Chicago Cubs: 3 under-the-radar prospects to consider targeting

The trade deadline is less than a week away, and while we speculate what the Cubs could get back in their coming trades, these names could interest them.

With the clock winding down as we get closer and closer to the July 30 deadline, and the Chicago Cubs running full steam ahead with plans to sell, the league and fans alike are holding their breath to see when Chicago will make their move. Rumors have been swirling around about who the Cubs will deal some of their pieces to and what players they’ll get in return.

One thing is for certain, the entire trade deadline will run through the North Side of Chicago. The Cubs have something for every buyer. They have great bullpen arms, bats galore, and rotation depth to offer, so buyers will be lining up to offer for pieces of the roster. The number of buyers that will be interested in trading with the Cubs will hopefully be able to help them net some good prospect returns, so it’s only natural to make fantasy trades and theorize on the potential returns.

While many have been speculating or hoping for certain prospects to be on the way back in a trade, the only one who truly knows what the Cubs are targeting is Jed Hoyer. While we can all formulate our own mock trades, Hoyer and the front office likely have their own idea of what they can get in return, and some prospects they get may not have been on people’s radar.

Chicago Cubs: Peter Solomon has been a top pitcher in Triple-A

The Astros are certainly looking to go all-in this year, and are perfect trade partners with the Cubs. Houston has certainly paid the price of competing, however, as due to their depleted farm, it’ll likely take a package of prospects for Houston to pull off a deal, and Peter Solomon would be a good return for the Cubs.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery and not pitching in 2020, Solomon has been one of the top PCL pitchers in 2021 as well as making a couple of major league appearances. Solomon has been a very effective strikeout pitcher both this year and throughout most of his minor league career, and this is likely something he can sustain at the major league level due to his appealing pitch arsenal.

Solomon has a plus fastball that sits mid-90’s along with a solid 55-grade curveball and slider, according to MLB Pipeline. Solomon also has an average 50-grade changeup and is working on adding a cutter as a fifth pitch.

While likely not being a factor until 2022, Peter Solomon could develop into a future middle rotation starter, which would be a welcome addition for Chicago. Solomon also would be one of the better strikeout artists in the Cubs’ currently contact-oriented rotation, which would be a welcome change.

Chicago Cubs: Mark Vientos makes sense as a long-term Kris Bryant replacement

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The Mets may be the most heavily-linked team to the Cubs, with the team showing interest in Bryant, Craig Kimbrel, and even Javier Baez. JT Ginn and Ronny Mauricio have been the names mostly linked to the Cubs, but if Brett Baty is untouchable, Mark Vientos should be in the Cubs’ crosshairs.

Another bat with 60-grade power, Vientos absolutely mashes and has a penchant for drawing walks. Unlike many power bats, Vientos is a decent enough contact hitter as well, not striking out nearly at the same rate as other power hitters. Vientos isn’t exactly nimble, but his power more than makes up for it.

Vientos likely won’t be as versatile as a defender as Bryant was, but he certainly has the arm to play the hot corner. With loads of potential with his bat, Vientos may find himself being the successor for the person he’s traded for in the near future.

As the deadline draws ever so closer, the Cubs are likely zeroing on prospects they like and are making final decisions on who and when to sell. The team has a golden opportunity to strap a rocket to their “rebuild” and put themselves in a position for a quick turnaround.

The Cubs likely aren’t gonna get monster prospect returns for everyone they sell off, but there can be value everywhere you look.