Why the Cubs are chasing Eugenio Suarez (and it’s not what you think)

Matt Shaw had another impressive series for the Chicago Cubs over the weekend against the Chicago White Sox, but a report from Patrick Mooney of The Athletic confirmed that the Cubs remain interested in adding Arizona Diamondbacks' All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez ahead of the MLB trade deadline on Thursday. There is a layer to Shaw's hot streak that does have an impact on the Cubs' efforts to land Suárez, but before we get to that, this line from Mooney can't be ignored.

"Suárez is performing at such a high level — at the one position where the Cubs entered the season with a big question mark — that the organization can’t yet foreclose the possibility of acquiring the right-handed slugger. Especially when the Milwaukee Brewers, a heated division rival, have also been linked to Suárez, whose career numbers against the Cubs include 36 home runs and 94 RBIs in 132 games."

The Milwaukee Brewers, who have caught up to the Cubs at the top of the NL Central, have interest in adding Suárez as well. In other words, the Cubs aren't going to let 28 plate appearances be the reason why they add an impact power bat to their starting lineup. Especially when the team they are expected to go toe-to-toe with also has a shared interest.

Eugenio Suárez rumor uncovers surprising truth about Cubs’ deadline plan

As the Cubs approach the deadline, their interest in Suárez is something that can draw comparisons to what the Los Angeles Dodgers have done in recent seasons. Leave nothing to chance, and Suárez would represent the Cubs following that strategy.

Now, where Shaw's hot streak does come into play is giving the Cubs leverage in their talks with the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are believed to be wanting a current MLB player, a high-level prospect, and a low-level prospect in exchange for Suárez. That is a steep asking price and one that led the New York Yankees to pivot in the direction of Ryan McMahon. For the Cubs, they can point to Shaw's heater as the reason why they won't pay that price. It's a game of chicken, and there is a risk it ends with Suárez in Milwaukee, but there may be a greater chance it ends with the All-Star third baseman in Chicago.

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