MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal and Yahoo's Jeff Passan both reported the Cubs' interest in Ross, 29, who started Opening Day for San Diego before being shutdown due to ongoing shoulder problems, which eventually resulted in surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome. The Padres non-tendered him in early December after he made $9.6 million in 2016.
On Thursday, Rosenthal also reported that the Nationals also are in the mix, although he said Washington was a long shot. Ross' younger brother Joe is projected to make Washington's rotation in 2017.
When asked about his brother during the Nationals' WinterFest, Joe Ross said: "I keep joking, telling everyone he can come over here .