Latest blockbuster trade rumor is one Cubs fans will have a hard time believing

Since taking control, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has amassed an impressive amount of prospect depth in a relatively short time. The fruits of those efforts are starting to show in the form of Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ben Brown, Hayden Wesneski and others who are making an impact at the big league level.

Hoyer hasn't been in the position to push his chips in on a blockbuster acquisition yet. Still, given his reputation as a cautious executive, the latest Cubs trade rumor is enough to make your head spin. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Hoyer and the Chicago front office have 'privately discussed' acquiring Toronto Blue Jays slugger and former MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Even with a lackluster start, the Cubs expect to be buyers at the deadline. That direction is more of a reflection of the rest of the National League than anything because even at 31-34 heading into Sunday, Chicago is just one game out of a wild card spot. It's hard to fold when that's the postseason picture, especially on the North Side, where the fanbase is growing irritable after a second rebuild in the last decade.

A Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trade would change everything for the Cubs

The Cubs offense has been abysmal - there's no two ways about it. This team lacks major star power and Guerrero Jr. would be the biggest name on the roster by a wide margin. He carries a 137 OPS+ on the year and could very well be the missing centerpiece we all knew this team was missing heading into the season.

Will Hoyer part with his precious prospects? That's the real question because this isn't the type of deal you can get done by tapping into mid-level depth pieces. We're talking about high-level, blue-chip prospects going to Toronto in any trade because Guerrero Jr. is under team control through the 2025 season and is still only 25 years old.

This is a team in dire need of major firepower offensively. Hoyer has continued to live and die with his 'value' moves. The upcoming trade deadline represents a huge opportunity for the Cubs to flex their financial and organizational muscle, act like the big market team, and make the kind of moves that can shake up the division race. The only question now is - will they do it?