Cubs should target blockbuster trade for Twins All-Star starting pitcher

The Chicago Cubs are having a great season and have a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central heading into the second half.

At 57-39, the Cubs have the third-best record in Major League Baseball and look to be a force down the stretch.

They have the easiest remaining schedule out of any team but need to take care of business to ensure a playoff spot.

Part of the business that needs to be taken care of is addressing the starting rotation. The Cubs have been rumored to be aggressive at the trade deadline, and they have the assets to get any deal done.

Chicago has been linked to Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen and Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller among others, but they should go after a guy who has been under-the-radar.

Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Ryan has garnered interest from several teams, and while we don’t know if the Cubs are one of those teams, they definitely should be.

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FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes Ryan would be a great fit on the North Side given that he is under contract beyond this season.

“Gallen and Alcántara in particular are more accomplished, but both have been extremely inconsistent this season,” wrote Kline. “Chicago cannot bank on them turning it around in time. Ryan's immediate utility and long-term, affordable control makes him the optimal starting pitcher target if Chicago decides to give the rotation a facelift.”

Ryan, 29, is having a career-year in his fourth full season with the Twins. In 19 appearances (18 starts), Ryan is 9-4 with a 2.72 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP with 121 strikeouts to just 23 walks.

With the Twins currently sitting at 47-49 and on the outside looking in, Minnesota could get a haul for Ryan.

Cubs fans don’t want to see Owen Caissie (Cubs No. 1, MLB No. 41) go, but if the Twins are willing to give up Ryan for Caissie, that is certainly a deal worth making.

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