Chicago Cubs Rumors: Team should pursue these 3 August trades
Trade Number Three: Acquire Andrew McCutchen from the San Fransisco Giants
The Cubs have had solid production from their outfield in 2018. In the first-half, Albert Almora Jr. was perhaps the Cubs biggest surprise, while Jason Heyward had a huge bounce back campaign after two rough seasons.
However, Almora has hit just .211 in the second-half after hitting .319 in the first-half. Kyle Schwarber, after finishing second in the Home Run Derby, has hit just .225 with three home runs in the second-half.
Why McCutchen would be available
The San Francisco Giants currently sit in fourth-place in the competitive NL West. With a weak rotation and declining veteran lineup, the Giants could decide to sell this month.
Likely the first player to go would be Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates last offseason, but has hit .257 in an average season.
A free-agent after the season, McCutchen is owed over $9 million this season. McCutchen would almost certainly pass through waivers, with the only thing in the way of a deal being the Giants willingness to sell.
Why the Cubs would want him
McCutchen is a five-time All-Star and former Most Valuable Player. At the age of 31, McCutchen still has production left in the tank. With Almora and Schwarber in steady decline since the All-Star Break, the Cubs could use relief in the outfield.
McCutchen has postseason experience, and has a reputation as being one of the best leaders in Major League Baseball. McCutchen could play center field alongside Heyward and a platoon of Almora and Schwarber.
The Cubs would be paying a small price for a productive, veteran everyday starter. The Cubs could send pitching prospect Duane Underwood Jr, who is without a place on the Cubs roster, to the Giants, who could be interested in a major league-ready pitcher.
Related Story. Cubs three must-win stretch series. light
The Cubs roster looks good as usual, but its clear that this roster isn’t a finished product. the Cubs are at least a move or two away from looking like a clear World Series favorite from the National League.
Theo Epstein never fails to excite — hopefully he isn’t done dealing just yet.