3 bats the Chicago Cubs can target at the trade deadline

Given Jed Hoyer's comments recently about his confidence in what the Chicago Cubs can achieve this season, it makes sense that he addressed the need to add to the offense rather than ever consider selling at the deadline to this juncture. We've seen firsthand what this offense is capable of this season, and given Hoyer's contract status with the Cubs, he knows he needs to keep his foot on the gas and turn this team into a winner. Adding to the offense is a good place to start, and many impactful bats can be had this season at the trade deadline. Let's take a look at three of them now.

3 bats to target at the deadline - 3. Pete Alonso

With the New York Mets in a tail-spin this season, the team will likely be sellers as the trade deadline approaches. All eyes will be on Pete Alonso as one of the most coveted trade chips on the market from a hitter's standpoint, and the Cubs should be right in the thick of it. Making Alonso's availability more likely is his recent hiring of Scott Boras, all but shutting the door on an in-season extension.

Alonso still fits on this roster, even with Michael Busch and Cody Bellinger in the mix at first base. Alonso can simply DH or rotate between 1B/DH, whereas Christopher Morel can still get at-bats if he is removed from defensive duty at 3B. Alonso's offensive numbers are down this season, but his home run total is on pace for his career averages. The Cubs need his power in the clean-up spot and have plenty of prospect currency to pull this off without even coming close to depleting the farm system.

2. Elias Diaz

Trading for Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz is a move that kills two birds with one stone. He is both an upgrade offensively and defensively for the Cubs, with Miguel Amaya taking the reins slower than the team had hoped. Diaz's catcher framing skills are vastly better than Amaya's and his offense would be a significant boost to the starting lineup.

With any Rockies hitter, looking at their home/road splits away from Coors Field is essential, and the results are often discouraging. Elias is slightly better on the road, with a line of .300/.356/.425 and a 123 wRC+. When you think about a hitter who can address multiple needs for the team all at once, it's hard to find somebody who fits the bill more than Diaz. He is a free agent this offseason, and like with Alonso, the Cubs have enough prospect currency to pay up in this situation to outbid other teams and ensure they secure his services at the trade deadline.