3 potential Cubs trade targets if the Houston Astros wind up sellers

Alex Bregman could be a difference-maker for this Cubs lineup

Don't be fooled. Alex Bregman's slow start this year is not a reason to write him off entirely. In the final year of his current deal with the Astros, the slugger is doing himself no favors heading into free agency this winter, but there's plenty of time to change that.

Christopher Morel has settled in defensively at third, but there's no doubt Bregman would be an upgrade there. Morel could shift into a DH role, allowing Craig Counsell to make sure his bat is in the lineup, while adding another potent weapon to the mix.

Bregman would be a pure rental, which could help the Cubs avoid coming off their top prospects in a trade come July. A two-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger recipient, the former LSU standout averaged a 128 OPS+ with 59 extra-base hits annually over the last two seasons. There's still plenty left in the tank and seeing him rake at Wrigley down the stretch would be a treat.