Chicago Cubs: Five potential trade deadline targets

Chicago Cubs: He may not be flashy, but the Melkman can still hit

It seems like every year one thinks he is washed up, veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera puts up another solid season at the plate. Cabrera (34) signed a one-year, $1.15 deal with the Pirates this season and so far has produced very well. He is hitting .313/.349/.438 with four homers in 67 games.

Cabrera is a career .286/.336/.418 hitter who strikes out very little and is good at putting the ball in play and hitting line drives. He can play left and right field, so he is not stuck in one position. He is a sneaky productive bat that can fit very nicely on a team making a run. Also worth noting he is a switch hitter so he can be used in a number of matchups/situations. While baseball today is about slugging and getting on base, the Cubs would likely love to have a guy who can spray line drives all over the field.

Here is another guy who is not going to cost you a whole lot and is not making much money. You are not going to hear the Pirates demand an Alzolay or Nico Hoerner for a guy like Cabrera, even in-division. He is very attainable for the Cubs.

There are plenty of other names the Cubs would probably want to look into. These were just five and giving a range of likely and unlikely candidates with the assets they have to trade. One thing is for sure; they need an upgrade.