Cubs Rumors: Insider intel suggests these two hitters are the ones to watch

Adding a bat before the MLB trade deadline has gone from a luxury item for the Chicago Cubs to a direct need. Between the struggles of Matt Shaw at third base and Ian Happ in a prolonged slump, the Cubs' starting lineup could use another impact bat. If the Cubs are looking for a starter to replace Shaw, there aren't many options, but they could get creative with how they address the need.

Setting the stage for where things stand with the Cubs ahead of the second half, Sahadev Sharma names two specific targets for whom the team could circle for an offensive upgrade.

"Adding a player like Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins would be an upgrade for sure. But if the Arizona Diamondbacks end up selling — the next week or two will be critical for them — adding Eugenio Suárez would take an already daunting lineup and catapult it to another stratosphere."

Insider reveals two targets making the most noise

If the Cubs are looking for a definitive starter to replace Shaw at third base, Suarez is the answer. An All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Suarez would give the Cubs an instant impact bat that can be placed in the middle of their starting lineup. Entering the All-Star break, the indication is that the Diamondbacks will be moving rental players at the deadline.

The Cubs certainly will be in the mix, but so will teams like the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees. Unlike the Tigers and Yankees, third base isn't the biggest need the Cubs have at the deadline. With starting pitching being the priority for the Cubs, they may not have the prospect capital to also trade for Suarez.

Acquiring a bench bat like Castro may be the direction they take at the deadline. A utility player with the Twins, able to play in the infield and outfield, Castro has 9 home runs with 124 wRC+ this season. Adding a player like him would raise the floor of production of the Cubs' bench while also giving them a capable replacement for Shaw at third base if his offensive struggles continue.

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