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5 Players Chicago Cubs Need to Target at the Trade Deadline

The Cubs offense has been abysmal since May 1 and the relief pitching is starting to break down early in the year. Several key trades could bolster the lineup and the closing role to switch into win mode.

By Larry Goldman

It is hard to believe Kyle Finnegan will not be an All-Star this year. The Cubs could use an All-Star in the 9th inning.
It is hard to believe Kyle Finnegan will not be an All-Star this year. The Cubs could use an All-Star in the 9th inning. / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Pete Alonso, New York Mets

Michael Bush and Cody Bellinger (and sometimes Patrick Wisdom) have been switching off at first base. Alonso is in his last year of his contract, which could possibly make him a rental. Though he had a slow start, he is batting .243 with a .790 OPS, 15 home runs and 40 RBI's. In his last 40 games, he has an OPS at almost .900. Alonso could fill a DH role as Bush's defense has been superior.

Miguel Andujar, Oakland Athletics

Andujar came off an injury and started the season late but has since posted a .314 batting average and a .756 OPS. With OF Mike Tauchman out for an unknown amount of time, it would be good to replace him with someone who gets on base consistently. The problem is that the Cubs outfield is pretty crowded with Happ, Bellinger, Suzuki, Armstrong, and Tauchman (when healthy). To get a reliable bat, it may not matter.

Elias Diaz, Colorado Rockies

Last year's All-Star MVP looks like an All-Star again this year. He is currently on the IL with a calf strain, which should be a short-term issue. To date, Diaz is hitting .303 with 28 RBIs and a .791 OPS. Like Andujar, he doesn't supply much-needed slugging like Alonso does, but, at the catcher position, if your name is not Contreras (or Rutschman), it is hard to find major hitting. It is no secret that the catcher position is the Cubs weakest link offensively. Bringing on Tomas Nido (and letting Yan Gomes go) from the Mets does provide 30 more batting points (.229 average) than C Miguel Amaya. It just doesn't feel like a solution.

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