MLB Trade Rumors: 2 'Dream' Starting Pitcher Targets Named For Chicago Cubs

If there's one team that can pick it on defense, it's the Chicago Cubs. But the Cubbies are also a team with a need for some starting pitching to let those fielders go do their jobs. Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon are flyball pitchers, as is Matthew Boyd (currently on the IL).

So as the team looks to fortify its rotation, there are two 'dream' fits for the Cubs to look to on the trade market, as noted by Christopher Kline of Fansided.

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins

The former Cy Young winner has been on the trade market for well over a year. Now that he's got a full season and a third under his belt on his road back from Tommy John surgery, teams are ready to judge him more aptly. In his league-leading 13 starts, he's had a few rough outings, but they're surrounded by an impressive 8 quality starts. That's tied for 2nd in the majors thus far.

And the best part, for the Cubs, says Kline, is that Alcantara "is still a phenomenal ground-ball pitcher, leaning heavily on his sinker and changeup. That Cubs defense would help a lot, and methinks Alcántara looks better more generally on a team as capable of providing run support as Chicago."

With first baseman Michael Busch sitting second in the majors among first basemen in Outs Above Average (+5), Nico Hoerner at 3rd among second baseman (+7), shortstop Dansby Swanson tied for 5th among shortstops (5), Alex Bregman a recent Gold Glove winner at third, and Pete Crow-Armstrong second in the entire major leagues in OAA with a +12, Alcantara would have all the fielding help he'll need.

Seth Lugo, KC Royals

Ditto for the veteran Lugo. He already has MLB's top Outs Above Average glove man Bobby Witt Jr. behind him, and Maikel Garcia is very strong at 3B, but he'd be surrounded by it in the Windy City.

"Lugo has at least one more year on his contract, so the Cubs can look to him for multiple postseason runs despite his advanced age. The righty's skill set is such that an elite defense is optimal; no team cleans up behind their pitchers better than Chicago, especially on the infield," writes Kline.