Cubs Rumors: Trade deadline urgency could hinge on Pedro Ramirez decision

While the initial impression has been that Pedro Ramirez was keeping Matt Shaw's spot warm on the Chicago Cubs' roster, circumstances have suddenly led to Ramirez becoming an important piece for Craig Counsell.

Through 90 plate appearances, Ramirez is slashing .305/.348/.451 with a wRC+ of 120. Specifically, against right-handed pitchers, the 22-year-old has started to make regular appearances in Counsell's starting lineup. While he has largely been used as a designated hitter when in the lineup, he offers positional versatility, considering his ability to play second base, third base, and the corner outfield spots.

It's reached the point where the expectation should be that if Ramirez isn't traded, he's going to remain with the big-league club for the remainder of the season. Of course, that is where the debate lies for the Cubs.

North Side Baseball's Matthew Trueblood reports that in the current trade talks the Cubs are having, Ramirez is who most teams are asking about. Trueblood acknowledges that while the Cubs may prefer to keep Ramirez, circumstances leading up to the deadline may leave no choice but trade him for the right starting pitcher.

Pedro Ramirez holds the keys to how aggressive the Cubs will be at the 2026 trade deadline

Shaw's status is also a part of this conversation. Still working his way back from a wrist injury, Shaw is not expected to be reinstated before the trade deadline next week. That significantly lessens the chances that Shaw will be traded, and even without the injury, the former first-round pick remains an important piece to the team's long-term future.

If Shaw isn't going to be involved in trade talks, and the Cubs don't want to include Josiah Hartshorn in discussions, the answer is clear. Ramirez has to be a trade chip for this year's deadline.

Ramirez's trade value has likely exceeded what the Cubs thought it would be at the start of the season. It also can't be ignored that Ramirez will be blocked at his two best defensive positions, second base and third base, for the next several years.

The question becomes over the next few years, would Ramirez bring more value as a utility piece on the bench than a controllable starting pitcher. Considering Ramirez's path to regular playing time isn't exactly clear, the answer is the starting pitcher who would arrive to the Cubs with control.

Credit to the Cubs for their development of Ramirez, but the next step is clear. He must be traded if the team is going to accomplish their goals at the deadline.

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