Chicago Cubs Could Deal Stroman to Prospect Rich AL Team

Marcus Stroman continues to be a name that is highly sought after before the trade deadline on August 1st.

The Chicago Cubs are seemingly undecided if they want to sell off some of their parts at the deadline or keep them on the roster. Sitting at 45-51 ahead of their divisional matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals, they'll most likely look to trade pieces entering free agency.

One of those teams that have emerged as a candidate interested in Stroman are the 60-win Tampa Bay Rays.

Pitching injuries and concerns have been a dark cloud over the fantastic season that the Rays have put together so far.

Starting pitchers Shane Baz, Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs will not be playing this season due to season ending injuries.

Tampa Bay's four rotational guys Shane McClanahan, Taj Bradley, Tyler Glasnow and Zach Eflin have all been on the Injured List this season except for Bradley.

Trading for Stroman would put the Rays firmly as World Series contenders.

It would also be an ideal trade for the Cubs, who are looking to recoup assets for a player that is going to hit free agency after the season.

Tampa Bay has one of the best farm systems in the league.

They have four of the top 100 prospects according to MLB.com.

Reports have been circulating that many teams have contacted Chicago about a package to land both Stroman and slugger Cody Bellinger.

However, according to the Onto Waveland podcast, they report the Rays have no interest in acquiring the slugging outfielder.

If the Cubs are able to package off Stroman and Bellinger in separate deals, there's a possibility they could get back a greater return than if they included both in the same deal.

Getting back one of Tampa Bay's elite prospects would be a good way for Chicago to get assets back for someone likely leaving at season's end.

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