3 Cardinals players the Cubs should (but probably won't) trade for

3 Cardinals players the Cubs should (but probably won't) trade for - #1: Paul Goldschmidt

Yes, he checked in as a 'long shot' (and that's putting it mildly) trade target in my recent piece, but the Cubs have a first base problem and the Cardinals have one of the best and could turn the page in hopes of getting younger.

Paul Goldschmidt would not only solve Chicago's first base woes, but bring a still-potent offensive presence to the middle of the Cubs order. Despite nearing his 36th birthday, the reigning NL MVP, four-time Gold Glover and five-time Silver Slugger continues to produce, evidenced by a 130 OPS+ on the year.

It's a far cry from what he turned in last season, but would still represent an otherworldly improvement at the position for a Cubs team that's tried just about everything at this point, ranging from Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini to Matt Mervis and, most recently, Jared Young. Nothing has worked out and if this team is going to make a run, this is a position the front office has to address.

Goldschmidt is under team control through the end of 2024 - so there's no long-term risk. You're going to have to come off quality prospects and take on the remainder of his $26 million salary for this year and the same amount for next season, but he's a proven performer who could help get the Cubs back to the postseason this fall.