The Chicago Cubs have made a trade and now have a big hard on Harden. The Oakland A’s sent pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Cubbies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Sean Gallagher, catcher Josh Donaldson, infielder Eric Patterson and outfielder Matt Murton.

Harden, the main part of the deal, has posted All-Star numbers in the first half of the season, with a 5-1 record and a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts.

“I had heard talk about it, but it’s still always a surprise,” Harden said shortly after learning of the move. “It’s a bit of a shock. But they’re a good team, and they have a chance of doing something special.”