Everything has changed for the Chicago Cubs since the start of June. At the time, the Cubs were leading the NL Central, seemingly ready to be buyers at the trade deadline as they looked to make one last stand with their present core. Instead, they have fallen completely out of the race, sitting two games under .500 entering Friday’s action.
Given their recent struggles, it is not a surprise that the Cubs are ready to make some tough decisions. According to reports, they are now open for business and ready to trade.
Jed Hoyer is open for business and taking phone calls ahead of trade deadline: “When your playoff odds get into single digits at this time of the year, you have to keep one eye on the future and what moves you can potentially make that can help build the next great Cubs team.”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 8, 2021
Chicago Cubs have several interesting pieces for trade
It would not be a surprise if the Cubs were one of the more active teams over the next three weeks. With stars Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant all eligible for free agency after this season, the Cubs may be able to swing some major deals and restock their farm system quickly.
But the Cubs have more than just those three as trade chips. Closer Craig Kimbrel is in the midst of an impressive season and is already drawing plenty of interest. The Cubs also have other arms in the middle of their bullpen that could be of interest for teams looking to upgrade their relief corps, but do not have the type of prospects that would be needed to acquire someone of Kimbrel’s stature.
It will also be interesting to see what the Cubs do with Willson Contreras. Although he still has one more year of team control left, he was rumored to be on the block during the previous offseason. Teams that have an eye towards contending next year could be interested in Contreras as well, expanding his trade market.
Even though the Cubs are essentially out of the playoff picture, they can still have a major impact. With the caliber of players that will become available, teams can suddenly see their fortunes take a drastic turn. Someone currently on the Cubs could end up with a World Series ring – it just won’t be in Chicago this year.
The Chicago Cubs are putting up the for sale sign. With the players that they could make available, they are in for a busy three weeks.