted 15 saves in 17 opportunities.

The Cubs are prioritizing starting pitching, which is the other move that involves the Twins.

Making a blockbuster trade involving Durán and All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan would be an absolute home run for the Cubs, who are going all-in this season.

Ryan, 29, is 9-4 with a 2.72 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP in 19 appearances (18 starts) this season.

While a move of that caliber would require the Cubs to give up a lot of talent, they have the assets to get a deal done.

The Twins would surely be interested in Owen Caissie (Cubs No.1, MLB No. 41), and Chicago’s farm system runs deep.

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