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.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
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.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
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.
Download the SportsGrid App
Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
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.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
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.
