The Chicago Cubs have the best record in the National League at 58-39 and hold a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central.
Chicago’s success has been a testament to their dynamic offense that leads Major League Baseball in run differential (+122) and RBI (505).
The Cubs are also sixth in batting average (.255), third in home runs (143), third in hits (855) and third in stolen bases (109).
Pitching has been a question mark outside of All-Star Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. Jameson Taillon is sidelined for the foreseeable future, and Colin Rea and Cade Horton have been inconsistent.
MLB.com staff released each team’s likely trade deadline strategy with less than two weeks remaining.
Obviously, the Cubs will focus on starting pitching going forward, with the potential of adding bullpen pieces and a third base upgrade.
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“With lefty Justin Steele out for the season and righty Jameson Taillon also shelved at the moment, Chicago’s top priority will be adding to the starting rotation,” wrote Jordan Bastian. “Landing an impact arm is the goal, but the Cubs could also benefit from added depth as well. Next on the to-do list could be targeting some bullpen help or seeing if there might be an avenue for upgrading the production at third base.”
The Cubs have been linked to several starting pitchers on the market, including Sandy Alcantara, Mitch Keller and Zac Gallen.
Landing any of these guys will require a haul, but Gallen would be the cheapest option. If Chicago wants to really win the trade deadline, going after Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Ryan would probably be the best option.
Adding a quality bullpen arm would be a great idea, despite Chicago’s bullpen having an MLB-best 2.94 ERA and 1.16 WHIP since May 1, per Cubs Live!
Rookie Matt Shaw is the third baseman of the future for Chicago, but trading for Eugenio Suárez would boost Chicago’s lineup tremendously and he is on an expiring contract.
Whatever the Cubs do, expect them to be aggressive with the potential of top prospect Owen Caissie on the move.
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