MLB · 1 year ago

Chicago Cubs’ MLB Trade Deadline Dilemma: Buy or Sell?

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

What’s Next for the Cubs?
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs face a critical decision: sell assets or make a push for a playoff spot. With key players locked into multi-year deals and a strong farm system, a push might be viable. However, management must decide soon to prevent further decline.

Deadline Decision

With nine teams vying for the final two NL postseason spots, staying put isn’t an option. The Cubs need a clear strategy to turn their season around.

Cubs Futures Odds at FanDuel

Win World Series: +6000

Win NLCS: +3400

Win NL Central: +700

Make Playoffs: +285

Win 80.5 Reg. Season Games: Over +100 | Under -130
Cubs’ Ambitious 2024 Offseason
The Chicago Cubs aimed high for the 2024 season, gearing up for a competitive National League Central Division. They retained Cody Bellinger, signed Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga, and traded for promising corner infielder Michael Busch.

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First Half Ups and Downs
Strong Start

Early in the season, the Cubs were neck-and-neck with the Milwaukee Brewers. As of May 12, they were just half a game behind the division leaders.

Mid-Season Downfall

By June 24, the Cubs' season took a downturn. They fell 8.0 games behind the Brewers and were barely ahead of the last-place Cincinnati Reds.

Wild Card Hope

Despite their struggles, the Cubs, with a 37-41 record, remain just two games out of the third NL Wild Card spot, keeping postseason dreams alive.

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Embattled Bats
Cubs’ Offensive Struggles

Post-May 12, the Cubs' offense faltered. Their team average dropped from .238 to .229, affecting their overall performance.

Key Stats Decline

Before May 12:
- AVG: .238
- OBP: .322
- SLG: .393
- OPS: .715
- wRC+: 105
After May 12:
- AVG: .229
- OBP: .310
- SLG: .370
- OPS: .680
- wRC+: 95
Slumping Star Players

Key hitters like Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ have seen significant drops in their 2024 performance compared to 2023.

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Starting Pitching Takes a Hit
Starting pitchers who excelled early in the season, including Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and Jameson Taillon, have seen their ERAs rise since mid-May.

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Uneven Bullpen
While the bullpen struggled early in the season, they’ve improved slightly since May 12. However, high-leverage pitchers like Hector Neris and Mark Leiter Jr. have underperformed.
What’s Next for the Cubs?
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs face a critical decision: sell assets or make a push for a playoff spot. With key players locked into multi-year deals and a strong farm system, a push might be viable. However, management must decide soon to prevent further decline.

Deadline Decision

With nine teams vying for the final two NL postseason spots, staying put isn’t an option. The Cubs need a clear strategy to turn their season around.

Cubs Futures Odds at FanDuel

Win World Series: +6000

Win NLCS: +3400

Win NL Central: +700

Make Playoffs: +285

Win 80.5 Reg. Season Games: Over +100 | Under -130
Cubs’ Ambitious 2024 Offseason
The Chicago Cubs aimed high for the 2024 season, gearing up for a competitive National League Central Division. They retained Cody Bellinger, signed Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga, and traded for promising corner infielder Michael Busch.

For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.

Chicago Cubs’ MLB Trade Deadline Dilemma: Buy or Sell?

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