There's an obvious Rockies' trade target for the Cubs (And it's not Ryan McMahon)

The Chicago Cubs are currently hosting the Colorado Rockies, and the fortunes of these two ball clubs couldn't be more different. While the Cubs have soared as a clear top-3 team in the National League with ambitions of their first playoff berth in a full season since 2018, the Rox are on a historically dreadful pace with just nine wins to their name. As the season drags on, there's a real likelihood that these teams could come together on a trade that could help both of them.

Already, rumors have linked these two teams as potential trade partners. A report from Bob Nightengale in USA Today pegged the Cubs as one of a few teams checking in on Colorado's third baseman Ryan McMahon alongside the Dodgers. While it made some sense given the Northsiders' dire struggles at the hot corner early in the season, the rumors were head-scratching when considering McMahon's salary, including $16 million in 2026 and 2027, and deep struggles to start the year. It also didn't track with their long-term hopes for top prospect Matt Shaw, who has since returned to the majors after finding his footing in Triple-A.

There are reasons to like McMahon — he's cracked 20 homers in each of the past five full MLB seasons, and his defense generally rates well by Outs Above Average — but it's a harder fit to justify for the Cubs, especially with Shaw looking better on both sides of the ball. Instead, it would make more sense for Chicago to look to the bullpen. Collectively, their relievers rank only 17th in the league in ERA, and they've struggled without a lockdown closer, particularly with Porter Hodge out with an oblique issue. While he might not solve the ninth inning, Rockies righty Jake Bird would be a welcome addition to lengthen the corps at the back end.

Cubs still need to address their need in the bullpen

Bird is in the middle of his best year as a big leaguer with a 1.65 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in 32 1/3 innings. He's accomplished that in part by striking out batters at a far higher clip than his career, boasting 10.91 strikeouts per nine innings. There have been some tangible changes to his pitch arsenal that may be behind his newfound success, as he's throwing his slider and curveball at a higher rate than ever, both of which have been wildly effective with .194 and .080 batting averages against.

While he gives up a few too many walks for comfort and a bit too much hard contact, his expected ERA, batting average against, strikeout percentage, and barrel rate rank above the 80th percentile of all major leaguers. Career highs in whiffs and chase percentage further show how he's improved in missing bats and coaxing bad decisions. He's not going to blow anybody away with an average fastball around 94 mph, but he has all the hallmarks of a pitcher who has figured out how to effectively and reliably get outs with a few adjustments.

Next year will be just Bird's first in arbitration, meaning the Rockies don't necessarily have to trade him. Given that he's currently in his age-29 season and Colorado isn't particularly close to competing, though, acquiring him, in theory, wouldn't be all too difficult for the Cubs and likely not as pricey as a top-shelf closer. The rub, of course, is that just about any contender with a bullpen need will likely be circling him as an option.

Jed Hoyer has emphasized that he's not likely to make any serious moves until closer to the deadline, but Bird will be a name to monitor throughout the summer. Lately, the Cubs have made do with some surprising contributors like the resurgent Drew Pomeranz, Chris Flexen, and Brad Keller, as well as a much more in-control Daniel Palencia. They may be more inclined to look towards a true closer type if those arms keep rolling and Hodge returns healthy. That said, you can never have enough pitching, and landing Bird both for the stretch run this year and the next three seasons could pay off.