2 trade targets for the Chicago Cubs to avoid at all costs

With tomorrow's MLB trade deadline, you can expect plenty of activity, as we've seen for the last few days. The Chicago Cubs are still yet to make a move, but all indications put to the team buying at the deadline, if even at least marginally, to improve where they can without plucking the main seeds from the farm's soil yet.

We already know the Cubs are interested in Jeimer Candelario and David Bednar, but should they miss on those, the front office must avoid panic, resulting in moves that can ultimately hurt the club. Therefore, we've gathered a list of three players that, although they can be available, are players the Cubs need to avoid at all costs. Let's take at those now, starting with Aaron Bummer.

2 players to avoid via trade - 2. Aaron Bummer

The only one on this list that I should specify isn't "to avoid at all costs" is Aaron Bummer. That statement sounds harsh once you take a dip into the peripherals. His statistics are mind-blowing. For one, he has an ERA that has sat north of at least 6.00 since April 29th. His WHIP of 1.431 suggests he's getting shelled. Then, you notice his elite FIP of 2.40, which is extremely good. You do not see a FIP of four runs lower than a pitcher's actual ERA every day. That and the fact that he hasn't even given up a home run on the year after 36.1 frames on the season suggest he has been the victim of some wildly bad luck and laughably lousy defense.

I understand the argument that positive results are right around the corner. The fact that the Chicago White Sox are the worst defensive team in baseball also provides a critical point for why Bummer's FIP is so much lower. Tim Anderson, Elvis Andrus, and Yasmani Grandal have combined for -29 defensive runs saved this season.

When you have a terrible defense, it's easy for routine plays that aren't made and ruled a base hit to raise your WHIP just as they unluckily raise your ERA if those runners you shouldn't have had to worry about wind up crossing the plate to score. I'm indifferent here. As I type this, I almost love the idea of snagging him, but I will play it safe to ensure I'm not making any mistakes. There are relievers available that give me more confidence, and the margin for error for the Cubs to make the playoffs is already razor-thin.