5 Hypothetical Trades The Chicago Cubs Could Make At Deadline

5 Hypothetical Trades The Chicago Cubs Could Make At Deadline

By Miguel Martinez

July 15, 2015

5 Hypothetical Trades The Chicago Cubs Could Make At Deadline

Javier Baez Chicago Cubs — The Chicago Cubs appeared to be in the market for a top pitcher but recent events show that the pitching staff is better than we thought. Blockbuster trades aren't likely but the Cubs have the players to get one done if necessary. Making the playoffs is the main priority; adding a reliable arm is one way to add extra wins in the second half. Adding a reliable hitter off the bench to help spark some offense also needs to be considered by the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs appeared to be in the market for a top pitcher but recent events show that the pitching staff is better than we thought. Blockbuster trades aren't likely but the Cubs have the players to get one done if necessary. Making the playoffs is the main priority; adding a reliable arm is one way to add extra wins in the second half. Adding a reliable hitter off the bench to help spark some offense also needs to be considered by the Cubs.

5. Tyson Ross and Will Venable For Billy McKinney and Duane Underwood

Tyson Ross San Diego Padres

5. Tyson Ross and Will Venable For Billy McKinney and Duane Underwood

Tyson Ross San Diego Padres — The Padres are most likely going to be selling at the deadline, and have pieces the Cubs could use going forward. Tyson Ross would easily be an upgrade over the fifth rotation slot and OF Will Venable would be much needed help off the bench. San Diego has a real need for prospects. Billy McKinney is a promising outfielder. Duane Underwood looks good but needs a few years before reaching the majors, and the Cubs need arms for this season.

The Padres are most likely going to be selling at the deadline, and have pieces the Cubs could use going forward. Tyson Ross would easily be an upgrade over the fifth rotation slot and OF Will Venable would be much needed help off the bench. San Diego has a real need for prospects. Billy McKinney is a promising outfielder. Duane Underwood looks good but needs a few years before reaching the majors, and the Cubs need arms for this season.

4. James Shields For Dan Vogelbach and Christian Villanueva

James Shields San Diego Padres

Advertisement

4. James Shields For Dan Vogelbach and Christian Villanueva

James Shields San Diego Padres — James Shields is another Padre being shopped around. If Cubs are willing to take on his money, he would be a major help this season. Trading Shields would be a reloading deal where the Padres would want players who'll be ready to contribute within a year or two. Dan Vogelbach and Christian Villanueva are players who could be ready quite soon but don't have a spot on the big league roster. Moving them for immediate help this year is a no-brainer.

James Shields is another Padre being shopped around. If Cubs are willing to take on his money, he would be a major help this season. Trading Shields would be a reloading deal where the Padres would want players who'll be ready to contribute within a year or two. Dan Vogelbach and Christian Villanueva are players who could be ready quite soon but don't have a spot on the big league roster. Moving them for immediate help this year is a no-brainer.

3. Ben Zobrist For Arismendy Alcantara

Ben Zobrist Oakland A's

3. Ben Zobrist For Arismendy Alcantara

Ben Zobrist Oakland A's — Super-utility man Ben Zobrist is going to be a free agent after this year and with the A's looking more like sellers as the season wears on, Billy Beane would be dumb to not move him for someone who can help the team beyond this season. Arismendy Alcantara has the potential to become Zobrist 2.0. The Cubs need help off the bench and Zobrist can be plugged in almost anywhere. A Maddon-Zobrist reunion would help the Cubs down the stretch.

Super-utility man Ben Zobrist is going to be a free agent after this year and with the A's looking more like sellers as the season wears on, Billy Beane would be dumb to not move him for someone who can help the team beyond this season. Arismendy Alcantara has the potential to become Zobrist 2.0. The Cubs need help off the bench and Zobrist can be plugged in almost anywhere. A Maddon-Zobrist reunion would help the Cubs down the stretch.

2. Noah Syndergaard For Javier Baez, Mike Olt and Junior Lake

Noah Syndergaard New York Mets

2. Noah Syndergaard For Javier Baez, Mike Olt and Junior Lake

Noah Syndergaard New York Mets — This trade would likely give the Cubs a bonafide ace of the future. Syndergaard and Baez are both high-ceiling players even though Baez still has to prove himself in the majors. Both teams are trading from a position of strength to improve where they are deficient. The Mets' need for offense is bigger than the Cubs' need for pitching, though. Mike Olt and Junior Lake aren't game changers but would definitely be much-needed help for the Mets.

This trade would likely give the Cubs a bonafide ace of the future. Syndergaard and Baez are both high-ceiling players even though Baez still has to prove himself in the majors. Both teams are trading from a position of strength to improve where they are deficient. The Mets' need for offense is bigger than the Cubs' need for pitching, though. Mike Olt and Junior Lake aren't game changers but would definitely be much-needed help for the Mets.

1. Aroldis Chapman for Albert Almora and Gleyber Torres

Aroldis Chapman Cincinnati Reds

1. Aroldis Chapman for Albert Almora and Gleyber Torres

Aroldis Chapman Cincinnati Reds — The ninth inning of the All-Star game is all you need to know about Aroldis Chapman. Chapman serves up nothing but heat and intimidation. The Cubs have a pressing need for a shutdown closer. The bullpen hasn't been cutting it this year and cost the team wins. To minimize blown wins during the crucial second half, the Cubs need to do whatever they can to get Chapman. Giving up Albert Almora and Gleyber Torres would be worth it for this closer.

The ninth inning of the All-Star game is all you need to know about Aroldis Chapman. Chapman serves up nothing but heat and intimidation. The Cubs have a pressing need for a shutdown closer. The bullpen hasn't been cutting it this year and cost the team wins. To minimize blown wins during the crucial second half, the Cubs need to do whatever they can to get Chapman. Giving up Albert Almora and Gleyber Torres would be worth it for this closer.

Teams in this article »

Chicago Cubs

Share On Facebook

Share