As it stands, the Chicago Cubs have the 4th best record in the National League, holding the top wild card spot and being in a good position to buy at the deadline. At points earlier in the season, amidst injuries and underperforming, it was questioned whether Chicago could possibly be sellers at the deadline, but that possibility quickly faded. While grabbing a premium bat would certainly help, the Cubs obvious problem that needs to be addressed at the deadline is pitching.
Chicago ranks 1st in batting WAR in all of MLB, while being bottom 5 in pitching WAR. It's very clear what moves need to be made if Chicago wants to be a serious contender come October. The focal point of Jed Hoyer's trade deadline will most likely be starting pitching, as it should. Names like Joe Ryan have been discussed all season, and bringing in a frontline guy like that would certainly help the Cubs in the postseason.
With that being said, the bullpen also has major concerns that need to be addressed. Every single Cubs reliever on the opening day roster besides Jacob Webb has gone through some sort of injury, including closer Daniel Palencia, and the guys that have been performing well out of the bullpen to this point have shown signs that it may not be consistent. It seemed like the trade deadline may be the perfect opportunity for Chicago to reunite with a familiar face and premium closer in Aroldis Chapman.
The door on a Cubs-Chapman reunion has most likely closed
A few weeks ago, the Boston Red Sox held a 37-48 record, and everything seemed to be spiraling out of control for the organization. They were destined to be trade deadline sellers, opening a window for Chicago to swoop in and reunite with their world series winning closer 10 years later. Since then however, Boston has gone 15-1 and have now declared themselves as aggressive buyers at the deadline. Despite this, there are other high value relievers on the market, including Josh Hader and potentially even Mason Miller.
While there is an argument to be made that the Cubs shouldn't trade over prospects for rental pitchers in a season with so many injuries, this team has already shown that they can beat anyone, and it would be an insult to the players and fans to not go out and make a move built for postseason contention.
| More Cubs News and Rumors |
Add us as a preferred source on Google