The Chicago Cubs will have to get crafty with the trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs and Theo Epstein will need to be a little more creative in improving their chances for the postseason.

The Chicago Cubs and the MLB had the deadline moved from July 31 to August 31 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In essence, it only moved a month–from July to August is a big jump, though. Half a season. It’s kind of odd having it split in two months. But it is what it is. And they’ll need to be a little more creative on it–especially in the bullpen–to get what they want.

There will be a few ‘sellers’ that cloud the market, resulting in excessive demands for the players. Can you imagine overpaying for someone like Tony Kemp? You can’t. But Epstein seems to feel the financial situations have been detailed.

"“Everything is to be determined. And every team is under financial duress, and our circumstances, in particular, have been well documented. I think there’s going to be a lot of unique conversations to be had. We’re no different than that.” h/t Mark Gonzalez, Chicago Tribune"

The Cubs are going to have to ‘pick their poison’, so to speak. They have several hitting free agency, and they can’t sign all of them–at least not going over the salary cap. So which ones do you choose? Javier Baez? Maybe Anthony Rizzo? Those are the favorites of the bunch.

And the Cubs having an excellent start to the season is a plus. But David Ross only has three-years on his contract, and this year has been cut short by the coronavirus. Epstein and Ross may discuss what they need now–not for the future.

In other news for the Cubs, Jose Quintana pitched a simulated game on Sunday and will be evaluated on Monday. He suffered a severed nerve seven weeks ago. My colleague Mia Perlman said trading Quintana is the right move. Is she right?

Cubs’ outfielder Jason Heyward and Epstein don’t think his mid-back stiffness enough to keep him out a couple of days. As far as losing three in a row? It stinks.

“It was a frustrating weekend. But I’m not concerned. This team is definitely up for the fight, and we’ll find a way to move forward.”