Mariners Listening On George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Emerson Hancock, All Of Interest To Cubs

The Seattle Mariners are listening on most of their starting rotation, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Passan reported Saturday afternoon that multiple teams have engaged on right-handed pitcher George Kirby, as well as right-hander Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock.

Kirby, 28, is earning $6.55 million this season after avoiding arbitration and remains under team control through 2028. This season, he's sporting a 20.9% strikeout rate and a 20.9% whiff rate, both of which sit below average, offset by an elite 5.7% walk rate. His 3.33 FIP edges his 3.76 xERA, but quality of contact has crept up (.303 xwOBA, .384 xSLG, 42.0% hard-hit), leaving him reliant on limiting damage in the zone. The 96.6 mph fastball still plays; the swing-and-miss less so.

The Cubs' biggest need at this deadline is pitching. All three of these players would provide Chicago with the quality innings they need.