Cubs fans should listen closely to the warning this MLB insider just dropped

Elevating the production from their bench wasn't the top priority for the Chicago Cubs last offseason, but there is no question the front office had that in mind with some of their moves. Vidal Bruján, Justin Turner, and Jon Berti were the players brought in with the goal of the Cubs raising the floor of their bench players from last offseason. It hasn't exactly worked as Turner's age appears to be catching up with him, Bruján remains a player with very little offensive value, and Berti is holding a 43 wRC+ on the season.

In other words, while the Cubs may not be in the market for a starter at any position, there are bats they should target to improve the options on their bench. It's a warning that Jake Mintz offered during his MLB Trade Deadline primer for Yahoo Sports.

"The bench, on the other hand, remains underwhelming. Jon Berti and Vidal Bruján are redundant pieces. Justin Turner doesn’t have juice anymore. This lineup can rake, but the Cubs, like all teams, are an injury or two away from having to dip down the depth chart," Mintz outlined with his intel.

Cubs can’t afford to botch the bench again — and MLB insider knows it

There were several options that Mintz mentioned as potential targets for the Cubs, including Ty France, Austin Hays, Wilmer Flores, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. When talking about options for the Cubs' bench, it would seem to be the first box that needs to be checked is that the addition can play third base. Despite checking in on Rafael Devers, it seems that the Cubs are fine with Matt Shaw at third base, but wouldn't be opposed to having a safety net at the position.

Adding to the bench isn't always a move that steals the headlines at the deadline, but in October, it could prove to be an unsung move of the season. Besides, there have been enough ebbs and flows to Matt Shaw's rookie season that the Cubs likely don't want to completely ignore adding a veteran third baseman before the deadline.

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