Cubs trade prediction from ex-GM includes a surprisingly steep price

The Chicago Cubs remain at the center of the Eugenio Suárez trade rumors, and the latest from Jim Bowden of The Athletic offers a glance into what the Cubs' offer to the Arizona Diamondbacks for the All-Star third baseman may look like. With Suárez being a rental bat, there is a ceiling to what the Cubs will offer; however, it can't be overlooked that the veteran is putting up MVP-caliber numbers. That would be the reason why Bowden has the Cubs giving up a key top prospect.

"The Cubs should be able to land Suárez in a straight-up deal for pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who was a second-round pick in 2023. The right-hander has dominated at High A and Double A this season, posting a 2.02 ERA in 14 appearances (13 starts). He has 78 strikeouts and only 33 hits allowed over 62 1/3 innings."

While the Cubs are believed to have the desire of wanting to be in the mix for Suárez until the Diamondbacks pull the trigger on a deal, it's hard to imagine a scenario where the team would be willing to include Jaxon Wiggins for a rental piece.

The same way the Cubs are going about potentially trading Caissie, only willing to include him in deals for top-of-the-rotation starting pitchers under contract beyond this season, is likely how they view Wiggins. Wiggins has emerged as the Cubs' top pitching prospect, moving up to the No. 93 prospect in baseball after MLB Pipeline's Top 100 update.

Former GM outlines wild Cubs trade scenario for Eugenio Suárez

In a deal where the Cubs are also getting Merrill Kelly back from the Diamondbacks, chances are Wiggins would be included in such a move. Of course, the Cubs would need to offer more than their top pitching prospect.

Nevertheless, Suárez's price is climbing with each home run he hits between now and the deadline. Add in the fact that nearly every contender has an interest in the All-Star, and it certainly could reach a point where the Cubs adding a prospect like Wiggins is the difference maker. That doesn't mean the Cubs reach that level of comfort in going through with such a move, especially since their larger pursuit is a cost-controlled starting pitcher.

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