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2 Cubs trade rumors we hope are true, 1 we hope doesn't happen

Even after the Jeimer Candelario trade, the Cubs are still looking for ways to improve the roster ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline.

By Jake Misener |
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Man, things sure changed quickly. From being viewed as surefire sellers in mid-July to adding arguably the best rental bat on the market on Monday, the Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a second half postseason push - and still have work to do ahead of Tuesday's 5 pm CT MLB trade deadline.

Chicago already added to the bullpen, sending roadblocked outfielder Nelson Velazquez to Kansas City for right-handed reliever Jose Cuas, who has strong marks against left-handers, but could definitely stand to add further in that area.

With all that in mind, let's take a look at 2 Cubs trade rumors we hope are true and one we pray doesn't come to fruition before the sun sets on Tuesday.

2 Cubs trade rumors we hope are true - #2: Impact left-handed relievers are top-of-mind for the front office

Somehow, the Cubs have largely overcome their glaring lack of left-handed relief options to this point, but shoring up that area has to be a major focus for Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins.

Veterans like Brad Hand and Brent Suter have specifically been mentioned, along with White Sox southpaw Aaron Bummer, who comes with multiple years of team control and, also, a higher price tag. In an appearance on Marquee Sports Network prior to Monday's game against the Reds, ESPN's Jesse Rogers said the Cubs are also combing through the Rays' farm system, as well - so keep an eye on that.

Given Marcus Stroman's sudden struggles, Chicago could look to add not only to the bullpen, but even to the starting rotation - a swing man-type arm capable of making starts or coming on in relief would be incredibly valuable. Either way, adding depth to the staff is a must on the heels of the Candelario trade.

2 Cubs trade rumors we hope are true - #1: Josh Hader isn't available; meaning the Cubs won't come off top prospects this week

I wrote about this earlier this week: as big of a get as Josh Hader would be, I still don't know if he alone would have made the Cubs legitimate contenders. The Candelario addition certainly pushes the club further in that direction, but now it appears the Padres have decided not to sell, meaning Hader is staying put.

I'm all for coming off prospects when you're one piece away from being real World Series threats, as the Cubs did back in 2016 when they sent Gleyber Torres to New York for Aroldis Chapman. This year's team is a postseason contender, to be sure, especially in a weak NL Central - but there's a sizable gap between this team and one like the Braves, who enter action Tuesday a whopping 30 games over .500 at 67-37.

The same can be said for David Bednar - he's a top-of-the-heap late-inning arm and the Pirates have set their asking price accordingly. I can't see Pittsburgh ever trading him within the division nor do I see the Cubs sending top prospects to the Pirates, but knowing the Cubs are looking for more reasonable, affordable options rather than a primetime closer makes sense.

1 Cubs trade rumors we hope doesn't happen - #1: Pete Alonso is available, but Chicago isn't going to trade Pete Crow-Armstrong

The 2021 trade that sent Javier Baez and Trevor Williams to the Mets in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong has the potential to wind up as one of the most laughingly lopsided in Cubs history.

Crow-Armstrong is now just one stop shy of the big leagues after a promotion to Triple-A Iowa this week and has a real chance to make the Opening Day roster in 2024 if he closes out this year on a high note. So when someone tells me Pete Alonso is on the block and a trade with the Cubs would be centered around Crow-Armstrong, I laugh and keep moving right along.

Don't get me wrong, the Cubs have a big-time first base problem. But between Candelario, Patrick Wisdom and Nick Madrigal, you can piece it together at the corners and, if nothing else, get more production than you have from first to this point.

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Alonso would be that star-powered bat the team has lacked for years now. But decimating the farm system, especially if the trade necessitates moving Crow-Armstrong, would undo all the work the front office has done over the last three years to set up the organization for sustained success.

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