Chicago Cubs Rumors: Cubs could turn to Diamondbacks for OF help

Cubs could turn to Diamondbacks for OF help

Pavin Smith had a solid 2021 season hitting .267 with a slugging percentage of .404. In that same season, Smith hit 11 home runs with 49 RBI and he added 27 doubles as well. 2022 was a little bit of a rough year for the former first-round draft pick. He played just 75 games on the major league club and slashed .220/.300/.367. In the process, he suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him as well. This could possibly make him the cheapest option. Smith played very well in 2021, and he performed well in his brief stint with the team in the 2020 shortened season. As the cheaper option, Smith could be a fit for a platoon spot on the Cubs or even fit in a DH role occasionally if he can return to 2021 form.

Daulton Varsho is an interesting candidate for the Cubs as well. He played in 151 games last season and launched 27 home runs with 74 RBI. He also stole 16 bases, so he has some speed. An intriguing factor about Varsho is his ability to catch. Varsho became more of an outfielder during the 2022 season and he acknowledges that in an article from AZ Central. Varsho says in the article his future is in the outfield, but he still can play the position of catcher. The Cubs will need to add a catcher after losing Contreras this offseason, and Varsho will not be that option, but he can fill in every once in a while if needed. His left-handed bat would fit in nicely in the cubs' lineup. He has the speed to play centerfield, and his power would pair nicely with the hitter-friendly Wrigley Field.

Jake McCarthy was drafted in 2018 and quickly made his way to the majors. He made his debut in 2021, and in 99 games in 2022, McCarthy put together a strong performance. He was able to surpass rookie limits in 2022 and played well enough to finish 4th in the rookie of the year voting. In his rookie campaign, McCarthy slashed .283/.342/.427 with 8 home runs and 43 RBI. McCarthy was also 23/26 in stolen bases during the year. The Diamondbacks are likely to be reluctant to trade McCarthy unless there is a good return, but he would be the everyday centerfielder for the Cubs should they make the trade.