1 under-the-radar Cubs trade idea nobody's talking about ahead of the trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs have gotten massive production from their catchers this season. A combination of Miguel Amaya, Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire have helped a position that was a major pain point just last year into an area of strength - especially with their respective offensive performances to this point.

Kelly should have been an All-Star, plain and simple. The former first-rounder got off to a scorching start, then went through an equally potent cold spell, but is back to spraying the ball all over the diamond with power. We haven't seen Amaya in game action since May 24 due to a left oblique strain. Manager Craig Counsell said the 26-year-old has resumed batting practice and catching bullpens but, as of July 1, 'wasn't close' to game action.

I bring that up because if Amaya continues to progress between now and the July 31 trade deadline, the Cubs find themselves with a roster crunch. Carrying three catchers is unorthodox in today's game and, given this latest MLB trade rumor, they could capitalize on a National League opponent's glaring need behind the plate.

Cubs Rumors: Padres are looking for offensive upgrades behind the dish

According to Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic (subscription required), the San Diego Padres are desperate for catching upgrades after receiving virtually no offensive production from the combination of Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado this year. They rank near the bottom of the league in OPS+ at the position and want to add more pop to the lineup.

Enter the Cubs and McGuire.

The former first-round pick back in 2013 has been a shockingly pleasant surprise for the Cubs, carrying a .508 slugging percentage and 113 OPS+ into this week's matchup with the Twins. It's an admittedly small sample size (59 at-bats), but given he was the 'break glass in case of emergency' option on the depth chart, you can safely assume Craig Counsell isn't upset with his production.

Now, is a 30-year-old journeyman catcher going to command a king's ransom in a potential deadline deal? No. But, packaged with something, perhaps the Cubs can bring back some intriguing talent, whether that be a minor leaguer or a piece from the Padres' stalwart bullpen. It's at least one thought to ponder as Amaya continues to work his way back and the team's decision on how to handle the position draws closer.