Chicago Cubs MLB trade deadline: Could Cubs become sellers?
If they continue to slide, should the Chicago Cubs consider selling at the MLB trade deadline?
The first half of the 2017 season has been the worst case scenario for the Chicago Cubs. After taking an ugly 14-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, the Cubs currently sit at 43-45 and trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 5.5 games in the National League Central. Like I said, worst case scenario for the defending World Series champions.
Most have assumed that the Cubs would still be buyers at the July 31st trade deadline. Despite their slow start, the Cubs are still clearly a talented team who could easily make a run. Maybe an extra piece or two could put them over the top?
I could still see that happening if the Cubs come back from the break strong. These few days of rest could be exactly what this team needs for a strong second half. I do not expect Theo Epstein and company to spend big on any moves (unless a young, controlled starting pitcher being sold for a reasonable price unexpectedly hits the market). That being said, I could easily see them looking for cheap depth in the rotation or the bullpen.
Not so fast
However, with their recent slide and the Brewers looking like they are for real, perhaps the Cubs are better off just standing pat? Heck, if they do not turn it around when they get back from the All-Star break, I could see a situation where the Cubs are actually sellers.
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Let’s say the Cubs come back from the break and continue to play poorly. The Brewers continue to play well and the St. Louis Cardinals (who are currently tied for second place in the Central with the Cubs) pass them in the standings as well. All of a sudden, it is late July and the Cubs are 8+ games back of the Brewers. They even trail the Cardinals by a few games. Would selling be in the best interest of the organization?
Now, let’s be clear here. I am not saying that the Cubs should trade any of their long-term talent. Giving up Javy Baez or selling low on Kyle Schwarber or Addison Russell would not be a wise move. Also, Ian Happ has proved his worth on this team. He should not be moved for anything less than a significant player who can help them for the next few seasons. That being said, why not look to move on from short-term pieces?
Who would they sell to contenders?
If the Cubs slip much further behind the Brewers before July 31st, I would not hate to see them at least move on from the guys who will become free agents at the end of the year. Wade Davis immediately stands out as a valuable piece for a contender. I could easily see contenders having some interest in Koji Uehara and Jon Jay as well.
It may be a bit trickier but Jake Arrieta is set to hit free agency as well this offseason. The Cubs are not expected to bring him back. Despite his slow start, Arrieta has looked better in recent weeks. There would likely be a contender or two interested in him if he were to become available.
This is not ideal but could be smart
The best case scenario is that the Chicago Cubs come back from the break and hit a hot streak. They are undoubtedly talented enough to catch the Brewers in the second half. However, some sort of sell off should be considered if they continue to play poorly.
Maybe 2017 just isn’t the Cubs’ year and they should start building towards the 2018 season? Trading any combination of Arrieta, Davis, Uehara and Jay would obviously hurt them in the short-term and decrease any chances they would have to compete in 2017. However, it could drastically improve their chances moving forward.
Next: Under-the-radar trade deadline targets for Cubs
The long-term health of the Chicago Cubs is the most important thing here. Epstein and company have said for a long time that they want to build a championship contender for each and every season. However, if it is not in the cards for 2017, the Cubs will be better off if they figure it out sooner, rather than later. Accepting their fate and selling at the upcoming trade deadline may be the best move for the North Siders.