Chicago Cubs "Have Discussed" Taj Bradley, Pete Fairbanks, and Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays

[Matthew Lenz]

It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs will be very active at the trade deadline, and are specifically looking to bolster their pitching staff and possibly add a third baseman.

Today, MLB insider, "Mocc Bomb", is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs have discussed a deal around starting pitcher Taj Bradley, reliever Pete Fairbanks, as well as infielder Yandy Diaz.

Bradley's 2025 season with the Rays has seen him post a 4.35 ERA and a 4.01 FIP over 109.2 innings across 20 starts. His K-BB rate stands at 11.8% (20.7% strikeout rate minus 8.9% walk rate). He'd be a strong addition to the middle of the rotation and is controllable through 2029.

In 38 appearances as the Rays closer, Fairbanks boasts a 2.92 ERA and a 2.93 FIP over 37.0 innings. His K-BB rate is 10.9% (20.6% strikeout rate minus 9.7% walk rate), contributing to his 16 saves. He is controlled through 2026 via a team option that could see him making as much as $3 million.

Though Mocc does mention Diaz, it seems that talks are just developing on the former third baseman. He's posted an impressive .820 OPS with 15 home runs resulting in a 130 wRC+. His club option for 2026 has already been vested and has a similar option in 2027 if he hits 500 plate appearances in 2026.

Do you think the Cubs should move on any of these names? Join the conversation in the comments!

View full rumor

[Rex Buckingham]

Bradley and Fairbanks would be interesting. Adding Fairbanks would be great for the pen, and Bradley has good stuff.

Not sure Yandy would be worth it, because I really don't think he can play 3rd... but I'm just a guy on a message board and not in the Cubs FO. 

[Rcal10]

35 minutes ago, Matthew Lenz said:

It's no secret that the Chicago Cubs will be very active at the trade deadline, and are specifically looking to bolster their pitching staff and possibly add a third baseman.

Today, MLB insider, "Mocc Bomb", is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs have discussed a deal around starting pitcher Taj Bradley, reliever Pete Fairbanks, as well as infielder Yandy Diaz.

Bradley's 2025 season with the Rays has seen him post a 4.35 ERA and a 4.01 FIP over 109.2 innings across 20 starts. His K-BB rate stands at 11.8% (20.7% strikeout rate minus 8.9% walk rate). He'd be a strong addition to the middle of the rotation and is controllable through 2029.

In 38 appearances as the Rays closer, Fairbanks boasts a 2.92 ERA and a 2.93 FIP over 37.0 innings. His K-BB rate is 10.9% (20.6% strikeout rate minus 9.7% walk rate), contributing to his 16 saves. He is controlled through 2026 via a team option that could see him making as much as $3 million.

Though Mocc does mention Diaz, it seems that talks are just developing on the former third baseman. He's posted an impressive .820 OPS with 15 home runs resulting in a 130 wRC+. His club option for 2026 has already been vested and has a similar option in 2027 if he hits 500 plate appearances in 2026.

Do you think the Cubs should move on any of these names? Join the conversation in the comments!

 

View full rumor

 

All 3 of those guys would cost a decent amount of young talent. Bradley has a lot of control left. But the Rays seem to value prospects differently. So who knows who they want. 

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Yandy hasn't played 3B since '22 and was bad at it.

[Rcal10]

10 minutes ago, Tangled Up in Plaid said:

Yandy hasn't played 3B since '22 and was bad at it.

He is an odd fit. But the story suggests it was Bradley and Fairbanks mainly. Diaz sure can hit, and he would be a great platoon for Busch, but he is too good a hitter to come off the bench as a pinch hitter and play 1st against lefties. 

[Neuby]

The Rays are a game back in the wild card. 

[Bertz]

I think the air quotes should go around "Insider" instead of Mocc Bomb

[Rcal10]

10 minutes ago, Neuby said:

The Rays are a game back in the wild card. 

They are. But they are an interesting team. They might trade even in the race, but might want guys to help them now. They also view players differently than most organizations. So if they like Ballasteros and also Brown maybe they do something with those two guys for Bradly and Fairbanks. This is just an example. Maybe they feel Ballasteros can help them now. Maybe they want Cassie and want him I. The line up now. Bradley isn’t going to be cheap. I’m not saying that is a fair deal. I honestly don’t know. But IMO if the Rays traded guys now they would want guys they think can help now, back. 

[muntjack]

What happened to his K rate this year?  I notice the HRs have dropped as well.

[Neuby]

Kim makes more sense than Diaz. 

[Post Count Padder]

The Rays have some power hitter named Morel. Can he play 3B?

[Post Count Padder]

Kidding aside I've liked Bradley for awhile and would definitely be a fan of acquiring him but I'm sure the ask would be high. 

[Hot Sauce]

Bradley was optioned to Durham.