Cubs saved from trade disaster with Pirates thanks to surprise division rival

The Chicago Cubs are avoiding a disaster, and they have the Cincinnati Reds to thank. Like the Cubs, the Reds have been heavily linked to Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, but it seems that the Reds have moved on from that pursuit. Jeff Passan reports that the Reds have acquired Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pirates.

Cubs dodged a trade nightmare with Pirates thanks to unexpected help

In recent weeks, as the Cubs were linked to potential upgrades at third base, Hayes was often mentioned as a target. The fit never made complete sense, considering the Cubs already have a version of Hayes on their roster in Matt Shaw. With Shaw in his rookie year, the idea of the Cubs taking on Hayes' contract didn't add up.

In a world where the Cubs were going to move Shaw at the trade deadline as part of a deal for a pitcher like MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, then there would be some merit to the idea that Hayes could be an option at third base. But with the Cubs remaining committed to Shaw as their long-term third baseman, there wasn't a roster fit for Hayes.

It's still possible the Cubs make a deal with the Pirates before the deadline, considering the interest in starting pitcher Mitch Keller. The Cubs are also believed to have interest in Pirates' relief pitcher David Bednar.

The trade also means one less suitor for Suárez, who remains one of the primary targets for the Cubs ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Suárez, after an injury scare on Monday, was back in the Diamondbacks' lineup on Wednesday, likely confirming that he will be moved ahead of the deadline.

It would seem that the Cubs and Mariners remain the primary suitors for Suárez. With the Red pivoting away from the Diamondbacks' All-Star third baseman, that could be seen as a sign that Arizona has made progress on talks with a different team.

More Cubs Rumors from Cubbies Crib