Cubs Rumors: Forgotten free agent target resurfaces just before deadline

The Chicago Cubs were linked to former Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada throughout last offseason. While the Cubs were planning to give Matt Shaw a runway as their starting third baseman, it was clear the team was looking for veteran options to provide a safety net for the rookie. The Cubs settled on Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan, but it would seem that the team is looking for improvements to those options ahead of the trade deadline.

Of course, Shaw hasn't provided a definitive solution to the team's need for a starting third baseman either. While Shaw remains an important piece to the long-term planning of the Cubs' roster, the idea of the Cubs adding a veteran who could unseat the young third baseman as the starter at the position for the remainder of this season hasn't been ruled out.

That was the premise of the question Mark Feinsand asked of the Cubs during his latest for MLB.com. Feinsand names the usual suspects of expected Cubs' third base targets--Ryan McMahon and Eugenio Suarez--but also gives mention to Moncada being a potential option.

The Cubs reportedly made a $3MM offer to Moncada before he opted for the $5MM deal with the Los Angeles Angels. As was the case during his time with the White Sox, injuries have made Moncada an imperfect third baseman for the Angels this season. In 30 games played this season, Moncada is slashing .237/.336/.505/134 wRC+ with 6 home runs.

A thumb injury derailed the start of the season for Moncada, and he is currently working his way back from a knee injury. Moncada is expected to be back with the Angels around the All-Star break.

Surprise name emerges again as deadline approaches

There is no question that Moncada would be an improvement over the current offensive production the Cubs are getting from Shaw. The issue is his injury history, as availability has been his biggest liability in recent seasons. For that reason, it would seem that the Cubs' front office likely wouldn't place a high priority on targeting Moncada ahead of the deadline.

Like with Ke'Bryan Hayes, it seems some names are being floated as smoke screens for the Cubs' true target--Suarez. Until the Arizona Diamondbacks commit to selling at the trade deadline, the Cubs may just be doing their due diligence on other options as a way to create some form of leverage.

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