Will the Chicago Cubs look to trade Albert Almora?

With the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching, could outfielder Albert Almora be used as a valuable trade chip by the Chicago Cubs?

As the Chicago Cubs get set to approach the July 31st trade deadline, they happen to be playing their best baseball to date. Their 11-3 record, post all-star break, after Friday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, speaks for itself.

While all is well in the North Side of Chicago, could things actually get even better for the defending champs? Especially if they look to acquire yet, another high-impact player via trade.

This weekend series against the Brewers will be a turning point for the Cubs. If they take at least one of these next two games, they will still be in first place. However, if they get swept, they will fall back into second-place.

There are other reasons why this three-game series against their division rival becomes ever-so pivotal for the Cubs. If the Cubs struggle pitching wise, will that force the front office to make another trade-deadline splash?

Last year, it was Theo Epstein, sending off valuable prospects to acquire closer Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees. Earlier this month, Epstein traded additional top-prospects to acquire more pitching help. In the form of starter, Jose Quintana, from the Cubs’ cross-town rivals.

Judging by past history, Epstein is not afraid to act boldly in trading for star players. Even if they are purely rental players. Unfortunately, with most, if not all of the Cubs’ highly touted prospects gone from their farm-system, via trade, who would the Cubs trade off, if poised to make another big-time deal?

Often going unnoticed, Albert Almora brings plenty to the table

One under-the-radar name to look out for in the upcoming days as a possible trade chip is Albert Almora. A spectacular defensive presence, manning the outfield, Almora offers a ton of value to teams.

He routinely robs opposing batters of hits, through making Gold Glove, diving catches, out in center field. Almora does this by displaying incredible range, along with top-notch foot-speed to chase after slicing fly balls, out to the deepest areas of opposing ballparks.

While his defense is his calling card, Almora has also proven to be an efficient offensive weapon, when called upon.

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Although he’s just in his second year as a pro, Almora, in 300 career at-bats with the Cubs, is hitting a very respectable .280. Furthermore, he doesn’t strike out often and is more than willing to take his walks.

Because Almora plays for a fully-loaded Cubs’ team, starting opportunities don’t come along too often. Unless there’s an injury taken place to another key player on the roster.

Having said that, Almora is certainly good enough to start for plenty of other teams. He’s just 23 years old. If given an opportunity to be an everyday player, his value on a team would only increase.

While it would be tough to see a solid, young player in Almora depart from the roster, via trade, the Cubs might have no choice but to follow suit. That is, if they’re hoping to acquire a top-shelf starting pitcher, like Sonny Gray or Justin Verlander.

The Cubs appear to have no intention of trading away any of their regular, key position players, which is why Almora may find himself being the odd man out. Given he normally comes off the bench late in games.

This makes Almora expendable if the Cubs decide to be aggressive buyers over the upcoming days. Losing Almora wouldn’t sting a whole lot, because the Cubs have infielders, like Kris Bryant and Ian Happ, who can play in the outfield as well. Along with valuable pinch-hitter, Jon Jay, who is likely not going elsewhere.

Next: Should the Cubs target Jeff Samardzija via trade?

Whether Almora gets traded or not over the next couple of days remains to be seen. Having said that, don’t be surprised if his name gets mentioned in multiple trade talk conversations surrounding other teams, who are looking to collect great value in return.