Chicago Cubs Rumors: Drew Smyly or Hector Neris on the move, Pete Alonso, and More

The Chicago Cubs return to play from the All-Star break on Friday as they open the second half of the 2024 season with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.

For the front office, the focus likely has shifted to the MLB Trade Deadline on July 30. The Cubs appear to be inching toward buying at the deadline, however, a more accurate representation may be that the team won't be sellers.

That doesn't mean that the Cubs won't look to move players off their Major League roster. In his latest for The Athletic (Subscription Required), Patrick Mooney floated out the idea that the Cubs will be looking to move a high-priced reliever.

The Cubs are also carrying a payroll around the $237 million luxury tax threshold. Money is always a consideration at this time of year. One idea floating around the team has been moving a veteran reliever on an expiring contract to create a spot for a hard-throwing young pitcher.

There are really only two relievers that Mooney could be referring to--Hector Neris or Drew Smyly. What is interesting with Neris is that his 2025 option converts to a player option if he appears in 60 games this season. As of this writing, Neris has appeared in 35 games. Given the struggles he has had this season, Neris likely would be picking up the option for $9MM if it does indeed convert to a player option.

Cubs take a flier on another Kansas City Royals reliever

It was at the Trade Deadline last season when the Cubs took a flier on Kansas City Royals' relief pitcher Jose Cuas. Cuas was waived by the Cubs earlier this season but the team has turned to the Royals once again for relief help. On Tuesday, the Cubs acquired minor-league reliever Jesus Tinoco from the Royals.

Tinoco was not on the Royals' 40-man roster, so there is no corresponding move needed. The Cubs did option Daniel Palencia on Tuesday but that is likely tied to the imminent returns of either Julian Merryweather and Caleb Kilian.

Pete Alonso appears to be staying put

It would seem that the New York Mets will go a second consecutive Trade Deadline without moving Pete Alonso. While the Cubs could certainly use Alonso's power, the need for the veteran first baseman isn't as dire as it was last season given the ascension of Michael Busch this season.