Cubs Pursuing All-Star First Baseman by Trade Deadline
By Jovan Alford
The Chicago Cubs are currently 7.5 games out of first place in the NL Central heading into Sunday’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cubs were supposed to be one of the contenders for the division crown this season, but have struggled offensively (.227 batting average, 27th in the majors) and haven’t received consistent pitching (19 quality starts – tied for 23rd in baseball).
However, the good news for the Cubs is that it is only June and they are only one game out of a wild-card spot in the National League. Nonetheless, if Chicago can play .500 play or better for the next few weeks, it should set them up to be buyers at the trade deadline.
If the Cubs ultimately decide to become buyers at the trade deadline, they have their eyes on a power-hitting first baseman out of the American League.
Cubs Rumors: Chicago Could Acquire Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at Trade Deadline
USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale wrote in his weekly baseball column on Sunday that the Cubs have “privately discussed the possibility of trying to acquire” Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the trade deadline.
While the idea of Guerrero Jr. hitting bombs at Wrigley Field sounds amazing and would boost the Cubs’ offense, Chicago fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
Nightengale also wrote that rival executives believe if the Blue Jays don’t turn things around, and don’t sign Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette to contract extensions, they’ll be open to moving them.
The Blue Jays have been one of the biggest disappointments this season, as they have a 31-33 record. However, they are two games out of a wild-card spot in the American League. Guerrero Jr. is hitting .294 with seven home runs and 30 RBI this season.
The Cubs have been rolling with Michael Busch and Cody Bellinger at first base this year. The 26-year-old Busch is slugging .246 with eight home runs and 23 RBI. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Bellinger is hitting .256 with eight home runs and 29 RBI.
When you look at those numbers, it’s clear that Guerrero Jr. would be an instant upgrade at first base and could be the x-factor to help the Cubs punch their ticket to the postseason (+162 on FanDuel Sportsbook).
Nevertheless, we are still weeks away from the trade deadline. But it will be interesting to see if the Cubs can get on a roll this month and what other players/pieces they’ll be linked to.
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