Cubs Rumors: Team quietly targeting bats ahead of trade deadline

Adding a starting pitcher has been at the center of Chicago Cubs rumors ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, but it would seem that the Cubs are quietly looking to improve their offense at the third base position for the third consecutive season. The Cubs still believe Matt Shaw is their long-term answer at third base, but in a season aimed toward contending for the World Series, Shaw's development while being an everyday player may take a backseat.

The early rumored targets that emerged for the Cubs' search for offense were Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez and Ke'Bryan Hayes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Each of those targets has a question mark as the Diamondbacks may not sell at the deadline, and Hayes wouldn't exactly be an offensive upgrade over Shaw while being under contract through 2029.

During his latest intel debrief for The Athletic, Patrick Mooney added more targets to monitor. While talking about the Cubs' search for a bat, Mooney tabs Suarez, Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, and Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels as names that Cubs fans should keep an eye on.

Cubs Rumors: Eugenio Suarez quietly emerging as top fit at third

Of all the names connected to the Cubs and their search for improvement at third base this season, Suarez makes the most sense. Suarez is a free agent after the season, and his 25 home runs on the season would be a dynamic addition to the Cubs' lineup. With Suarez likely leaving after the season, the door would still be open for Shaw at third base in 2026.

Cubs Rumors: Ryan McMahon trade could create more problems than it solves

As the Cubs have shopped for third base upgrades in recent seasons, McMahon has always been a name that has lingered in the background. At this stage, however, a trade makes very little sense for the Cubs. There is no doubt that McMahon's defense at third base would instantly fit in with the Cubs' infield, and he has power that the team hasn't seen consistently from Shaw yet. The issue is that McMahon is set to earn $16MM in each of the next two seasons, and while an upgrade over the current version of Shaw, it's not the wisest of spending for the next two years.

Cubs Rumors: Taylor Ward could quietly be the perfect trade deadline fit

Ward has served primarily as an outfielder in recent seasons, but has experience at third base and first base. If the Cubs aren't replacing Shaw as a starting third baseman, the team must improve their bench. Ward's 20 home runs would be an excellent addition. Ward also has one more season of team control, so there would be one bench piece already in the mix for the 2026 season.

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