Tue 11/11/14 9:30 PM

The Cubs are in talks with the Nationals to acquire Zimmermann, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. It sounds like the talks are in the relatively early stages, but according to the report, there is enough mutual interest that other names have been discussed. To acquire Zimmermann, the Cubs would almost certainly have to include at least one of their touted young middle infielders, likely either Addison Russell, Javier Baez or Arismendy Alcantara, and quite possibly other pieces as well. Zimmermann, 28, is a two-time All-Star who has averaged 200 innings over the past three seasons, but he is entering the final year of his contract and turned down a five-year, $85-million extension prior to the 2014 season.