Trade Deadline Preview: Chicago Cubs

Jun 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jason Hammel (39) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, the Chicago Cubs are far from contenders in 2014. At 34-46, the Cubs hold the 3rd worst winning percentage in the National League, and are in prime position to snag a great draft pick again next season. On the other hand, the Cubs may have more valuable trade chips than any other team in the MLB, making them a prime seller. With pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel looking very appealing to a contending team, the Cubs look to expand on their trade success in recent years, namely adding more top pitching prospects, to help with a farm system that’s very hitting centralized.

While the Cubs are in the midst of yet another lost season, the vast improvement of stars Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro serve as reason to believe that the futility of this Cubs team will not last much longer beyond 2014. With one of the most talented farm systems in baseball, the future for the Chicago Cubs look bright. Yet in order to ensure that the future continues to look good, trading away some key pieces at the deadline in exchange for prospects is a must for the North Siders.