Three years ago, the Cubs thought they had a deal for Dan Haren. But a trade with the Angels involving Carlos Marmol cratered at the last minute and the veteran starter’s option was declined, leaving him free to sign with the Nationals as a free agent.
Now, under a new administration at Wrigley Field, Haren is again getting an opportunity to pitch for the Cubs and has a chance to influence a playoff chase. (Hopefully, that eases the sting of not being traded to the West Coast, his reported preference.) As reported by the Chicago Tribune’s Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs sent two minor league pitchers to the Marlins in exchange for the 34-year-old, adding a durable, experienced starter who adds innings to the back end of the rotation.
The #Cubs did just want they wanted: They acquire veteran starter Dan Haren from #Marlins to bolster rotation without denting farm system
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2015
Haren compiled a 3.42 ERA with Miami, throwing 88 strikeouts and 25 walks in 129 innings. He can be a free agent after the season, putting the Cubs on the hook for the remaining $3 million of his 2015 salary. In exchange, the Marlins get Double-A starter Ivan Pineyro and shortstop Elliot Soto. Pineyro, 23, has a 3.69 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 107.1 innings this season, while the 25-year-old Soto is batting .275 with a .702 OPS in 372 plate appearances.
Sources: #Padres, #RedSox, #Cubs 3-team trade possibility remains very much alive, with two hours to deadline.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2015
While Haren provides a durable arm for the Cubs’ starting staff, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are still chasing bigger game before the 4 p.m. trade deadline. Rumors continue to swirl about a multi-player deal with the Padres, also possibly involving the Red Sox. San Diego left-hander Tyson Ross is reportedly whom the Cubs are targeting.
