Cubs Rumors: Kyle Seager could be a trade target to help the offense

The Cubs may want to look into Kyle Seager as an option to help their offense.

The Chicago Cubs might be without Kris Bryant for a while, as he was recently put on the IL. Thus, they might want to look into some other options for third base. Yet even if the team does get Bryant back soon and he starts to perform well again, the offense could still use a jolt, and there’s always the designated hitter spot. That’s why Kyle Seager might be someone the Cubs should look into.

Seager, 32, has lived in virtual anonymity in Seattle, as the Mariners have been irrelevant for years. Yet he’s quietly in the middle of a stretch where he has hit at least 20 home runs and driven in at least 60 for eight consecutive seasons. His range factor has also regularly been above average at the hot corner.

This year, Seager might be having his best season yet. The 20-60 streak will likely come to an end, but he’s batting .300 with five home runs and 23 RBI so far on a terrible Mariners team, while his OPS of .917 would be a career-high. MLB.com has mentioned Seager as a potential trade candidate.

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The Cubs do have David Bote as a potential third baseman, and they have made a long-term commitment to him. However, putting him in the lineup every day would leave a big void on their bench. And besides, he might be overexposed playing every day, as his batting average is currently down to .190.

For an offense that has a few key players struggling, plus a bench that could use some depth, the Cubs could use another bat to put into the mix. They could still play Bryant at third base when he comes back and use Seager at DH, but that’s not an automatic move. David Ross could use Seager at third and either use Bryant as the DH or to help with outfield depth.

One potential hurdle to a possible deal is money, as we know the Cubs have not been spending much of it lately. Seager is still owed $18.5 million for next season, with a $15 million team option for 2022. Indeed, if the team is interested in Seager, they may ultimately decide they don’t want to make that kind of financial commitment for next season already.

In any case, if the Mariners do make Seager available, the Cubs should at least check in and see if there’s a potential match via trade. The way he’s been hitting this year, he would be a welcome addition to their lineup.