Da Windy City
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Chicago Cubs: Christian Yelich may be a trade deadline target

By Carlos Nazario

Jun 10, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Christian Yelich (21) runs the bases on his way to scoring a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Christian Yelich (21) runs the bases on his way to scoring a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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While many feel pitching is a top priority for the Chicago Cubs to fix, their offense has also struggled. One person who can help is Christian Yelich, a player Chicago may target at the trade deadline.

The 2017 season hasn’t progressed the way many thought it would for the Chicago Cubs. It is the middle of June, yet they see themselves at .500, with a 32-32 record.

Many feel the pitching is a big part of the reason for the struggles. After ranking at the top last season, the starting rotation ranks just 21st this season (4.68 ERA) as of June 12th. Their WHIP of 1.37 ranks just 20th.

While the starting pitching has been a let down this season, the Cubs’ offense has struggled as well. The vaunted offense ranks 29th with a .232 batting average, just ahead of the San Diego Padres. Their .322 on-base percentage ranks 18th.

Those are not numbers that scream “World Series contenders!” at you. Yes, the pitching needs to stop the opposition. The problem is that you cannot win if you cannot score no matter how good the pitching is.

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Things are so bad offensively for the Cubs that manager Joe Maddon redid the lineup, inserting Anthony Rizzo into the leadoff slot before Tuesday’s game. Rizzo’s .390 OBP is second on the team to Kris Bryant (.396). While he isn’t the prototypical leadoff man, Rizzo takes a lot of pitches and works the count.

The move worked on Tuesday as the Cubs crushed the New York Mets 14-3. Rizzo went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk, and 3 RBI.

However, Rizzo at the leadoff spot for an extended period hurts him and the Cubs.

As the trade deadline nears, the odds of the Cubs pulling the trigger on a trade (or two) are high. Reports are that they already set their eyes on one offensive piece. One report has them eyeing outfielder Christian Yelich of the Miami Marlins.

Per Scout.com:

"The biggest “rumor” so far involving the Marlins has to do with the Chicago Cubs looking to add outfield depth and a potential bat in the middle of the lineup. Per sportsmockery.com, the Cubs are in need of another elite on-base presence on their roster, as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo are the only everyday players on the Cubs roster that have an average or better OBP. And answer could be current Marlin outfielder Christian Yelich."

Yelich had a breakout season for the Marlins last season. He hit .298/.376/.483, with 21 home runs and 98 RBI. He scuffled a bit this season, hitting .264/.341/.394 with 7 homers and 27 RBI. Every Marlin, though, has struggled this season after contending for most of last season. Also, the team is for sale. It seems once the Marlins announced that the team was for sale, things fell apart on the field.

The Marlins have Yelich on the block. The Cubs have good young talent to get Yelich. Additionally, at just age 25, he fits right in with the young, talented players on the roster. If you put him at the top of the lineup among Rizzo and Bryant, the offense could receive a jumpstart.

Next: John Fox announces how Victor Cruz will be used

The Chicago Cubs need a jumpstart to their offense. If they have a chance to acquire another young, talented player they need to get it done. That is, of course, without breaking the bank.

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