Things are starting to get dicey for the Chicago Cubs.
All season, the Cubs have ruled the roost in the National League Central. But the Milwaukee Brewers stormed back in June, cutting the Cubs’ lead in the division to only two games at the conclusion of play on Sunday. The St. Louis Cardinals are also only 2 1/2 games back.
It’s undoubtedly been a good season for the Cubs’ offense. But as the Jul. 31 trade deadline approaches, there could still be an upgrade in order, giving manager Craig Counsell as many tools at his disposal as possible when writing the lineup each day.
One Cubs insider believes that based on the team’s need for right-handed power and the struggles of their rookie third baseman, a few names to watch are emerging.
On Monday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic named Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, and Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon as potential trade targets for Chicago.
“The win-now mode puts Matt Shaw under the microscope at third base, where his defense has been spectacular and his offensive production has been lacking,” Mooney wrote. “It would make sense to add another right-handed hitter to pair with first baseman Michael Busch. Justin Turner’s postseason experience brings a lot of intangible value, but he’s 40 years old, and he hasn’t gotten into an offensive rhythm as a Cub yet.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
“As the Cubs think about how to diversify their lineup, Eugenio Suárez, Taylor Ward and Ryan McMahon are among the names to monitor.”
Suárez represents the biggest offensive upgrade of the group, with 25 home runs and an .889 OPS. He’s also the only rental. Ward has 20 home runs of his own, but his OPS is a notch down at .768.
McMahon, meanwhile, would be a Cub through 2027 unless he was traded again, which would be a tougher fit to reconcile. He’s making $16 million in 2026 and 2027, and his .716 OPS isn’t ideal, though it’s accompanied by excellent defense.
There are lots of decisions forthcoming. How will the Cubs make out at the deadline?
More MLB: Mets blockbuster trade pitch brings $45 million All-Star back to New York
