Chicago Cubs could unload utility pieces prior to or on trade deadline

Following a sub-par first half, the Chicago Cubs should be aiming to improve their roster in hopes of a postseason push. Who are they willing to part with to make that happen?

Despite sitting at the top of the National League Central, there are still question marks on this Chicago Cubs depth chart. Recently, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer made a move to sign former All-Star Carlos Gonzalez in hopes of a monster revival.

It didn’t necessarily go according to plan, resulting in the lefty slugger being designated for assignment. Then finally, a move addressing the closer role that has been an issue since Brandon Morrow‘s injury.

Craig Kimbrel missed the majority of the early campaign before signing a three-year, $43 million contract with the Cubs. Also, ignore his previous two outings in Pittsburgh. He’s still an elite closer and will do fine in the second half.

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So, now that the second half is underway and things are about to get spicy, where does that leave the Cubs? Although Epstein may not be pushing to make any big moves, this team seems to be missing that extra spark or two needed to finish the job.

Preferably, another addition to the bullpen and a bat to help provide some consistent offense. Someone other than Gonzalez. No offense but his tenure turned out exactly how I envisioned it. If only he were a couple of years younger, before the injuries.

Utilitymen can always be useful

Before we move on, keep in mind that Ben Zobrist is still part of this organization and is expected to return at some point. However, he’s in the final year of his contract. When looking at possible trade pieces, the word utility comes to mind.

Obviously, a handful of this roster remains untouchable, so that leaves several names on the chopping block. Guys like Addison Russell, Daniel Descalso, Ian Happ and a few prospects should be used in trade offers.

Descalso is a great fielder who can play at nearly any position on the field. Only, his bat has been somewhat of a concern as he currently carries a .186/.285/.554 batting line. Again, solid defense (.986 at second) just not contributing much on the offensive side of the game.

A change of scenery?

As for Happ, issues are still there, which is why he has yet to be recalled. Still, there is plenty of power and potential, so maybe a change of scenery is something the young slugger needs to get out of this slump.

Of course, there’s Russell. A talent who has found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons following a historic season. Along the way, Addison has shot himself in the foot with some comments of his own, rubbing people the wrong way.

Chicago already had to deal with some backlash after acquiring Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees in 2016. Except, this one feels different since it’s a kid who was groomed in our very own farm system. Not to make it any better, it’s still inexcusable. He should definitely be on his way out come July 31.

This trade deadline will surely live up to the anticipation regarding big names floating around the rumor mill as we speak. Hopefully, the Cubs front-office will use these utility chips and then some to land themselves a stud or two.