Addressing a major area of need could be easier said than done for Jed Hoyer's Cubs

With the injury to Jameson Taillon, the Chicago Cubs' pre-trade deadline focus on adding pitching has only intensified. This was a team that was already an arm or two short in the rotation ,and, love him or hate him, the loss of Taillon is yet another hurdle in the team's quest for its first full-season NL Central crown since 2017.

The bullpen has been incredible for months now, with a mix of reclamation projects, veterans and homegrown arms forming one of the game's most steadfast relief corps. Still, if the right opportunity presents itself, Chicago could add a reliever or two this month, as well.

But one area that's screaming for help is the bench, where Vidal Brujan, Jon Berti and Justin Turner have left much to be desired this year. The Cubs know this - but they're also aware the prospective trade market for versatile infielders is thin and the competition could be stiff.

A new piece over at The Athletic (subscription required) polled MLB executives to compile a list of the likeliest players to be traded between now and July 31. The list included 14 position players, only three of whom were infielders.

Don't hold your breath on the Cubs poaching Alex Bregman from Boston

The biggest name on the list is Alex Bregman, a name Cubs fans are all too familiar with after his stay on the free agent market lasted late into the offseason, which had Hoyer throwing his hat in the ring for the former All-Star's services. An offer that fell well short of bids by both the Red Sox (his eventual landing spot) and the Detroit Tigers left him with his hat in hand and rookie Matt Shaw with a clear path to the starting third base job.

Shaw has been brilliant defensively, but hasn't found his stride offensively and third is really the only 'hole' in the lineup. Bringing Bregman in from Boston wouldn't come cheap (either in dollars or prospect cost) - but if he doesn't sign an extension, some around the league believe Craig Breslow will actively shop him this month. He'd be a major upgrade at the hot corner for Chicago.

But given he can opt into a pair of $41+ million player options in 2026 and 2027, there's a very slim chance Hoyer dips his toe in that pool, especially with Kyle Tucker's free agency looming. Another name on the list is a far likelier target in Eugenio Suarez, a power threat who will hit free agency at season's end.

Again, given the shortage of impactful infield options likely to be available, even though the fit is perfect, the Cubs won't be alone in their pursuit of Suarez. Chicago is far from the only team in need of a power corner bat - so as much as the front office reportedly loves the idea of adding him, it's no sure thing they get their man.

The last name on the list is Angels' utility infielder Luis Rengifo, a 28-year-old who will also hit free agency this fall. He's one year removed from a 116 OPS+ season with the Halos, but he's struggled with the stick this season. His versatility makes him an attractive trade chip and could put him in the Cubs' crosshairs in the coming weeks.