Chicago Cubs: Three players to target ahead of the trade deadline

If the Cubs want to win it all, they need to make moves before the trade deadline.

Thanks to the Cardinals’ multiple positive COVID-19 tests, we haven’t seen the Cubs take the field since last Thursday. Chicago will enter its series against Cleveland on Tuesday at 10-3, good enough for first place in the NL Central.

That being said, the team has its share of weaknesses. The starting rotation has been historically good, the offense ranks among the best in the league thanks to its ability to drive the ball for extra bases and you’ve got guys like Ian Happ who are putting it all together and seizing the opportunity at hand.

The weakness, if you’re narrowing it down to one, is obviously the bullpen. This group has been up and down, horribly inconsistent and your one guy who’s supposed to lock it down has been the worst of them all in Craig Kimbrel. 

I know he’s working through some things and David Ross says he has faith Kimbrel will figure it out. That’s all fine and dandy, but I’m not betting the Cubs’ shot at a second title in five years on it. Not by a long shot. Here are three guys Theo Epstein should be making calls on ahead of the Aug. 31 MLB trade deadline.