Since they’re competitive so far this season, the Chicago Cubs could easily be buyers in July. What they’ll be buying with, though, is less well known. Here are five players they could dangle in front of other teams in hopes of acquiring a playmaker at the deadline.
5. OF Chris Coghlan
Getty ImagesCoghlan had his best year since his 2009 Rookie of the Year campaign, but he's really struggled this season. It's clear he's not a huge part of the Cubs' future, so if he gets hotter in the next few months and teams want him, the Cubs will likely move him.
4. 3B Mike Olt
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Olt was once a top prospect and hasn't quite panned out with the Cubs. There might be another team out there that is willing to take a chance on him. He would be a throw-in piece to a bigger deal, but the Cubs would likely be willing to part ways with the third baseman.
3. RHP Travis Wood
USA Today SportsWood has already been relegated to the bullpen and may be on his way out of Chicago. Since he's shown he can do it at the major league level, he has more trade value than many others in the organization. Again, if someone wants him thrown in to sweeten a blockbuster deal, the Cubs likely won't hesitate.
2. SS Javier Baez
USA Today SportsIf the Cubs are going to acquire a top-of-the-rotation pitcher this summer, they're going to have to give up one of their shortstops and many think that guy will be Baez. He's starting to heat up in Triple-A right now and his trade value is going up, so the Cubs could deal him in the near future.
1. SS Starlin Castro
USA Today SportsIf a team prefers Castro to Baez, the Cubs may consider a deal. What makes it harder to part ways with Castro is that he's already shown he can produce at the major league level and he's signed to a very team-friendly contract. Should the team trade Castro, expect them to get a borderline ace in return.
