Cubs Rumors: These NL Central rivals both have their eyes set on a top trade target

There's not a Chicago Cubs fan alive who'd be upset about not having to deal with Eugenio Suarez again this year. In seven games against Chicago, he blasted five home runs, drove in 11 and slugged nearly .900, doing his best Cal Raleigh impression as he decimated Cubs pitching.

Suarez is among a number of potential trade candidates Jed Hoyer and the Cubs' front office has interest in, according to a new report from ESPN. Matt Shaw is mired in another slump at the plate and Chicago could look to add a short-term solution at third base before the July 31 trade deadline

But if they make a run at Suarez, they won't be alone in their pursuit. That report singles out the rival Milwaukee Brewers as a threat to trade for the Arizona third baseman - which, obviously, would be less than ideal for the Cubs as they look to end the Brewers' hold on the NL Central.

Cubs reportedly looking for short-term answers at third base

Based on this report, Chicago is looking for a short-term upgrade at third as opposed to a longer-term, high-dollar addition such as Ryan McMahon. And the timing couldn't be better to try and lure Suarez to Wrigley Field - he's in the midst of a monster year at the plate and is coming off the fifth 30+ home run season of his career in 2024.

The 33-year-old ranks second in the National League with 25 home runs, just one off the league-leader Shohei Ohtani's pace and is in the final year of an eight-year, $79 million deal he signed back in the day as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. Should he get dealt in the next month or so, his new club would only be on the hook for a prorated portion of a $15 million salary.

Like the Cubs, Milwaukee is searching for answers at the hot corner due to the struggles of a young player. Rookie Caleb Durbin, who's drawn the majority of starts there this year, enters Tuesday with an 85 wRC+. Trading for someone like Suarez would be a short-term upgrade to the lineup without blocking the position heading into 2026.

This isn't the season the Diamondbacks had in mind back in spring training. Their big offseason addition, former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, is out for the year, as are relievers AJ Puk and Justin Martinez. Catcher Gabriel Moreno is sidelined and former Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll hit the shelf this week with a fractured wrist. Arizona is currently 7 1/2 out in the NL West and 2 1/2 back in the Wild Card race.