Chicago Cubs: 10 bats to target as MLB trade deadline looms

Chicago Cubs: 10 bats to target at the trade deadline: #1 – Austin Martin

The #1 target I would love to see the Cubs acquire is 2020 first-round pick Austin Martin. I don’t care what the Blue Jays want for him. Bryant is probably more the guy they would target. Cavan Biggio is batting .223 and they could use an upgrade at the hot corner. Match-up wise, Biggio would still get his reps due to Bryant’s noted versatility in the field this year and the fact that the DH is available to AL teams.

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I am just hoping for a Toronto hot streak here to prompt them to become buyers. They are 5-5 in their last 10 and now sit 9 1/2 back. Not an ideal situation if you are trying to sell to a team that is not necessarily heavy on buying to secure yourself a top prospect.

Martin is the #16 prospect in MLB and #2 in the Blue Jays organization. He is currently batting .268/.404/.361 in his first year of pro ball for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats after having a ridiculous career slash line of .368/.474/.532 for Vanderbilt in three seasons.

Like I said, the Jays would have to decide they’re all-in, which is hard to envision given the division they play in and the relative youth of that core. Even if they don’t win this year, they’re poised for years of success.

But if they decide to roll the dice and add someone like Kimbrel or Bryant, Martin is a blue chip prospect who could dramatically shape the future of Chicago Cubs baseball. This kid would be an excellent addition and a major part of the next great team to call Wrigleyville home.