Via MLB Trade Rumors: The rebuilding period for the fifth-place Cubs (43–58) is in full swing.

Last night, Chicago’s front-office brain trust of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer sent to Atlanta their highly regarded southpaw Paul Maholm and lefty-mashing outfielder Reed Johnson. One-time starting catcher Geovany Soto subsequently was traded to Texas.

With Maholm en route to the Braves, Ryan Dempster, who had been linked to a deal with Atlanta, is more likely to remain on the North Side through season’s end, although conversations with the Dodgers continue to take place. Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano also are on the trading block.

The non-waiver trade deadline is today at 4:00 p.m. EDT.