Braves could acquire Cubs’ veteran hurler to bolster staff at deadline

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

Atlanta is monitoring all corners of the trade market for a starter as July 30 approaches. The Braves have been linked to Garrett Crochet, Luis Severino, and Erick Fedde, among others.

It has now come to light that Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs could be available for Atlanta's taking, with the slumping Cubs shifting into sell mode.

On Thursday, Hendricks was mentioned in a report by The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman and Eno Sarris as a pitcher likely to be available in July.

Out of twelve mid-rotation starters most likely to be traded, Gleeman and Sarris ranked Hendricks No. 9.

The Braves surely have pitchers ahead of Hendricks on their wish list, but the 34-year-old Cub could emerge as a viable backup plan for Atlanta if arms like Severino and Fedde get swooped up.

Hendricks, who won a World Series with Chicago in 2016, struggled mightily at the start of this season.

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

Hendricks also could appeal to Atlanta from a fiscal perspective, as he's in the final year of his current deal.

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