The Chicago Cubs recently demoted top prospect Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa. However, they could look for an upgrade at third base to maximize their chance of winning with Kyle Tucker.
The Cubs could lose Kyle Tucker in free agency. They made a big splash by trading for him, but Tucker could forgo signing an extension to cash in during free agency. He is off to a scorching start and could get over $500 million on the open market. If the Cubs see a window to compete for a World Series while he is still with them, they could be aggressive near the trade deadline.
While listing potential trade candidates to upgrade at third base, Newsweek’s Andrew Wright tabbed Nolan Arenado as a trade target for them.
“Arenado was always floated on the trade market during the offseason and with it not looking like the Cardinals will be in a position to compete for a playoff spot this season, he may once again be on the market near the trade deadline,” wrote Wright. “While a trade between the Cubs and Cardinals is unlikely, it has happened before. Arenado would have to waive his no-trade clause for a trade between the two teams to be completed and if this move were to ever happen, it would be a huge addition for Chicago.”
The Cubs have a strong farm system and could use it to land a player like Arenado. Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million deal with the Colorado Rockies before he was traded to the Cardinals. He is an eight-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, 10-time Gold Glover and six-time Platinum Glover.
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This season, he has a .800 OPS with two home runs and 11 RBIs. He could be a key player for the Cubs if they want to maximize their chances of winning with Tucker before he potentially leaves in free agency. Arenado would fill a clear need after the Cubs sent Shaw down.
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