Brewers chasing Nationals' All-Star creates nightmare Cubs' trade deadline scenario

While Chicago Cubs fans may be focused on what additions will be made to the pitching staff before the 2026 trade deadline, ignoring the Milwaukee Brewers would be silly. The Brewers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, and that's put them in a position to chase just about any target they desire before August 3.

Brewers beat writer Adam McCalvy previously reported that the Brewers have "touched base" with the Detroit Tigers about a potential trade for Tarik Skubal, and have made similar efforts with the San Diego Padres about Mason Miller. To give a sense of how strong Milwaukee's system is, they could easily complete both of those trades with the prospects they have at their disposoal.

The Brewers adding either of those two pitchers would be a scary thought for the Cubs. Chasing down the Brewers for first place in the National League Central feels like a near-impossible task for the Cubs, but if they advance past the Wild Card round, they are pacing to face Milwaukee in the NLDS once again.

It's a scary thought to think about the Cubs having to face a postseason rotation that includes Skubal, Jacob Misiorowski, and Kyle Harrison. Or, Miller waiting for them at the end of the game.

Brewers poaching CJ Abrams from Nationals at the trade deadline should terrify Cubs

There's a much scarier thought making the rounds, and one that could give the Brewers a new anchor in their starting lineup for years to come. The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum and Will Sammon report that the Brewers are among the teams interested in Washington Nationals' All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams.

The insiders make it clear that the Nationals aren't shopping Abrams, but willing to listen to offers. With the Nationals seeking a combination of prospects and talent that's already reached the majors, that puts the Brewers in an ideal position.

Abrams is under control through the 2028 season, and easily putting up the best numbers of his young career this season. He sports an OPS+ of 153 with 25 home runs. Abrams wouldn't just be an upgrade at shortstop for the Brewers, he would become the central figure of their offense for the next several seasons.

That is where the fear should be for the Cubs. The Brewers have already proved that they will always be a pitching powerhouse. But if their success now includes one of the best bats in all of baseball, the Cubs may just have further to climb.

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