Braves could acquire veteran pitcher from Cubs to bolster staff on deadline

The Atlanta Braves are looking to add a starter to their roster before the deadline, and they could look at the price of a former World Series champion in Chicago.

Atlanta is monitoring every corner of the trade market to begin as July 30 approaches. The Braves have been linked to Garrett Crochet, Luis Severino and Erick Fedde, among others.

It has now emerged that Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs could be available for Atlanta, with the struggling Cubs going into sell mode.

On Thursday, Hendricks was mentioned in a report from Aaron Gleeman and Eno Sarris of The Athletic as a pitcher who could be available in July.

Of the twelve mid-rotation starters most likely to be traded, Gleeman and Sarris ranked Hendricks 9th.

The Braves surely have pitchers ahead of Hendricks on their wish list, but the 34-year-old Cub could become a viable backup plan for Atlanta if arms like Severino and Fedde are brought in.

Hendricks, who won a World Series with Chicago in 2016, struggled mightily early this season.

However, his last five outings have piqued the interest of buyers like the Braves. He has a 1.27 ERA over his last five starts (21.1 innings pitched) while allowing 13 hits.

Hendricks could also appeal to Atlanta from a fiscal standpoint, since he is in the final year of his current contract.

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