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10 players who must be mentioned in Chicago Cubs trade rumors
If these teams look to sell at the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs need to push their chips in.
With the MLB trade deadline a little under two months from now, the Chicago Cubs hope to make a push like the one they started their 2024 campaign with. We're getting to the point where we also need to keep an eye on other teams that begin to fall in the standings and have good players on expiring contracts that could become available via trade this summer. Here is a list of ten players Cubs fans should keep tabs on if they are made available at the deadline, as they all have obvious fits on the north side.
10 players to keep an eye on - 10. Kenley Jansen, Closer
It goes without saying that if the Cubs are buyers at the deadline, one thing you can bet on is that they will be adding bullpen help. The needs are obvious, as the bullpen has accounted for several losses this season, and bringing in a veteran such as Kenley Jansen can help right the ship. Jansen is a future Hall of Fame closer with 429 saves and a 2.54 career ERA while enjoying another good season in Boston, where he's recorded nine saves on the year. If the Red Sox make him available, which is likely if they sell, Jed Hoyer may come calling, given that other relievers on this list will cost quite a bit more.
9. Elias Diaz, C
We wrote about Elias Diaz recently and how he is a perfect two-way player who fits multiple needs for the Cubs. His catcher-framing ability and great hitting stats away from Coors Field make him an ideal fit in Chicago. After the 2024 season, he will become a free agent, so the price to obtain his services will be affordable for the Cubs' front office, and it's a move they need to be ready to approach aggressively.
8. Jesus Luzardo, SP
Jesus Luzardo has long been rumored to be a trade chip for Miami if they can get the right price for him. With another disappointing season underway for the Marlins, the team will only lose value in him the less time he has on his contract remaining. It makes matters worse that Luzardo is having a bad year, with a 5.30 ERA. Being that he is in Miami, it's not surprising his FIP is down at 3.70, indicating he should be having a much better season than he is having. It will be interesting to see how much the Cubs buy into the sabermetrics here because, with 2.5 years left of control but a down season overall in progress, his pricetag may steer other teams away.
7. Christian Walker, 1B
After advancing to the World Series just a season ago, it's difficult to envision the Arizona Diamondbacks not picking up the pace as the season progresses. They currently sit five games below .500, and given how hard it will be to win the division over the Los Angeles Dodgers, they know that a Wild Card spot is likely their only outcome to make the postseason. Therefore, it will take a vigorous climb up the ladder for the team to push their chips in. Walker is a pending free agent and would be a crucial bat to the Cubs' lineup if they don't want to pay up for Pete Alonso.
6. Paul Sewald, Closer
Sticking with the Diamondbacks for a second; if they decide to shut it down and disperse their most valuable resources, then Paul Sewald, the team's closer, will be highly sought after. As mentioned before, the Cubs' bullpen needs are glaring, and bringing in a surefire reliever to help slam the door shut is something any team can use more of. The Cubs may be the most bullpen-needy team in the league among teams trying to compete, so look for Sewald's name to pop up in trade rumors with the Cubs as we get closer to the deadline.
5. Tanner Scott, Closer
The third closer on this list is Tanner Scott, also a member of the Miami Marlins. Theoretically, if the Cubs want to dazzle us with a blockbuster trade, they can head to Miami for a one-stop shop and pick up Luzardo and Scott. The price may be too much for Hoyer to stomach, but it's something to consider since he must address the team's needs as much as possible this summer. Scott has been much more effective lately, owning a 1.50 ERA, 3.97 FIP, and seven saves on the season.
4. Jack Flaherty, SP
Shifting to the American League, Jack Flaherty is having a solid redemption season with the Detroit Tigers. Long story short, the Tigers do not look to be making the postseason picture at this juncture, and given what Flaherty could yield in trade value, and like most players signed to one-year deals, odds are he will be moved at the deadline as a rental for another team. He owns a 3.22 ERA, 2.70 FIP, and 94 Ks in 72.2 IP. Many teams will be after him, so it will be interesting to see how much the Cubs will be willing to pay in prospect currency to obtain his services.
3. Alex Bregman, 3B
The defense at the hot corner has been the worst in the league, and it must be taken care of soon to round out a Cubs team that otherwise can be very solid defensively. Bregman currently has a 96% fielding percentage, and with him being on a contract year, plus the Astros not being as competitive as usual, it will be interesting to see what Houston does regarding its long-tenured third base superstar. Of course, we hope the offense rebounds a little, as he is batting just .235 but has accumulated a 1.5 WAR. Two years ago, the Cubs and Astros almost pulled off a trade that Dusty Baker famously refused, so it remains to be seen if the teams now have a soured relationship or if it will make it easier to put the framework in place.
2. Matt Chapman
Matt Chapman took quite a while to sign a contract this past offseason. He spent the better part of the winter connected to the Cubs but ultimately signed with the San Francisco Giants on a three-year, 54.0M deal. Fast forward to June, and the Giants are teetering on the fence about buying/selling as they are currently just under .500. They will be an essential team to watch this summer. I prefer Bregman here if both are available, but both provide defensive upgrades and some pop in the middle of the lineup. Bleacher Report put him on their trade board of possibilities, but personally, it's hard to imagine San Francisco moving him yet.
1. Pete Alonso, 1B
And then, of course, we come to the Polar Bear, Pete Alonso. Often connected to the Cubs in the last year, Alonso is one of the league's most prolific home run hitters. We know the Mets aren't looking like a team that will be able to compete next season, so with Alonso set to hit free agency this winter, he will be moved at the deadline. He's still an excellent fit for the Cubs, especially with the team's middle infield injuries and having to move current players around. The problem will be the asking price from New York, and I don't foresee Hoyer pulling the trigger if he can find production elsewhere for cheaper.
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