Report: Cubs have interest in two Seattle pitchers |
Monday's non-waiver Trade Deadline is approaching, and the Cubs have already made significant moves with the additions of relievers Mike Montgomery and Aroldis Chapman to help the much-maligned bullpen.
However, the Cubs are still working the phones as they have called about Seattle Mariners pitchers Taijuan Walker and James Paxton according to multiple reports. "Less likely would be a trade for Taijuan Walker or James Paxton, though there has been plenty of interest," MLB insider Jon Heyman said. "The Cubs and Rangers have inquired about those two young pitchers." The 23-year old Walker will reportedly throw a bullpen session on Friday for scouts showing off his mid-90's fastball, curveball, and changeup. Walker is 4-7 with a 3.66 ERA with 80 strikeouts this season and currently rehabbing due to tendinitis in his right foot. He is 18-18 with a 4.02 ERA with 283 strikeouts and a 1.18 WHIP for his career and a former first round pick in 2010 by the Mariners. Paxton is 3-5 with a 4.27 ERA with 61 strikeouts and a 1.50 WHIP this season. For his career, the 27-year old lefty is 15-13 with a 3.48 ERA with 197 strikeouts and a 1.32 WHIP. He was drafted by the Mariners in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft.
