Chicago Cubs Rumors: What areas are still the focus prior to the deadline?

Small deals are all we’ll likely see

The Cubs will be front and center in many of the rumors you see in the next few days. Getting Chapman was a move that the team didn’t necessarily want to make–meaning for a rental player–but they weren’t willing to give up Schwarber for anyone. And Chapman has already looked worth the deal, even if it was just one game. But by pushing back Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop an inning, and using matchups in innings prior, the Cubs bullpen went from a concern to one of their strengths.

If they do add someone, it’s likely to be depth. The possibility of Coghlan being moved or even Matt Sczur is high because of the lack of options. Look, Sczur has been phenomenal. But if he hits the waiver wire, he’s gone. And given the chance to play every day, he could be a solid outfielder for someone. Use it or lose it might need to be the thinking in some of these moves.

Personally, I like the makeup of this team as it is now. Is there room for improvement? Sure. There always is. But at what cost? With Carl Edwards, Jr. and Joe Nathan settling in and Justin Grimm looking better than he did for a stretch, the bullpen should be fine. If Soler and Coghlan platoon and help fill the left field situation 80 percent of the time we’re good there.

Next: A trade years in the making

Again, the starting pitching is one of the most intriguing because you’ll have to make that move on anticipation. Will Hammel collapse? Will Hendricks or even Jake Arrieta run out of gas? What are you willing to give up based on that presumption? Two days to go, and we’ll have plenty to talk about.