Chicago Cubs linked to new trade for erratic pitcher

The Chicago Cubs have been playing much better baseball of late, having won 10 of their last 14 games to right themselves in the National League playoff picture. However, they have still gone just 17-26 after a 27-12 start, and a litany of problems remain with the club.

While the Cubs have issues from top to bottom, it’s clear that the starting rotation is the team’s most glaring hole, and they are expected to address it between now and the MLB trade deadline.

Chicago got a head start on that by acquiring David Peterson in a deal with the New York Mets earlier this week, but considering that Peterson has an ERA north of 6.00, he is certainly not going to represent a be-all-end-all solution for the Cubs.

Where else could Jed Hoyer turn for pitching help?

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has identified a new potential target for the Cubbies, linking them to a potential trade for Boston Red Sox left-hander Brayan Bello.

Chicago Cubs linked to trade for Brayan Bello

The Cubs’ rotation has been absolutely ravaged by injuries this season, and the guys that have been healthy have not exactly pitched well.

If Chicago wants to have any chance of making a deep playoff run, it will have to add multiple starters before Aug. 3, and Rymer feels that Bello could comprise a potential option as the Red Sox continue to struggle.

Of course, Bello hasn’t exactly been lighting it up himself, owning a 6.34 ERA and 1.672 WHIP over 12 appearances and eight starts, which resulted in Boston optioning him to Triple-A. The numbers, however, are a bit skewed.

Bello has had two horrendous outings that ballooned his ERA. But he actually has also been dominant for a good portion of the season. In May, for example, Bello allowed one run or less in four of his five starts, going seven innings in two of them. But he also had some moments where he couldn’t get an out.

The 27-year-old owns a lifetime 4.32 ERA and 1.392 WHIP, and like Peterson, his ground-ball rate (career 52.3 percent) should play well with the Cubs’ slick infield defense.

Bello is also under team control through 2029, so he could comprise a sneaky-good addition for Chicago.

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