Nightengale: Chicago Cubs "Keeping An Eye On" Athletics Starter Luis Severino

[Matthew Lenz]

Along with Brad Keller and a pair of Marlins' starters we've previously covered, Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Chicago Cubs are "keeping an eye on" Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino as the trade deadline nears.

He also states that the Cubs "would love to get their hands on [Mitch] Keller and [David] Bernard." While we know talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates have included starting pitcher Mitch Keller, this is the first we're hearing reliever David Bednar's name. While it's not surprising, as he may be the best reliever available via trade, it's not clear if the Cubs have explicitly shown interest or if Nightengale is speculating.

Severino, 31, is in the first year of a three-year deal that includes a 2027 player option. Pitching in a Triple-A stadium and in a climate that favors hitters, his 4.83 ERA is a little inflated as suggested by his 3.99 FIP. What may be more concerning is that his strikeout rates are down nearly 10 points from his career norms, resulting in an extremely poor 8.5% strikeout-minus-wall rate. Nightengale points out that the optically the Athletics may be hard pressed to trade the starter, but even if he's on the market it will be interesting to see how expensive he gets. His numbers aren't overly encouraging, though it may be a thin starting pitcher market which will inherently drive up costs.

If the Athletics are open to trading Severino, would you want the Cubs to pursue? Join the conversation in the comments!

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