Cubs Rumors: 2 bottom feeders that are likely trade partners, 2 that aren't

The next two weeks will determine the direction teams sitting on the fence ahead of the trade deadline will go, either selling or buying, in hopes of sneaking into the expanded postseason field.

For a team that's a clear-cut buyer like the Chicago Cubs, that has Jed Hoyer practicing patience. His front office has multiple clear-cut needs if they want to position themselves for a deep October run: help at the top of the rotation, bullpen additions and reinforcements at third and on the bench.

The only clear-cut sellers are the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates - but, according to the latest from The Athletic (subscription required), it's the Marlins and Pirates fielding the most calls.

We know the names that are making the rounds. In Pittsburgh, it's Andrew Heaney, David Bednar and Mitch Keller. For the Marlins, it's former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and fellow right-hander Edward Cabrera. The Cubs have been connected to all of them, to varying degrees.

Fringe playoff contenders' decisions will impact the Cubs in a big way

But it's the borderline teams that buyers are watching. Clubs like Kansas City and Texas have a number of intriguing names that could fit with Chicago. Veteran Seth Lugo has pitched very well with the Royals, entering the weekend with a 2.67 ERA in his age-35 season. Tanner Houck and Jon Gray could be optimal change-of-scenery candidates if the Rangers sell - and we all know the Cubs have faith in their pitching development infrastructure.

Circling back on the clear sellers who aren't expected to be major players at the deadline. The White Sox' most rumored trade chip is outfielder Luis Robert Jr., but he's looked like a shell of his former self for years now. They'll likely move Adrian Houser and could shop former Cub Mike Tauchman, who's on a one-year deal - but they don't have many attractive pieces.

Most of the Rockies' rumors have been centered around infielder Ryan McMahon, who is due $32 million total over the next two seasons. He could be a bench fit for the Cubs, but Colorado would have to take on some money to facilitate that deal.

The trade deadline picture will come into focus more as July 31 draws closer - the Cubs are buying, but who they're hooking up on trades with remains out of focus. It's clear, though, their big deadline additions probably aren't coming from the bottom feeders of the league.