Blue Jays: Chicago Cubs reportedly interested in Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson, the charismatic veteran outfielder, has now become the subject of some trade rumours as the trade deadline quickly approaches.

According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic (subscription required), the Chicago Cubs have held “internal discussions” about acquiring a veteran player, with Curtis Granderson apparently being one of their top targets.

Rosenthal notes that the Cubs would likely have to part with a young outfielder like Albert Almora Jr. or Ian Happ in order to make room for the incoming veteran. Longtime Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was also named in the article as a potential Cubs trade target.

Finally, Rosenthal reports that a trade of this nature is, if anything, going to take place after the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. While nothing’s for certain, it’s definitely possible that Granderson, as well as Jones, could be legitimate candidates for an August trade.

The Cubs (52-37) were previously linked to the Jays in a report that had them eyeing veteran starter J.A. Happ. While that rumour was vague, it could still have planted the seed for another deal between the two teams.

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On the season, Grandy has slashed .244/.353/.446 with nine home runs and 28 RBI. He’s also added 14 doubles, a triple and a stolen base in 250 total plate appearances across 73 games. He signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Jays on January 23rd and has since put up 0.6 WAR, good enough for 14th on the team.

In a related report, Jayson Stark (also of the Athletic) says that the Cubs are looking to add a “David Ross type” veteran for their playoff run. Ross, who slashed .229/.338/.446 for the Cubs in 2016 (.400/.429/1.000 in the postseason in seven PAs), was a clubhouse leader who helped bridge the gap between the youngsters and the veterans.

At this point, it’s all but assumed that Granderson will be traded. As an excellent leader and a wonderful human being all around, his services could be an asset to any contender. As sad as it makes me to say this, Curtis Granderson will likely not be a Blue Jay for much longer.

Next: Aaron Loup and the disappearance of the bullpen lefty