Padres have Cubs former No. 2 overall pick 'on their radar' as deadline looms

The San Diego Padres are looking to add a starting pitcher before July 30, and the Chicago Cubs could provide what they need.

San Diego entered Friday with a half-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals for the third and final National League Wild Card spot.

It goes without saying that the Padres' playoff positioning is far from comfortable, and San Diego is thus intent on boosting its pitching rotation in the next few days.

The Padres have been linked to Jack Flaherty of the Detroit Tigers among others, and San Diego's general manager A.J. Preller is likely open to a myriad of options as the deadline looms near.

Preller is reportedly monitoring the trade status of the Chicago Cubs' starter Jameson Taillon, according to a piece released by The Athletic MLB Staff on Thursday.

"The San Diego Padres ... have Taillon on their radar as they sort through various options," The Athletic MLB Staff said.

Taillon is a popular commodity on the trade market because of his consistent ability to provide quality starts. He's 7-5 this season for the disappointing Cubs with an impressive ERA of 2.96 and 78 strikeouts in 100 1/3 innings pitched.

A former No. 2 overall pick, Taillon strikes an imposing figure on the mound at 6-foot-5. His combination of size, craft, and experience make him a potentially fearsome playoff pitcher.

Will the Padres be the team that Taillon is providing clutch outings for in September and October? Time will tell, as the deadline hits on Tuesday evening.

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