The MLB trade deadline is right around the corner, and the Chicago Cubs front office has some big decisions to make. All the signs point to several moves being made. They are reportedly targeting one or two starting pitchers, relief pitching, and a third baseman. Now they probably won’t acquire everything they desire, but even a few solid moves could make an enormous difference. They are very much in need of another starter to bolster their rotation for the final part of the season. This has been their biggest weakness all year, and if they could get it fixed, they would be serious World Series contenders. With all that being said, recently, talks and rumors about potential trades have gotten much quieter. Why is that?
Cubs Trade Talks and Rumors Slowing Down
What is the Cubs’ Plan?
While it is not to say the Cubs aren’t going to make any moves before the deadline, the rumors have certainly cooled off. It appears as if the Cubs (along with many other teams) are planning on waiting until it gets closer to the deadline to make trades. Currently, there are not very many starting pitcher options available on the board. Additionally, players like Eugenio Suárez are going to be very expensive to trade for, especially considering Suárez is up to 35 home runs on the year and has four in his last two games. He is certainly going to be a target for a number of teams. Even though the Cubs haven’t made any moves yet, they aren’t missing the boat on any players. So far, there have been no major deadline deals as the market is bare and expensive.
Even though the rumors have not been as hot, there have still been some notable ones. A few weeks ago, the Cubs engaged in fairly serious trade talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding RHP Mitch Keller. Keller is a pitcher who could pick up some of the slack but isn’t going to make a drastic difference in the rotation. These talks also involved the possibility of trading for Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. But, it appears now that these talks have taken a back seat at least until the trade deadline gets closer. Another pitcher connected to the Cubs in trade talks is Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcántara. The former Cy Young Award winner has had quite the rough season, but has proven he has the stuff needed to win. Although Alcántara’s name has been floating around regarding the Cubs, nothing concrete has come from that situation.
The Bare Minimum
At the very least, the Cubs need to go out and get a starting pitcher that can provide value in the number three spot behind Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. If they could even get two starters, that would be ideal. Additionally, while they have one of the best bullpens in the league, it would be nice to trade for another arm to make them even stronger for the playoffs. And finally, at third base, there isn’t necessarily a need to go out and get someone, but that position has been the biggest liability in the field for the Cubs this season. They can live without trading for one, but there would be no complaints if a new third baseman came to Chicago.
