If the season ended today, the Chicago Cubs would make the playoffs. That means they’re likely to be buyers in July as long as they don’t majorly drop off. They’re likely to look for pitching, but could also add hitting if it made sense. Here are five players they could look to add before the July 31 deadline.
5. RHP Tyson Ross - San Diego Padres
Getty ImagesOne of the major holes in the Padres' lineup is at the shortstop position, so they could be interested in trading for either Starlin Castro or Javier Baez, both of whom are believed to be available in a trade. The most likely pitcher to come the Cubs' way from that trade would be Tyson Ross, who is developing into a very good starter in San Diego.
4. OF Carlos Gonzalez - Colorado Rockies
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The Cubs are more likely to pursue a pitcher at the deadline, but if they decide they need an extra bat, Gonzalez's name is one that could emerge. He's one of the better hitters available on the trade market and Chicago could stand to upgrade in left field. Depending on the Rockies' asking price, the Cubs might try to make a blockbuster here.
3. RHP Taijuan Walker - Seattle Mariners
Getty ImagesLike the Padres, the Mariners have a hole in their lineup at shortstop and may be even more desperate than San Diego. Walker has been bad this season, so the Cubs might try to jump on him while he's still struggling. That way, his asking price will be at an all-time low.
2. RHP Jacob deGrom - New York Mets
Getty ImagesCubs general manager Jed Hoyer basically said the team was going to trade a shortstop to the Mets for a pitcher and it was just a matter of time. If that actually happens, deGrom is the pitcher the Cubs will likely get in return. As the 2014 NL Rookie of the Year, he is only entering his prime, which means he could help this team for years to come.
1. LHP Cole Hamels - Philadelphia Phillies
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsHamels will be the biggest name on the trading block this deadline and there will be plenty of teams interested. Of all those teams, the Cubs (and maybe the Red Sox) have the most to offer. It may come down to just how much they're willing to give up in order to acquire a second ace for the playoff push and beyond.
