Chicago Cubs Rumors: Could Jose Fernandez Become an MLB Offseason Trade Target?

The Chicago Cubs rumors are beginning to fly after the team signed young star outfielder Jason Heyward. According to recent rumors, could Jose Fernandez become an MLB offseason trade target?

Joe Frisaro, a Miami Marlins beat writer, mentioned that he thinks the Cubs could make a run at Fernandez.

Simply thinking about the possibility of the Cubs adding a talent like Fernandez should make the rest of Major League Baseball nervous. Theo Epstein likely won't give up the type of price tag that it would take to acquire Fernandez, but it is intriguing to consider. Chicago does want another top starting pitcher, although Carlos Carrasco seems to be a much better option for them.

Fernandez would put the cherry on top of the Cubs' offseason and would give their World Series hopes yet another jump. They are already viewed by many as the team to beat heading into the 2016 MLB season due to the moves that they have made this offseason.

Throughout the course of the 2015 season with the Miami Marlins, Fernandez ended up compiling a 6-1 record to go along with a 2.92 ERA and a 5.64 K/BB ratio. Those numbers show why he is considered to be such a dynamic pickup for any team that pays the price to get him.

If the Cubs do decide to bring him on board, it will take a hefty price. Jorge Soler and Javier Baez could both be included in the package, along with more talent as well. Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant appear to be untouchable at this point in time, but the Cubs still have plenty more talented players that they could move.

At just 23 years old, Fernandez has a long tenure ahead of him as one of the top pitchers in baseball.

Chicago likely won't end up considering a trade for him, but there is always the chance that Epstein gets a little crazy with all the big moves. The Cubs already have Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and John Lackey as their top three pitchers, which is a very solid trio. Adding another arm would be a good idea, but Fernandez would make them one of the best rotations that baseball has ever seen.

Expect to hear plenty more rumors about the Cubs throughout the rest of the offseason and don't be surprised if Fernandez is mentioned in a few of them.