The Chicago Cubs finished the first half on a high note, winning two out of three games against the New York Yankees and remaining in first place in the National League Central.
At 57-39, they are one game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers and own the second-best record in the Senior Circuit. They'll likely be buyers at the trade deadline.
The Cubs are in need of pitching, and should certainly be scouring the market for rotation and bullpen help to make a second half push.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today notes that the Cubs are showing interest in Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins.
"The Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, hoping to acquire at least one of them," Nightengale reported.
"The Twins also are drawing strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds."
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Duran is 5-4 with a 1.66 ERA and 2.2 WAR in 44 appearances and has recorded 15 saves. Jax is 1-4 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 appearances of his own.
The Cubs need help at the back end of their bullpen, and both pitchers could significantly boost their bullpen. The Cubs need to find a way to separate themselves from the Brewers in the NL Central, and this could be the move that puts the division out of reach.
The Cubs have so far proven to be the best team in the division and one of the top teams in the National League. Adding bullpen help could give them a great chance to compete for a World Series title this coming October.
It will be interesting to see where the North Siders land in their search for pitching.
More MLB: MLB insider weighs in on potential Cubs trade involving No. 1 prospect