Cubs Rumors: Five outfield trade targets team could pursue

Jun 17, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder

(22) hits an RBI single against the San Diego Padres during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics won 16-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

With mere weeks until the July 31 trade deadline, the still-relevant Chicago Cubs have multiple areas they could upgrade at, including the rotation, bullpen and the outfield.

For the first time in years, Chicago is in the thick of a playoff race in late July. But, as the season has progressed, we’ve seen some weaknesses in Joe Maddon‘s club – many of which could be fixed with a midseason deal.

Whether or not the Cubs pull the trigger on a deal remains to be seen, but there are several enticing options out there for the taking. They range from complete game-changers to stopgap measures, but all of them are in the realm of possibility.

That being said, the impact of such deals depends heavily upon just how much Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer want to give up in return.

Here’s a look at five potential outfield pieces that could help shape the Cubs during their stretch run.

Next: Cameron Maybin

Jul 17, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) watches the flight of his eighth inning home run against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Upton – San Diego Padres

Coming off the third All-Star selection of his big league career, Justin Upton is a major part of a San Diego Padres team that seems to be facing more questions than answers after a massive rebuild last offseason.

With both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants playing well again this season, first-year San Diego GM A.J. Preller may look to flip some of his pricier pieces to shore up the farm system moving forward.

Leading that group of players is Upton.

After 27 and 29-homer years the past two seasons, respectively, Upton has shown that is an evident power threat in any big league lineup.

One of the Cubs’ biggest question marks is how long Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo can carry the offensive load. Adding Upton changes the look of this lineup for the next two months, but with the asking price the Friars will likely have for the rental player, this deal doesn’t seem as probable to me.

Next: Ben Revere

Jul 9, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Ben Revere (2) makes a catch for an out on a ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder

(66) at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Revere – Philadelphia Phillies

By this point, we’re well-informed that the Cubs have interest in at least one Phillies player in left-hander Cole Hamels.

But the Phillies have another piece that could interest Chicago in outfielder Ben Revere, who tied with Denard Span last year for the most hits in the NL with 184.

The former first-round pick has a couple years left in terms of team control and could add a much-needed speed element to the Chicago Cubs outfield, given his league-leading six triples and 21 steals this season.

Philadelphia is in desperate need of a top-to-bottom rebuild. Everyone knows how much the club will get in return for Hamels, but in terms of offensive pieces, one of their most attractive options has to be considered Revere.

Next: Josh Reddick

Jun 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) flies out against the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning of their MLB baseball game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Reddick – Oakland Athletics

What makes the Oakland outfielder a likely Cubs target, in my opinion, is the familiarity president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has with him.

The relationship between the two can be traced back to their days in Boston, when Epstein headed the baseball operations there and Reddick was a draft pick of the Red Sox.

This year in Oakland, the 28-year-old Reddick has been a bright spot for a struggling Athletics ball club, batting .284/.340/.451 through Saturday’s action. Last year, he bounced back after a horrendous 2013 campaign, but he’s on-pace for one of the best seasons of his big league career here in 2015.

Reddick would give the Cubs a left-handed bat with some pop, who has valuable postseason experience he can bring to the table, as well. Epstein has shown a tendency to go after players he knows well, and given these clubs got together on a deal last year, I don’t think it’s thinking outside the box to assume it could happen again.

Next: Carlos Gomez

Jul 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (27) runs home and scores during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Gomez – Milwaukee Brewers

With a year-and-a-half left on his deal, Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez is probably the most high-impact option on the trade market – at least in terms of feasible options for the Chicago Cubs.

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With two All-Star seasons under his belt, Gomez has shown why he’s one of the most versatile and talented outfielders in the game today. He’s a legitimate 30-30 threat on a good year and is one of the best defensive center fielders in the league, as evidenced by his Gold Glove.

The Milwaukee Brewers are a franchise that appears lost this year. They’ve struggled in virtually every regard, while the rest of their division contenders, including the Cubs, Pirates and Cardinals, have continued to improve.

Adding someone like Gomez to the likes of a club that features young talent including Bryant, Rizzo, Soler and others would put Chicago right up there with the Bucs and Cards in the Central.

What remains to be seen is whether or not the Cubs will meet the Brewers’ undoubtedly high asking price. But to get top-notch talent, you have to be willing to pay top-notch prices.

Next: Cubs' Castro continues to struggle, despite promises