Three Trade Candidates the Chicago Cubs Should Consider
As the MLB season hurtles towards its trade deadline in just 35 days, teams find themselves at a crossroads, facing the daunting task of deciphering their current standing and crafting a strategy for the road ahead. The upcoming trade deadline has intensified pressure, as contending teams seek reinforcements while rebuilding clubs look to offload veteran players. Some teams may opt to revamp their rosters in pursuit of a Wild Card spot, but the underachieving Chicago Cubs cannot afford to settle for mediocrity. Despite a relatively quiet offseason, the Northsiders made a few notable moves, signing manager Craig Counsell from the division rival Milwaukee Brewers to a $40 million contract, acquiring Cody Bellinger and Shota Imanaga for $26.7 million, and trading minor league contracts for prospect Michael Busch. Despite boasting the highest payroll in the NL Central, the Cubs languish in last place following a disheartening 5-4 defeat to the New York Mets on Monday. Plagued by bullpen woes that have squandered numerous leads, a lineup struggling to maintain a batting average above a pedestrian .230, and recent struggles from starting pitchers Javier Assad and Imanaga, the wheels are falling off the wagon for Chicago. To salvage the season and make a playoff push, the Cubs should be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline. Jed Hoyer and the Cubs' front office should scramble to secure one of these three difference-makers.
Mason Miller
Similar to the Chicago White Sox, the Oakland Athletics find themselves languishing among the MLB's bottom feeders, fielding criticism from fans and baseball pundits. Sitting in last place in the AL West at 29-51 overall, the A’s could be sellers at the deadline. The captivating closer Mason Miller could be the answer to the Chicago Cubs' bullpen woes, which have led to the second-worst 16 blown leads in the MLB. Heading into Monday's matchup against the San Francisco Giants, Chicago's bullpen owned a dismal 4.39 ERA and 1.36 WHIP, both placed in the bottom half of the league, and has allowed the eighth most home runs in baseball. Miller has been a rumored target for the Cubs over the past few months and should immediately pay dividends in the event he’s acquired. Wielding his trusty four-seam fastball to devastating effect, Miller boasts a stellar 2.08 ERA, has fanned 60 batters, and holds a 0.81 WHIP over 34.2 innings. While there is no concrete evidence that the A's are actively shopping the 25-year-old phenom, and the asking price might be steep, Miller's name deserves close attention from the Cubs' brass in their quest for bullpen stability.
Elias Diaz
Trading for a catcher at the deadline is typically a rare maneuver, as it takes time for catchers to forge that crucial bond with their pitchers. However, the Cubs are grappling with a glaring void at the position, which could be resolved by acquiring Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz. Chicago's decision to replace the offensive firepower of Willson Contreras with the more “defensively-oriented” duo of Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya has backfired spectacularly. Set to enter free agency after the season, Diaz could be a bargain acquisition, bringing immediate stability behind the plate for Chicago. With an impressive .303/.352/.439 slash line and a .791 OPS, Diaz should be a tantalizing target for a Cubs team in desperate need of a dependable backstop.
Pete Alonso
The Chicago Cubs season has been a tale of two halves, one featuring an explosive offense firing on all cylinders, and the other a lackluster, inconsistent lineup struggling to find its groove. To rekindle the fire from their April glory, the Cubs might look to bolster their roster with a heavy hitter like New York Mets' first baseman Pete Alonso. Similar to Miller, Alonso has been incessantly linked as a potential trade candidate throughout the offseason. Playing on a one-year deal worth $20.5 million, Alonso finds himself on a New York team that, with the third-worst record in baseball, could become active sellers as the late-July trade deadline approaches. Alonso’s 16 home runs currently rank 15th in the MLB, and though his .241 batting average is modest, his power at the plate is undeniable. A blockbuster trade for Alonso could reignite the Cubs' offensive prowess, adding a formidable slugger to their arsenal and revitalizing their at-bats.
