Chicago Cubs: Trade deadline looms large for Theo Epstein

The Chicago Cubs face a ten-day window before the trade deadline hits.  If they make a move what will it be?  What will it cost?  Or, do they make a move at all?

Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein hasn’t been shy about trading big pieces.  In 2004 he moved Nomar Garciaparra, a fan favorite in Boston and at that time seen as a key piece.  In return, the Red Sox received shortstop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz.

The deal happened right at the trade deadline.  Garciaparra was a mutli-Gold Glove winner and at the time of the trade was slashing .321/.367/.500 with an .867 OPS.  It was a shocking move, but the Red Sox went on to win the World Series that year.

Could Epstein reprise his blockbuster self and move a huge piece?  Sure, but should he do it is the question.  Garciaparra was traded at just the right time.  He played for five more seasons but never reach his previous level of play.

There are many reasons Epstein moved the Boston shortstop, which are detailed in this Boston Globe article. None of those apply to the 2019 Cubs.