5 Chicago Cubs players who won’t survive the trade deadline

3. Nick Madrigal

It would make sense for the Chicago Cubs to trade Nick Madrigal right now.

When the Chicago Cubs acquired Nick Madrigal (and Codi Heuer) from the Chicago White Sox, it felt like a major win for the north side.

Well, the White Sox got Craig Kimbrel back in the trade which felt like a win at the moment but it wasn’t. Kimbrel’s time in a White Sox uniform was a disaster. It makes it worse that he was an All-Star with the Phillies in 2023.

This trade, no matter what, was a genius move by the Chicago Cubs front office. Taking a chance on an infielder and reliever in exchange for Kimbrel was very smart for the Cubs.

Heuer has been mostly hurt but Madrigal has had his moments. He is probably a bust for a 4th overall pick but he is still a serviceable MLB player as a middle infielder.

Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner are going to be there manning shortstop and second base (assuming health) for the foreseeable future which leaves Madrigal as the odd man out.

There is no doubt that he might be able to help a contender get even deeper down the stretch and into the playoffs. His name isn’t really attached to rumors but it would be interesting to see him move along to a team that believes in itself. He isn’t a game breaker but a solid bench piece could be the difference.