Cubs Poised to be Sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
What do the Cubs Want in Return?
The discussion has covered potential trades for the Cubs. As noted, the Cubs aim to contend in 2025 and beyond, meaning they would need a substantial return to consider trading their players. While Smyly and Neris may not attract significant offers, other players likely will.
A key need for the Cubs is a future third baseman, as they currently lack a full-time player for this position. Matt Shaw, rated as Just Baseball’s No. 4 prospect in the organization, is seen as a potential candidate. However, he is still in Double-A and also plays middle infield. Without Shaw stepping into this role, acquiring a third baseman through trade becomes a practical necessity. Additionally, the Cubs could benefit from improving their catching position. Their current catchers have underperformed, hitting just .191 with 16 extra-base hits and a negative WAR overall. Finding a future catcher might also be a priority in upcoming trades.
Despite initial expectations for the season, the Cubs find themselves in a selling position. The team must remain pragmatic and adapt to their current circumstances. Should they embark on a winning streak, the situation may evolve, but as of now, the team's roster could see significant changes by July 31.
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Chicago Cubs MLB Trade Deadline Plans
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and it seems the Chicago Cubs have decided their course of action.
Currently, the Cubs are five games below .500 and 4.5 games away from an NL Wild Card spot. Despite being close to a playoff berth, where many teams might choose to contend, the Cubs are likely taking a different route. Jed Hoyer, the team’s president of baseball operations, has nearly confirmed that the Cubs will be sellers at the trade deadline.
Nevertheless, an all-out fire sale isn’t on the agenda for the Cubs. They possess a roster of talented players under team control and expect significant returns if they decide to trade these assets.
The rationale is clear: the Cubs aim to be competitive by 2025, but are open to trading players on short-term contracts for prospects who can contribute in the future.
Drew Smyly
Drew Smyly immediately comes to mind as a standout this season for the Cubs, performing exceptionally well strictly from the bullpen.
The left-hander boasts a 2.79 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a .228 opponent batting average over 38.2 innings pitched. His ability to limit opponents to a barrel percentage of just 5.4% highlights his skill in inducing weak contact.
At 35, Smyly's contract includes a mutual option for the next season. Should the team choose to release him this fall, they would be responsible for a $2.5 million buyout.
Hector Neris
Hector Neris was the Cubs' significant bullpen acquisition this offseason. He is currently on a one-year contract, which includes a club option for 2025. However, this option can convert into a player option if Neris meets one of two specific sets of conditions. Despite a sluggish beginning to the season, Neris has been impeccable since June 22. In this period, he has appeared in nine games, allowing zero runs, only five hits, and tallying 12 strikeouts. His performance could make him a highly valuable asset for any team aiming for a playoff push.
Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger represents another key piece that the Cubs could potentially trade at the deadline. After signing a three-year deal with Chicago in the offseason, Bellinger's contract allows for player opt-outs following the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Combined with his significant salary, these factors might deter some teams from pursuing a trade.
Currently, Bellinger is nursing a fractured finger. Despite this, he consistently delivers solid defense at both first base and in the outfield. Offensively, he was hitting .269 with a .742 OPS and nine home runs across 79 games.
Should teams believe in a swift recovery from his finger injury, Bellinger might find himself involved in trade discussions next week.
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Nico Hoerner
Nico Hoerner's name has surfaced in trade discussions recently. He has another year of team control and is a Gold Glove second baseman who can also handle shortstop duties. Additionally, he is recognized for his contact hitting skills.
Currently, Hoerner may not be performing at his peak with the Cubs, as he is batting .258 with a .689 OPS, and has accumulated 1.7 WAR. While a trade seems unlikely, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed.
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Jameson Taillon
Jameson Taillon is another player highlighted. Several teams are reportedly interested in the right-hander.
The Cubs would likely be open to trading Taillon, which would free up some of their payroll. Currently earning $18 million this year, he has maintained a 2.96 ERA. The right-hander holds a 7-5 record for the season and consistently delivers competitive performances.
Taillon won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season, offering teams two additional years of his services after this one. However, it's important to note that he has a 10-team no-trade clause in his contract.
Justin Steele
Justin Steele is not anticipated to be traded, though his name has appeared in some trade speculations.
Steele, the ace of the pitching staff, is under team control until the 2028 season. He boasts a 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and an opponent batting average of .215. The southpaw's skills could elevate any playoff rotation to World Series contender status. As such, potential suitors would need to offer a significant number of prospects to acquire Steele.
What do the Cubs Want in Return?
The discussion has covered potential trades for the Cubs. As noted, the Cubs aim to contend in 2025 and beyond, meaning they would need a substantial return to consider trading their players. While Smyly and Neris may not attract significant offers, other players likely will.
A key need for the Cubs is a future third baseman, as they currently lack a full-time player for this position. Matt Shaw, rated as Just Baseball’s No. 4 prospect in the organization, is seen as a potential candidate. However, he is still in Double-A and also plays middle infield. Without Shaw stepping into this role, acquiring a third baseman through trade becomes a practical necessity. Additionally, the Cubs could benefit from improving their catching position. Their current catchers have underperformed, hitting just .191 with 16 extra-base hits and a negative WAR overall. Finding a future catcher might also be a priority in upcoming trades.
Despite initial expectations for the season, the Cubs find themselves in a selling position. The team must remain pragmatic and adapt to their current circumstances. Should they embark on a winning streak, the situation may evolve, but as of now, the team's roster could see significant changes by July 31.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Chicago Cubs MLB Trade Deadline Plans
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and it seems the Chicago Cubs have decided their course of action.
Currently, the Cubs are five games below .500 and 4.5 games away from an NL Wild Card spot. Despite being close to a playoff berth, where many teams might choose to contend, the Cubs are likely taking a different route. Jed Hoyer, the team’s president of baseball operations, has nearly confirmed that the Cubs will be sellers at the trade deadline.
Nevertheless, an all-out fire sale isn’t on the agenda for the Cubs. They possess a roster of talented players under team control and expect significant returns if they decide to trade these assets.
The rationale is clear: the Cubs aim to be competitive by 2025, but are open to trading players on short-term contracts for prospects who can contribute in the future.
