As the MLB trade deadline looms, the Cubs find themselves in a precarious position: close enough to contend, but not quite there yet. With ace Justin Steele shut down for the season and the rotation pieced together on a weekly basis, the need for a proven arm has gone from optional to urgent.
The 28-year-old right-hander has emerged as one of the top arms to help stop the bleeding in the Cubs’ starting rotation. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has reported on that interest more than once (here and here), writing that the Cubs “would love to get their hands on Keller” and that they have been in “serious talks” with the Pirates for over a week.